Department of Sociology and Demography

The Department of Sociology and Demography offers the Master of Science Degree in Sociology, a Master of Science degree in Applied Demography, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Applied Demography. The focus of the Ph.D. program is on the application of demographic analysis to policy issues encountered in the public and private sectors. The Demography program faculty have two broad areas of focus: Health and Inequality, and Migration.

M.S. in Sociology
M.S. in Applied Demography
Ph.D. in Applied Demography

Master of Science Degree in Sociology

The Master of Science degree in Sociology is designed to prepare graduates with the skills necessary to enter the professional workforce as sociologists, to teach at the college level, or to pursue further study at the doctoral level. Students have the opportunity to acquire a knowledge base in sociological methods, theory, and in areas of growing community concern, including health, aging, religion, socioeconomic development, gender issues, and race and ethnic relations. They will have the necessary research skills to define social issues and problems, select data collection techniques, establish appropriate analysis methods, develop statistical reports, and undertake policy analyses for businesses, governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Program Admission Requirements

Students applying for unconditional admission must satisfy University-wide and College-wide graduate admission requirements and be recommended for admission by the Graduate Program Committee of the Department of Sociology and Demography. Applicants must have completed 18 semester credit hours of undergraduate courses, 12 of which must be at the upper-division level in sociology or related areas, including a course in research methods or statistics.

Students who do not meet these criteria may be admitted conditionally or on probation as degree-seeking, depending on the nature of the deficiency. Admission as a special graduate student may be considered by the Graduate Program Committee upon request of the applicant. Admission as a special graduate student does not guarantee subsequent admission as a degree-seeking graduate student; such students must reapply for degree-seeking status.

Applicants for the Master’s Program in Sociology must submit the following materials to the graduate admissions office:

An application form
An application fee
Official transcripts from all collegiate institutions attended, including community colleges
A personal statement (approximately 500 words, or two typed pages) indicating your interest and goals in studying sociology
Two letters of recommendation from references who can speak to your qualifications for the graduate program (one of these must be from someone who can speak to your academic qualifications)
An academic writing sample (such as a paper written for a class, preferably a sociology class)

Degree Requirements

The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the degree, exclusive of coursework or other study required to remove deficiencies, is 36.

Degree candidates must complete the following requirements:

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
A. 9 semester credit hours of core courses:		9
SOC 5003	Sociological Theory
SOC 5063	Research Design
SOC 5073	Quantitative Research Methods
B. 21 semester credit hours of prescribed electives from the following courses:		21
SOC 5033	Qualitative Research Methods
SOC 5043	Evaluation Research
SOC 5053	Professionalization Seminar
SOC 5083	Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
SOC 5123	Family Contexts and Social Change
SOC 5133	Sociology of Health and Health Care
SOC 5173	Religion, Health and Mortality
SOC 5203	Social Stratification
SOC 5213	Race and Ethnic Relations
SOC 5233	Sociology of Gender
SOC 5353	Crime and Delinquency
SOC 5403	Social Movements
SOC 6043	Immigration and Society
SOC 6063	Health and Health Disparities
SOC 6143	Sociology of Religion
SOC 6733	The Social Psychology of Health and Illness
SOC 6753	Racial/Ethnic Minority Families in the United States
SOC 6763	Youth and Emerging Adulthood
SOC 6903	Topics in Advanced Sociology
SOC 6973	Special Problems
Students may take up to 6 credit hours of non-sociology graduate level courses with approval from the Department Chair and Graduate Advisor of Record.
C. 6 semester credit hours from one of the following options:		6
1. Thesis Option: This option is available only with permission from an instructor, the Graduate Advisor of Record, and after the completion of 24 semester credit hours. Students electing the thesis option are required to enroll in SOC 6983 or SOC 6986 Master’s Thesis for a total of 6 credit hours, which includes completion of an oral comprehensive exam (i.e., successful thesis proposal defense). Students failing to complete all requirements of the thesis option within the 6 credit hours will be required to enroll for 1 credit hour of SOC 6981 Master’s Thesis. The Master’s thesis requires compliance with UTSA thesis requirements and a successful final thesis defense.
2. Internship Option: Students may participate in an internship after completion of 18 semester credit hours (which must include the core courses). Internships offer work-oriented experiences in local organizational settings where the principles, theories, concepts, and methods of the discipline can be applied. Students electing the internship option are required to enroll in SOC 6963 (repeated for a total of 6 credit hours). A capstone project under the supervision of assigned faculty is required, including completion of a comprehensive exam (i.e., successful internship proposal defense).
3. Exit Seminar Option (Written Comprehensive Examination): The Master’s degree exit seminar must be taken in the final semester of the student's program if this completion option is selected. Students who select this option are required to take the written comprehensive examination and complete two additional electives (6 hours). It is required that one of these additional electives be SOC 6933 Exit Seminar, which is graded as Credit/Non-Credit. This course provides a review of the three core courses from which all exam questions will be drawn. At the end of the course, the written comprehensive examination will be administered. The comprehensive exam is a time-limited, exam administered at the end of each semester. A student must complete this course to satisfy the requirements of the degree, but can also receive credit for this course without successfully completing the comprehensive exam. In the event that a student does not pass all sections, the student must retake the full comprehensive exam in a subsequent semester. Students have one calendar year (two semesters) from their initial attempt to successfully pass the comprehensive exam. Students will be dismissed from the program after two unsuccessful attempts to pass the comprehensive exam. Students do not need to re-enroll in SOC 6933 to retake the comprehensive exam. Students not enrolled in any other courses will be required to enroll in 1 credit hour of SOC 6961 Comprehensive Examination in the subsequent long semester in which the student wishes to retake the comprehensive exam.
Total Credit Hours		36

