Graduate Mission Statement The mission of the M.A. program
in Sociology is to provide a stimulating, challenging, and rigorous learning environment
for graduate students seeking to enhance their academic skills in the field of
Sociology. The program supports students preparing for a wide variety of professional
roles in teaching and research, in both the private and public sectors, and for
possible entry into Ph.D. programs at other universities. The faculty will provide
students with tools and opportunities to critically examine social life and the
full range of social problems. Emphasis is placed on the differences and inequalities
of class, race, ethnicity, gender, age, and other forms of social and cultural
diversity. Students will develop their intellectual and research interests as
well as their analytical skills while studying the variety of theories and scientific
methodologies practiced in the discipline. Students are encouraged to work independently
so as to discover and cultivate their own particular interests, concerns, and
abilities.
Students will increase their appreciation of the value of all human
beings and a commitment to an inclusive and just society that addresses
the needs of all groups of people. In acquiring a deep understanding
of the structure of groups, organizations, and societies -- and
human interaction within these contexts, our students develop their
capacity for more personally rewarding and socially responsible
participation and leadership in their families, their work, their
communities, society as a whole.
