UNLV Sociology Department

Dr. Barbara Brents is the coordinaror for the UNLV Sociology Department graduate program. If you have any questions which are not addressed by this graduate program overview, the sociology graduate program handbook, or the Graduate College website, she may be contacted at:

Overview of the Graduate Program

The Sociology Graduate Student Handbook (updated 2007), is an essential resource for our prospective and matriculating graduate students. It contains information about applying to the program, MA and PhD program guidelines and other important program information. Click here to download the handbook.

The foundation of the Department of Sociology graduate program is built around seven required courses (20 credit hours):

First Semester:
Soc 701 Logic of Social Inquiry - An Integrated Theory/ Research Overview of the Major Paradigms of Sociology
Soc 702 Quantitative Methods
Soc 708 Pro Seminar - a Professional Socialization Class (1 credit)

Second Semester:
Soc 704 Statistics
Soc 723 Classical Social Theory

Third Semester:
Soc 705 Qualitative Methods
Soc 724 Contemporary Social Theory

These core courses ensure that all graduate students will have a solid training equally in sociological theory and methods, as well as the tools to function as a professional sociologist. The core courses are restricted to graduate students in the Sociology Department, or to students who obtain prior consent, in order to insure the highest level oF instruction possible.

The core courses are sequenced, allowing students to build upon and expand knowledge across semesters in a coherent and systematic way. The first semester students are advised to take the Proseminar, Logic of Social Inquiry and Quantitative Methods. The second semester students take Classical Theory and Statistics. The third semester students take Contemporary Theory and Qualitative Methods. In the progression of these required courses, students systematically pair theoretical and associated methodological skills, and begin acquiring the skills to complete area specializations and/or original research. (See suggested course of study for each program).

The doctoral curriculum is designed to provide students both a general knowledge of theory and methods and in depth knowledge of specialized areas of expertise in order to teach and conduct original research in these areas. In addition to the fundamentals in the core, a doctoral student must successfully complete a comprehensive exam in theory and methods, and two additional special area exams selected and approved by the students Ph.D. advisory committee. Finally Ph.D. students are required to write a dissertation of substantial quality and length based on original research.(See graduation requirements for the Master's and Doctoral degrees).

This graduate curriculum is designed to provide the foundations of sociological paradigms in theory and methods, the tools to creatively deal with specific substantive sociological issues and the tools to conduct original research. After completing the foundational required courses in sequence, graduate students specialize in any one of the departments' key substantive areas, including sociology of work and leisure; aging studies, race and ethnic relations, gender studies, crime and juvenile delinquency, urban studies, and sociology of medicine, health, and mental illness. Specialization occurs through both completing elective courses, and through developing original research interests.

Our department is committed to expanding in a way that will meet community and regional needs, increase diversity, and ensure that our Master's students can compete nationally for admission to Ph.D. programs and our doctoral students can compete nationally for teaching positions in higher education.

Research focus and resources

An integral component of our graduate program is the focus on original research. Course work not only provides students foundational skills and developing areas of expertise, courses typically requires students to make use of the library, the Internet, the departmental computer lab in order to complete semuester research projects and/or methodological assignments. Students are encouraged to turn semester research projects and/or thesis and dissertation research into original papers to be presented at professional meetings, and we have a high number of both MA and Ph.D. students who do so. Students also make use of the Cannon Center for Survey Research as a learning lab, working as assistants or interviewers in the Center. The requirement of the completion of an original research project at both the Master's and Ph.D. level ensures a synthesis of learning theory, research methods skills and their application to substantive areas of expertise. Original research requires a student to make use of available University and Departmental resources, including library and archival resources, the department's computer lab, and the Cannon Center for Survey Research. Indeed the entire community of Southern Nevada becomes a learning lab, depending on the research a student chooses.

Graduate Program Application Guidelines

Before initiating the application process for admission to the Masters or Doctoral program in Sociology, please read the following eligibility requirements and admissions guidelines. Doing so will help ensure that you are ready to apply and that your application is both complete and competitive.

· You must be able to provide evidence of your ability to do graduate level work based upon past academic performance, GRE scores, motivation, character, professional goals and promise for success. In addition to your grades and test scores, these can be addressed in your statement of interest and letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty members who can speak to your ability to do graduate level work.

· You must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.00.

· You must have satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination (the general exam, not the specific Sociology exam). We have no minimum score. However, the higher your score, the better your chances of admission. Keep in mind that when we are making admission decisions we look at your entire record for evidence of potential to successfully complete a competitive and rigorous graduate program.

· International Students—In addition to the admission requirements already listed, applicants who are citizens of a country where English is not the native language must show competency in the English language. As part of your application you must take the "Test of English as a Foreign Language" (TOEFL) and receive a minimum score of 550 on the written or 213 on the computerized test; you must also take the Test of Written English. International applicants must also submit a completed financial statement and satisfy the financial eligibility requirements before your credentials can be reviewed. For additional information, see the UNLV Graduate College website and the Graduate College Catalog.

· You must have a bachelor's degree in Sociology, or equivalent, from an accredited college or university.

· If your bachelor's degree is not in Sociology, you should have a minimum of 18 credit hours in undergraduate sociology courses. In evaluating "equivalent" courses, we look for a good background in sociological theory, research methods, and statistics. We want to make sure you can excel in our rigorous graduate level core courses in these areas. If you need to get up to speed, you may enroll as a "non-admitted graduate student" in SOC 421 Classical Theory, SOC 422 Modern Sociological Theory, SOC 403 Techniques of Social Research, or SOC 404 Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences. Please note that because these courses address deficiencies in your preparation for graduate school, they will not be counted in your graduate degree program once you are admitted. If you have any questions, contact the graduate coordinator. Also see the Graduate College Statement on "Evidence of Adequate Preparation."