Master of Science in Applied Demography

The Master of Science in Applied Demography will give students a graduate level introduction to the study of population and how the tools of a demographer are used to guide policy decisions. At the end of the degree program, students will be able to: work with large and complex data sources, analyze these data using appropriate statistical tests, graphically present data using statistical techniques and GIS, and write reports and papers based on empirically based questions using real data.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the MS in Applied Demography must satisfy all University-wide graduate admission requirements, and all applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree.

Admission to the MS in Applied Demography program will be based on faculty review of the following required application materials:

A completed Graduate School Application Form
All official academic transcripts detailing completed undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework
A letter of application describing the applicant’s academic and work backgrounds and goals and objectives related to the applicant’s MS program
A writing sample
Three letters of recommendation
For international students, results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL; minimum score of 79 on the internet version), or results of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS; a minimum score of 6.5)

Degree Requirements

The degree plan includes 21 hours of foundation (required) courses, 6 hours of free electives, and a 3 hour capstone course that will require a final exit paper.

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
A. 21 semester credit hours of core courses:		21
DEM 5013	Demographic Methods of Analysis
DEM 5093	GIS for Population Science
DEM 5113	Social Demography and Community Trends
DEM 5213	Introduction to Population Data
DEM 5273	Statistics for Demographic Data I
DEM 5283	Statistics for Demographic Data II
One of the following:
DEM 5033	Mortality
DEM 5043	Migration
DEM 5083	Fertility
B. 6 semester credit hours of electives approved by the Graduate Advisor of Record		6
MS students will have the option to take any of the 7XX3 courses in the Applied Demography PhD program if they are approved as electives by the Graduate Advisor of Record.
C. 3 semester credit hours of the Capstone Course		3
DEM 6383	Capstone
The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance).
D. Comprehensive Exam
The comprehensive exam will be a research paper evaluated by a committee of the departmental faculty.
Total Credit Hours		30

Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Applied Demography

Students accepted for admission into the Ph.D. program in Applied Demography have the opportunity to engage in advanced study and research in the field of Applied Demography as it applies to questions in such areas as public policy and administration, urban and regional planning, life sciences, medicine, business, and the social sciences. Depending on their area of focus, students may work with faculty from a variety of areas of study offered at UTSA.

The Applied Demography program prepares students to address the expanding education and research problems that are at the intersection of demography, public policy and administration, education, public health, and health care. Students may pursue careers in university departments that teach demography, university-based medical centers, public-health related organizations and agencies, health science centers, national and corporate settings, and local, state, and federal government. Students are trained to examine the effects of demographic factors on policy, both private and public.

