The Master of Arts degree in Sociology offers you both the classroom experience and the opportunity to receive firsthand training in one of the following research institutes at ECU:

     Center for Health Services Research and Development
     Center on Aging
     Institute for Coastal and Marine Resources
     Regional Development Services

The core curriculum of the master's program provides you a sound theoretical and research foundation for dealing with social issues in a variety of community and organizational contexts.

Depending on your interests and goals, you can select three options for completing the degree: thesis, practicum, or extended course work. Based on career interests, you may choose a general program of study or follow one of three areas of concentration including Health Services and Research, Environment and Society, and Social Issues in Regional Development. Hands-on experience and solid research training are offered in each concentration.

Health Services and Research:
This concentration is designed for students who are interested in social issues related to the development and evaluation of health services. In addition to your course work, you will work with faculty in this concentration and are placed either in the Center for Health Services Research and Development or the Center on Aging. Both of these research centers are in the Brody School of Medicine at ECU.

Environment and Society:
This concentration focuses on environmental and resource issues, particularly those that are unique to coastal and marine areas. In addition to your coursework, students gain firsthand experience through participation in faculty research in the Institute for Coastal and Marine Resources and through strong faculty ties to the doctoral program in Coastal Resources Management.

Social Issues in Regional Development:
Students in this concentration are interested in promoting and evaluating regional development. The current focus is on developmental issues in eastern North Carolina. In addition to your coursework, you will obtain practical, career-related skills through your work with Sociology faculty and participation in the Regional Development Institute.

The department's Graduate Handbook provides information about graduate faculty and their areas of interest, coursework requirements, areas of concentration, the comprehensive exam, thesis and practicum requirements, assistantship support, and other matters related to the M.A. in Sociology. If you would like further information regarding the M.A. program please e-mail Dr. Ken Wilson.