Coterminal MA research track

The research track is designed to be flexible, allowing students to develop a project that supports their academic, intellectual, and career trajectory. Students can join the research track only after they are accepted into the coterminal MA program.

Research track entry

Students interested in pursuing the research track must:

Complete the project proposal form and obtain approval from program director, Assistant Professor Matthew Clair
Attach a 1-2 page summary of the proposed project, including the research question and data/methods.
Identify and secure commitment from a faculty advisor who is either a faculty member or an affiliated faculty member in the Sociology Department.

Master's thesis or extended paper

Students can choose to write either a master’s thesis or an extended paper.

A master’s thesis should be an article length empirical paper that contributes to sociological knowledge and could be publishable. Students who write a master’s thesis are eligible for the annual MA thesis award.
An extended paper is less stringent. It could consist of a detailed, article-length literature review on a sociological topic, an article-length theoretical paper, or even a detailed research proposal with preliminary empirical analysis.

Paper deadline. The thesis or extended paper must be submitted to the advisor by the Monday of Week 8 of the student’s last coterm quarter (typically this will be the Monday before Memorial Day in Spring Quarter).

Program outline

Students on the research track must complete all standard coterminal MA program requirements:

45 unduplicated units in courses at or above the 100 level

All units for the coterminal MA must be taken at or above the 100 level.
At least 23 of the 45 units must be at the 200 level or above.

Grading and minimum GPA

All units applied to the coterminal MA degree must be taken for a letter grade
An overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or better is required for the degree.

Required courses

SOC 270 Classics of Modern Social Theory and
SOC 280A Foundations of Social Research (or their 100-level counterparts if taken previously as a sociology BA).

Optional but highly recommended courses

Enrollment is strongly encouraged in the following courses:

SOC 202 Preparation for Research
SOC 204A Capstone Research Seminar
SOC 280B Introduction to Data Analysis

Together, these courses provide foundational skills for research opportunities within the department and in academic or professional careers.

Non-sociology courses

With prior approval from the program director, a maximum of 5 units can be taken in a social sciences discipline outside of the Department of Sociology, including Departments of Anthropology, Communications, Economics, Political Science, or Psychology.

Independent studies, research, and apprenticeships

Students on the research track may count 18 units of coursework from the 290 series:

SOC 290 Coterminal MA independent studies. (maximum 5 units)
- Allows students to work with a faculty member to design a personalized course with tailored readings and assignments on a topic of interest.
SOC 291 Coterminal MA directed research.
- For students working on a research project and seeking faculty supervision, taken with a thesis advisor.
SOC 292 Coterminal MA apprentice.
- Offers a chance to assist a faculty member with research, such as literature reviews or interview transcription, providing valuable hands-on experience.

These courses must be taken with a faculty member or an affiliated faculty member appointed in the Department of Sociology.

Before enrolling in a 290 series course, students must obtain approval from the faculty member with whom they plan to enroll. If the professor's name does not appear as a option for course selection, contact Patricia Jacobus, the program's student services officer.

Sample research-focused course plan

COURSE LIST	UNITS
SOC 202 - Junior Seminar: Preparation for Research	3
SOC 204 - Capstone Research Seminar	5
SOC 270 - Classics of Modern Social Theory	4
SOC 280A - Foundations of Social Research	4
SOC 280B - Introduction to Data Analysis	4
SOC 291 - Coterminal MA Directed Research	9
SOC 292 - Coterminal MA Research Apprenticeship	9
SOC 215 - Global Human Rights and Local Practices	3
SOC 226 - Introduction to Social Networks	4