The regulations for this degree comply with the general University regulations (refer to Student Policies, General Academic Regulations, and the Graduate Catalog, Doctoral Degree Regulations).

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the Ph.D. program in Applied Demography must satisfy all University-wide graduate admission requirements. Entrance to the Ph.D. program can be gained through one of two tracks:

Applicant possesses a bachelor’s degree (Track I).
Applicant possesses a Master of Science degree from an accredited university in demography/sociology, geography, economics, biology, political science, statistics, mathematics, business, or a similar field (Track II). Students who have not earned a qualifying master’s degree may be required to complete the equivalent courses in the appropriate discipline area before admission to the Ph.D. program in Applied Demography.

Applicants must submit the following items:

A completed Graduate School Application Form.
All official academic transcripts detailing completed undergraduate and graduate coursework.
A letter of application describing the applicant’s academic and work backgrounds and goals and objectives related to the applicant’s Ph.D. program.
A writing sample.
Three letters of recommendation.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, completed no more than five years prior to the Ph.D. student’s date of application. All applicants are required to submit scores from the GRE math, verbal, and analytical portions of the examination and scores for a related specialty area. These scores will be considered as only one element in the evaluation of applicants. Starting for the Fall 2024 admission cycle, GRE test scores will no longer be required.

Applicants admitted to the Ph.D. program may receive unconditional, conditional, or probationary admission status. Only completed applications will be reviewed. Admission is competitive. Satisfying the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. In any given application cycle, Ph.D. applicants will be evaluated on the strength of their application materials and also against other applicants in the same pool.

Degree Requirements

The Applied Demography Ph.D. requires students following Track I to complete a minimum of 54 hours of organized coursework, 12 hours of doctoral research credits, and a minimum of 12 hours of dissertation credits, for a total of at least 78 hours. Students following Track II must complete a minimum of 42 hours of organized coursework and a minimum of 12 hours of dissertation credits, for a total of at least 54 hours.

The doctoral program has a base of core courses that will result in all students having a firm grounding in demography and related methodological training with students then choosing their area of specialization. All students are expected to enter the program with some proficiency and aptitude for utilizing statistical software (i.e., SAS, Stata, R). Basic ability to use the DEM-Research server to import and transform data sets and conduct basic statistical analyses is a requirement to be successful with a number of courses, and skills demonstrated by this ability are important to being an applied demographer.

Degree Requirements – Track I

Program of Study for Students Admitted without a Master’s Degree

All students who are accepted into the Doctoral program without a Master’s degree (or its coursework equivalent) must successfully complete the program of study below. Students transferring to the Doctoral program from accredited graduate programs but lacking a Master’s degree may receive approval to transfer some coursework to UTSA, pending review by the Graduate Program Committee.

Earning a Master’s Degree

Students who complete Sections A-C of the Program of Study (30 credit hours), including the Capstone course¹, will be awarded the M.S. degree, and will be given permission to work toward completion of doctoral requirements. Students who fail their final paper in the Capstone course may be given one of two options by their Advisory Committee. Those options are: permission to rewrite the final paper based on recommendations of the Instructor or permission to pursue a terminal M.S. degree according to the requirements of that degree program. All students who successfully complete all required components will earn an M.S. in Applied Demography.

¹: In consultation with the instructor, students will be required to write a final paper in DEM 6383 Capstone on a topic of their choice. This will serve as the comprehensive examination requirement for earning an M.S. degree.

