MA in Sociology in Baton Rogue United States | Louisiana State University

The Department of Sociology prioritizes delivering an exceptional academic program tailored to individual student aspirations. Our program's excellence is reflected in the numerous PhD graduates who secure teaching and research positions at universities nationwide. With an optimal faculty-to-student ratio, we ensure personalized guidance, fostering a supportive atmosphere for advanced studies.

Beyond coursework requirements, graduate students must complete either a thesis or empirical research project, defended before a faculty panel. Students typically assemble their MA committee during their first year, consisting of at least three faculty members. With approval, one member may come from another department, while at least one must hold associate or full professor status. Minor concentrations require representation from that department on the committee.

By their penultimate semester (usually second-year spring), students consult with their committee chair to select either the thesis or empirical paper path. The empirical paper option prepares students for academic publishing, following journal submission standards rather than thesis formatting rules. Committee chairs provide specific guidelines for these projects, which most sociology students prefer over traditional theses.