· These are the minimum requirements. Admission to the program is competitive and we admit a limited number of students each year.

· You must have a Masters in Sociology or equivalent from an accredited institution. You must also have a master’s thesis or significant evidence of research/analytical skills in samples of other written work.

· If you do not have a Master's degree in Sociology, you must have a strong background in sociological theory, research methods, and statistics. We want to make sure you can excel in our rigorous core courses in these areas. If you want to make sure you are up to speed, you may enroll as a "non-admitted graduate student" in SOC 621 Classical Theory, SOC 622 Modern Sociological Theory, SOC 603 Techniques of Social Research, or SOC 604 Statistical Methods for the Social Sciences. Please keep in mind these courses will not be counted in your graduate degree program once you are admitted. Also, see the Graduate College Statement on "Evidence of Adequate Preparation."

· These are the minimum requirements. Admission to the program is competitive and we only admit a limited number of students each year.

The department offers a three-credit teaching seminar (Sociology 709). The seminar is strongly recommended to Ph.D. candidates, and is required for a student to be eligible to teach her or his own course. The seminar acquaints students with pedagogical theory and provides opportunities for students to develop their teaching skills.

The department is committed to providing Ph.D. candidates hands on teaching in the Sociology classroom.

Any student who meets the following criteria are ready to be considered to teach sociology courses at UNLV. Interested students should fill out the teaching request form and should include evidence of the following:

· Graduate students must hold a Master's degree and be currently admitted in the UNLV Sociology Department Ph.D. program.

· Applications should provide evidence of adequate experience in the classroom.

· Graduate students must have successfully completed Teaching Sociology (SOC 709) or the equivalent, provided it is offered on a yearly basis.

· Graduate students must have successfully completed at least one comprehensive exam (Theory or Methods).

· Applications must include a sample syllabus.

The Graduate Coordinator in conjunction with the Department chair will review graduate student requests for teaching semi-annually. The above guidelines must remain somewhat flexible so that student and departmental needs can be met. Decisions will be based on promise of or evidence of quality teaching as well as the Sociology Department's desire to give all Ph.D. students who want the opportunity to gain teaching experience.

Applying to the MA or Ph.D. program in Sociology is a two-part process. All applicants must submit a set of application materials to the UNLV Graduate College and an additional packet of materials to the Sociology Department. The materials sent to each are different, so please review the guidelines below and on the Graduate College website carefully to ensure that you submit the correct materials to each place. The deadline for submission of all application materials is January 31st of each year.

1. Please see the UNLV Graduate College website and the Graduate College Catalog for a complete review of admission instructions. First, you must submit an application for admission, as well as official transcripts of all college-level work, bachelors and graduate as applicable, and a copy of your GRE scores directly to the Graduate College. If you are interested in applying for a Graduate/Teaching Assistantship, you must fill out the Assistantship Application form and submit it to the Graduate College with your other admissions materials. For a copy of the graduate catalog, admission forms, and graduate assistantship application please apply online here, or write to the following address:

2. International students must also submit official TOEFL scores, scores from your Test of Written English, as well as your completed financial statement (evidencing that you are able to satisfy financial eligibility requirements) to the Graduate College. These materials must be submitted before your credentials can be reviewed.

3. Also, please send the following packet of materials to the Graduate Coordinator, Department of Sociology, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154-5033:

a. Three letters of recommendation, preferably from university or college faculty who can knowledgeably evaluate your ability to perform at the graduate level of study. These letters should discuss your academic performance, motivation, character, and promise for success in the M.A. or Ph.D. program.

b. A written statement from you explaining your academic background, objectives, interests in sociology, and tentative career plans. Be sure to highlight any relevant extra-curricular activities, and why you are interested in UNLV's program in particular.

c. An original copy of your GRE scores and transcripts of all college-level work, bachelor’s and graduate as applicable.

d. For Masters program applicants: one academic writing sample.

e. For Doctoral program applicants: send an M.A. level thesis and/or at least two original papers of substantial length and quality in an area of sociological inquiry, solely written by the applicant. If your thesis was written in a language other than English, you must translate it or send two papers in English.

f. International students must take both the TOEFL and the test of Written English and receive satisfactory scores on both.

g. If you are interested in applying for a Graduate Assistantship, please be sure to indicate this in your written statement and include a copy of the Assistantship Application form that you submitted to the Graduate College.

4. The department will consider all evidence for potential entry in the
program. Keep in mind that admission is competitive and we only admit a limited number of students each year.

· January 31 for admission the following Fall. If you want to apply for a graduate assistantship you must also do so before January 31st.

· The department does not admit students at any other time except very rarely under special circumstances. Ignore any other information that states admission deadlines other than that above.

· It takes a minimum of 30-60 days for the University and Department to process applications. You should receive notification on the status of your application at the end of that time.

· additional information write:

Barbara Brents, Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Sociology
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Box 455033
Las Vegas, NV 89154-5033
(702) 895-3322
brents@unlv.nevada.edu

A number of graduate assistantships, valued at $10,000 for M.A. students and $12,000 for Ph.D. students plus tuition waiver and health insurance credit, are available for selected students. Students must submit an assistantship application to the Graduate College for the program to which they wish admission. Graduate students receiving Graduate Assistantships will be eligible for two years of support in the M.A. program and three years in the Ph.D. program, contingent upon satisfactory progress toward the degree. Students completing the M.A. and wishing to continue on for the Ph.D. must re-apply for a Graduate Assistantship. Deadline for applications for Graduate Assistantships for the Fall semester is January 31st. Deadline for admission to the program for Fall semester with no Graduate Assistantship is also January 31st. There will be no admissions for the Spring semester. Additional note: there are university fellowships and grants avaailable on a competitive basis once students are matriculating in graduate programs.