Program of Study for Ph.D. in Applied Demography – Track I

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
A. Core Methods, Statistics, and Demography Courses		21
DEM 5013	Demographic Methods of Analysis
DEM 5093	GIS for Population Science
DEM 5113	Social Demography and Community Trends
DEM 5213	Introduction to Population Data
DEM 5273	Statistics for Demographic Data I
DEM 5283	Statistics for Demographic Data II
One of the following
DEM 5033	Mortality
DEM 5043	Migration
DEM 5083	Fertility
B. Free Elective Courses (Graduate Advisor of Record approval required)		6
C. Capstone Course		3
DEM 6383	Capstone
D. Advanced courses		24
1. 3 semester credit hours of required courses
DEM 7243	General Research Methods for Demographers
2. 3 semester credit hours to be selected from the following courses:
DEM 7223	Event History Analysis
DEM 7263	Spatial Demography
DEM 7473	Applied Hierarchical Modeling
DEM 7023	Advanced Methods of Demographic Analysis
3. 6 semester credit hours to be selected from the following courses:
DEM 7033	Mortality
DEM 7043	Migration
DEM 7083	Fertility
DEM 7053	International Migration
4. 12 semester credit hours to be selected from either the Applied Demography or Sociology Concentration
All courses are to be selected with approval of the Graduate Advisor of Record
E. Doctoral Research		12
F. Doctoral Dissertation		12
Total Credit Hours		78

Degree Requirements – Track II

Program of Study for Students Admitted with a Master’s Degree (from another institution)

All students who are accepted into the Doctoral program with a Master’s degree (or its coursework equivalent) must successfully complete the program of study below. Students transferring to the Doctoral program from accredited graduate programs may receive approval to transfer some coursework to UTSA, pending review by the Graduate Program Committee.

Program of Study for Ph.D. in Applied Demography – Track II

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
A. Core Research and Statistics Courses:		12
1. Nine semester credit hours of required courses:
DEM 7243	General Research Methods for Demographers
DEM 7273	Statistics for Demographic Data I
DEM 7283	Statistics for Demographic Data II
2. One additional course to be selected from the following (3 semester credit hours):
DEM 7023	Advanced Methods of Demographic Analysis
DEM 7223	Event History Analysis
DEM 7263	Spatial Demography
DEM 7473	Applied Hierarchical Modeling
B. Core Demography Courses:		18
1. Nine semester credit hours of required courses:
DEM 7013	Demographic Methods of Analysis
DEM 7093	GIS for Population Science
DEM 7113	Social Demography and Community Trends
2. Nine semester credit hours of required courses:
DEM 7033	Mortality
DEM 7083	Fertility
DEM 7043	Migration
or DEM 7053	International Migration
C. Advanced Courses (a minimum of 12 semester credit hours selected from approved electives is required):		12
DEM 7063	Applied Demography in Policy Settings
DEM 7073	Disparities in Health and Health Care
DEM 7123	Applied Demography in Education
DEM 7153	Applied Demography in Public Health
DEM 7173	Applied Demography in Urban and Regional Planning
DEM 7183	Social and Economic Impact Assessment
DEM 7253	Survey Methods for Demographers
DEM 7423	Demography of the Labor Force and Labor Markets
DEM 7433	Demography of Race and Ethnicity
DEM 7443	Demography of Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood
DEM 7413	Demography of Inequality and Poverty
DEM 7453	Sexual and Reproductive Health
DEM 7463	Family Demography
DEM 7783	Internship in Applied Demography
DEM 7803	Directed Research (Maximum 6 hours)
DEM 7801	Directed Research (Maximum 6 hours)
DEM 7811	Doctoral Research (Maximum 6 hours)
DEM 7813	Doctoral Research (Maximum 6 hours)
DEM 7816	Doctoral Research (Maximum 6 hours)
DEM 7903	Special Topics (Maximum 9 hours)
D. Doctoral Dissertation (minimum 12 semester credit hours):		12
DEM 7911	Doctoral Dissertation
DEM 7913	Doctoral Dissertation
DEM 7916	Doctoral Dissertation
Total Credit Hours		54

