College of Humanities and Social Sciences

 

Master of Arts in Sociology and Social Justice

 

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Dr. Jose Sanchez
Hutchinson (J-305-A)
(908)737-4053/4050
jsanchez@kean.edu

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Kean University Master's degree program in Sociology and Social Justice prepares students to address inequality based on identity categories such as race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and ability.  It is the first of its kind in the state and in the region.  Social justice is the study of how social advantages and disadvantages are distributed, the relationship between social identity and inequality, and the practice of reducing the gap between them at local, national, and global levels.  It is a perspective for understanding and for action.  The program further seeks to inspire a commitment to democracy and firm principles of egalitarianism and equity that will prepare graduates for positions in research, teaching, public service, business and other positions where they may serve as agents of social change.  The program emphasizes the interplay between theoretical and applied approaches in sociology, provides students with an integrated culminating Practicum and Master's Thesis experience.  Successful graduates from our program will complete a total of 36 credits (including the Practicum and Master's Thesis Seminar).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Application deadlines—May 1 (fall) November 1 (spring).

In addition to the University's admission requirements:

  • · A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 from all colleges attended. (Lower GPAs may be considered based on the strength of the overall application.)
  • · GRE examination (This requirement is waived for highly qualified applicants with a cumulative undergraduate G.P.A. of 3.7 or higher.)
  • · Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant's professional and/or academic accomplishments.
  • · Personal interview

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

  • · 36 credits including Thesis and Comprehensive Examination

PROGRAM SEQUENCE

REQUIRED COURSES (18 CREDITS)
(Students are advised to begin with Introduction to Social Justice, Sociological Theory, or Sociological Analysis)
Course ID Course Name Credits
SOC 5000 Introduction to Social Justice  
SOC 5050 Sociological Theory  
SOC 5055 Sociological Analysis  
SOC 5030 Quantitative Research Methodology  
SOC 5031 Qualitative Research Methodology  
SOC 5060 Social Justice Policy  

 

ELECTIVE COURSES (12 CREDITS)
(Select any four courses from this group of electives.  One course from another graduate program may be substituted with advisement.)
Course ID Course Name Credits
SOC 5111 Analyzing Power and Oppression  
SOC 5151 Class and Social Injury  
SOC 5010 Consulting and Action Research in Social Justice  
SOC 5100 The Sociology of Global Oppression  
SOC 5160 The Oppressive Workplace  
SOC 5101 Gender, Society, and Inequality  
SOC 5120 Environmental Justice and Social Resistance  

 

REQUIRED CAPSTONE COURSES
(Students are free to select the topic of their Thesis from any prior course taken in the program.)
Course ID Course Name Credits
SOC 5301 Research Practicum in Sociology  
SOC 5302 Thesis Supervision in Sociology  

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

A comprehensive examination is required of all students after successful completion of 21 credits of course work.

 

TOTAL 36 credits including Thesis and Comprehensive Examination to complete the program