The accelerated degree sequence permits students to obtain both the BA and the MS degree
in five years rather than the customary six years (4 years for the BA and 2 years for the MS). The last
year of undergraduate studies is identical to the first year in the graduate program with credits earned
in this year applied towards both degrees. In the normal six-year sequence, the students have to
complete 120 credits for the BA plus 45 credits for the master degree, for a total of 165 credits. In
contrast, the BA/MS sequence requires only a total of 145 credits entailing significant savings in time
and funds.
Undergraduate students admitted to the program generally start their graduate
course work towards the end of their junior year. Specific graduate courses
may be taken at an earlier point with the approval of the program advisers.
No student however may commence full-time graduate studies without having
met the requirements listed below. Students interested in the accelerated
BA/MS program should contact the program director or the undergraduate
advisers as early as possible. It is strongly suggested that students
synchronize their minor courses with their prospective area of concentration
in the social research program such as economics for market research and
consumer behavior, film and media studies for media analysis and political
science for policy analysis.
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the program students must have completed the core, minor, and sociology
major requirements for graduation. Strong candidates will have an overall grade point average of 3.5
or above. Note that the total number of credits accumulated before entering the BA/MS program may
not exceed 100 credits. The student must also meet honors requirements by completing either the
honors seminar (SOC 473 or SOC 474) or honors independent study (SOC 471 OR SOC 472), a
course in the graduate social research program (SOC 425 code) or a research internship (SOC 498).
Students are expected to have met these requirements by the end of their junior year. In addition,
students must meet all other requirements for admission to the graduate social research program as
listed in the current graduate catalog. Before applying to the program students should arrange a
personal interview with the undergraduate advisers. Applications are sent to the undergraduate
advising office.
The accelerated program requires the completion of 145 credits of which 30 credits count
toward both degrees and 45 count toward the MS degree only. Upon completion of 145 credits,
students obtain the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degree. Courses cannot be used more than once to fulfill major requirements. Check with the departmental advisors for up to date information.
Undergraduate: Core Courses
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
SOC 221 Classical Sociological Theory
SOC 223 Current Sociological Theory
SOC 240 Introduction to Research Methods
SOC 241 Social Statistics
Undergraduate: Upper Level Courses
Undergraduate: Any Level Courses
Graduate: Core Courses
GSR 702 Contemporary Sociological Theory
GSR 708 Statistics I
GSR 709 Statistics II
GSR 710 Research Methods I
GSR 711 Research Methods II
GSR 716 Workshop n Using Information Technology for Research
GSR 717 Seminar in Applied and Evaluation Research
GSR 718 Research Internship (6 credits)
GSR 719 Applied Research Seminar
Graduate: Electives
Please note that this checklist is simply a guide; students should contact an advisor should they have any questions/concerns.