Concentration in Applied Demography

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
12 semester credit hours selected from the following courses:
DEM 7063	Applied Demography in Policy Settings
DEM 7073	Disparities in Health and Health Care
DEM 7123	Applied Demography in Education
DEM 7153	Applied Demography in Public Health
DEM 7173	Applied Demography in Urban and Regional Planning
DEM 7183	Social and Economic Impact Assessment
DEM 7253	Survey Methods for Demographers
DEM 7423	Demography of the Labor Force and Labor Markets
DEM 7433	Demography of Race and Ethnicity
DEM 7443	Demography of Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood
DEM 7413	Demography of Inequality and Poverty
DEM 7453	Sexual and Reproductive Health
DEM 7463	Family Demography
DEM 7783	Internship in Applied Demography
DEM 7803	Directed Research (Maximum 6 hours)
DEM 7801	Directed Research (Maximum 6 hours)
DEM 7811	Doctoral Research (Maximum 6 hours)
DEM 7813	Doctoral Research (Maximum 6 hours)
DEM 7816	Doctoral Research (Maximum 6 hours)
DEM 7903	Special Topics (Maximum 9 hours)

Concentration in Sociology

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
12 semester credit hours selected from Health, Immigration, or Family:
1. Health
a. One course (3 semester credit hours):
DEM 7073	Disparities in Health and Health Care
b. Three courses to be selected from the following (9 semester credit hours):
DEM 7153	Applied Demography in Public Health
SOC 5133	Sociology of Health and Health Care
SOC 6713	Health Care System in the United States
SOC 6723	Religion, Health and Mortality
SOC 6733	The Social Psychology of Health and Illness
2. Immigration
a. One course (3 semester credit hours):
DEM 7433	Demography of Race and Ethnicity
b. Three courses (9 semester credit hours):
SOC 5223	Mexican Americans: Community, Culture, and Class
SOC 5253	Border Studies
SOC 6043	Immigration and Society
3. Family
a. One course (3 semester credit hours):
DEM 7443	Demography of Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood
b. Three courses to be selected from the following (9 semester credit hours):
SOC 5123	Family Contexts and Social Change
SOC 6753	Racial/Ethnic Minority Families in the United States
SOC 6763	Youth and Emerging Adulthood
DEM 7063	Applied Demography in Policy Settings
DEM 7123	Applied Demography in Education
DEM 7173	Applied Demography in Urban and Regional Planning
DEM 7183	Social and Economic Impact Assessment
DEM 7253	Survey Methods for Demographers
DEM 7413	Demography of Inequality and Poverty
DEM 7783	Internship in Applied Demography

The entire program of study must be approved by the student’s dissertation advisor and graduate committee, and must be submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School through the Dean of the College for Health, Community and Policy for final approval.

Primary Advisor

Initially all students will be advised by the Graduate Advisor of Record (GAR). During the first year in the program, students are encouraged to learn about and meet all faculty members in the Department. Once students entering with a B.A./B.S. (without a Master’s Degree) have completed between 30 and 48 credit hours, students should identify a Primary Advisor (not to be completed later than the completion of 60 hours).

Qualifying Exam

Each Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Sociology and Demography must pass a two-day examination in demography. This qualifying exam is normally taken after the candidate's course work has been substantially completed. In order to take the exam, students matriculating on Track I (entering with a B.A./B.S., without a Master’s Degree) must have completed 54 credit hours of coursework. Student in Track II must complete 30 credit hours of coursework prior to being eligible for the comprehensive exams. In addition to the credit hour requirements, students must have selected a dissertation topic. The exam will be administered during the summer semester after the requisite credit hours of coursework are complete, and the time of the exam will be set by the GAR in consultation with the Graduate Program Committee (GPC).

Dissertation Stage

Committee

Students are encouraged to work with their Primary Advisor in advance of the qualifying exam to also select a Dissertation Committee. The Dissertation Committee must be comprised of at least four (4) members of the graduate faculty. One of these committee members may be from outside the Department of Sociology and Demography. The composition of the Committee should, in principle, provide a group of research scholars and scientists who constitute an important resource to the candidate and his/her dissertation research.

Proposal Defense

Upon successful completion of the qualifying examination, students will need to defend their dissertation proposal. Once the dissertation proposal has been approved by the student’s Dissertation Committee, they may proceed with the dissertation project. If at any time the project changes significantly from what was originally approved, the student will have to orally defend the dissertation proposal again for approval.

