Graduate Handbook

The Department of Sociology Graduate Handbook (hereafter Handbook) summarizes the rules and policies that define our graduate program. Students admitted to graduate studies in sociology at the University at Buffalo must follow policies of the Graduate School and the requirements of the Department of Sociology.

Some of the rules for graduate degrees in sociology are established by the Graduate School; others are departmental rules. Only a few of the Graduate School requirements are reproduced below. You should become familiar with appropriate sections of the Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual. All rules are subject to revision by the Graduate School or by the Department. 

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MA in Sociology

The goal of the MA program is to ensure that every student who receives an MA degree possesses a strong foundation in theory, research methods, and substantive topics in Sociology. Students may choose to follow a career-oriented or an academic-oriented path to earning the Master’s degree. Sociology graduate students are expected to complete the MA degree within two years. 

MS in Criminology

The goal of the MS program is to ensure that every student who receives an MS degree possesses a strong foundation in criminological theory, research methods, and substantive topics in Criminology. The program emphasizes applied skills to prepare students for careers or career advancement outside of the professoriate (e.g. policy analysis, nonprofit or social service organizations, data analysis, and public safety). Full-time MS students will complete the degree in 1 academic year (2 semesters). 

Beginning in Fall 2023, the Criminology MS program will take place fully online. Handbook revisions are underway for the revised program and will be posted in the coming months. 

PhD in Sociology

The goal of the PhD program is to ensure that each individual who receives a PhD possesses the highest level of theoretical ability, methodological skills, substantive expertise, and creative scholarship for which the degree is awarded.

Student Evaluation and Progress

Graduate students are evaluated by the regular faculty of the Department each spring with reference to a number of criteria.

Other Policies and Practices

Policies and procedures that guide the graduate program, including academic integrity, grading standards, and more.

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