HANDBOOK- CHOOSING A MINOR

Although not required for the vast majority of careers in business and government, a graduate degree in sociology may be important or a significant asset for other kinds of careers. Included here would be advanced study in applied social research required for the most attractive positions in business (marketing, time management, product assessment, and other fields) as well as government (evaluation studies, public polls, etc.). Due to the wide variety of specializations in the field of sociology, there are a variety of subject areas wherein a graduate degree leads directly to specific kinds of careers.

Among the more visible of these specialized areas of graduate study are applied social research, population analysis, social gerontology, criminal justice, family studies, health care, and complex organization, to name only a few. The degree may be a Master's or a doctorate. Students intending to pursue a master's (M.A. or M.S.) or doctorate (Ph.D.) degree should work closely with their advisor in planning their course of study at Missouri State.

Although Missouri State does not offer a Master's program in sociology, there are over 100 other accredited colleges and universities which do. A Master's degree usually takes two to three years to complete, depending upon the course of study chosen and specific requirements of the school which the student chooses to attend. A Master's thesis is typically required.

Students wishing to complete a Ph.D. degree may do so at the school from which they received their M.A. (if available) or move to another institution. Moves to other institutions are usually made in order to earn a Ph.D. in a particular field of study which was not available at the institutions from which the students earned the M.A.

The highest academic degree awarded, the Ph.D., required from three to five years of study in addition to the Master's degree and typically concludes with the writing of a doctoral dissertation. As would be expected, the Ph.D. offers the largest number of opportunities for employment, whether in academia, government, or in the commercial/private sector.

Either of these advanced degrees prepare students for exciting and challenging careers--in business, industry, government, or in education. For the student who needs financial support for graduate study (master's or Ph.D. Level), many fine colleges and universities offer such assistance.

Among the more common forms of financial support are scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships for research or teaching. To learn more about these opportunities and about graduate schools in sociology, see the following. For a discussion of careers available to people with M.A. or Ph.D. degrees, see Section VI.

Information on financial aid may be obtained from various sources including the Office of Graduate Studies and Research (Carrington Hall 306H) and the following reference books at Meyer Library. In order to determine which college or university to attend, you may wish to use The College Blue Book. This series of books offers a wide range of information including data on financial aid. Students will find the volume titled Degrees Offered by College and Subject most helpful in locating universities and colleges offering M.A., M.S., and/or Ph.D. degrees in Sociology. Look for REF LA226.

In addition to The College Blue Book, Peterson's Graduate Programs in the Humanities and Social Sciences (both are available at Meyer Library) provides additional information on graduate schools. Look for (REF L, 901,.P443, 1989 - or the most recent year).

Finally, the American Sociological Association publishes the Guide to Graduate Departments of Sociology and sold it in 1990 for from $5 (members) to $10 (non-members). Students interested in that publication may order it, by title, from the American Sociological Association by writing them at 1722 "N" Street NW, Washington, DC. 20036 in care of the Professional Development Program. Order on-line.