Admission to Candidacy

To be admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree in Applied Demography, the student must receive approval from the GPC. Approval by GPC is contingent upon the following:

Satisfactory completion of all required courses and an approved Program of Study form on file with the Graduate Advisor of Record;
Cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 in all coursework undertaken since matriculation in the program;
Report by the Qualifying Examination Committee that the student has passed the examination; and
Report by the student’s Primary Advisor (Dissertation Chair) and other graduate faculty members, as appropriate, that the student has clearly evidenced the potential for productive and independent investigation with a successful dissertation defense.

Supervision of the Dissertation Research

After formal approval of the Doctoral Dissertation Committee, the Dissertation Chair may convene the Doctoral Dissertation Committee at appropriate intervals to discuss with the candidate his/her research progress and projected future work. The Doctoral Dissertation Committee may approve or direct alterations in the research plans within the general context of the dissertation proposal.

Submission of the Dissertation

After all members of the Doctoral Dissertation Committee agree that the research has progressed sufficiently for submission of the dissertation, a draft of the dissertation shall be submitted to the Dissertation Chair and to all other members of the Doctoral Dissertation Committee. It is the responsibility of the candidate to follow the guidelines for preparation of the dissertation provided by the Graduate School Dean’s Office. The candidate also has the responsibility to ensure adequate time for review and modification of the dissertation in accordance with the schedule of deadlines provided each term by the Graduate School Dean’s Office.

Final Oral Examination

A satisfactory final oral examination is required for the approval of a dissertation. After the Dissertation Committee makes a decision, which must be unanimous, to accept a dissertation for examination, the supervising professor notifies the Graduate School. All members of the Dissertation Committee must be satisfied that the student has:

Completed the work assigned by the committee
Passed all examinations required by the program’s Graduate Program Committee, including the final oral examination
Completed a dissertation that is an independent investigation in the major field, and that itself constitutes a contribution to knowledge.

Once this is complete, the Dissertation Committee members sign the approval sheets for the doctoral dissertation and make an official recommendation to the academic College and the Dean of the Graduate School that the doctoral degree be awarded.

Recommendation for Granting of the Degree

The candidate shall submit to the Graduate School Office the final electronic copy of the dissertation. Once received, the College for Health, Community and Policy and the Graduate School will consider the recommendation for granting of the degree. If the Council does not approve the recommendation, the matter will be referred to Committee on Graduate Studies with recommendations for remedial action. If the Council does approve, the Dean of the Graduate School (UTSA) will notify the President that the candidate has fulfilled all requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Demography (DEM) Courses

DEM 5013. Demographic Methods of Analysis. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Examines basic materials and methods used in demography, including methods for measuring levels and rates of population change, fertility, mortality, migration (both domestic and international), distribution, and composition. Emphasis on cohort and period patterns of change, methods of standardization, life table methods, and population projection methods. (Same as DEM 7013. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 5013 and DEM 7013.) Course Fee: STHC $18.00; LRHC $10; GHC1 $75.

DEM 5033. Mortality. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: DEM 5113 or consent of instructor. Theoretical and demographic empirical analysis of current and historical issues concerning epidemiological/health transition, demographic and socioeconomic differentials in health and mortality, infant and child mortality, status of women and health, environment and health, demographic change and nutrition, health care systems, and health planning policies in the United States and in other developed and developing countries. Explores advanced sources of demographic data, measures, and methods of analyses used to analyze the levels and changes in these processes used in applied demographic settings. (Same as DEM 7033. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 5033 and DEM 7033.) Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 5043. Migration. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: DEM 5113 or consent of instructor. Examines patterns, trends and consequences of migration and immigration in the United States and other parts of the world. Explores historical and current theoretical perspectives on migration, analysis of historical, current and projected patterns of migration in the United States and other parts of the world, and examines effects of migration on other demographic, economic, social, and political factors in the United States and elsewhere. (Same as DEM 7043. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 5043 and DEM 7043.) Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 5083. Fertility. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: DEM 5113 or consent of instructor. Theoretical and empirical overview of major issues and methodological approaches in the demographic study of human fertility in developing and developed countries. Explores advanced sources of demographic data, measures, and demographic methods of analyses used to analyze the levels and changes in these processes used in applied settings. (Same as DEM 7083. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 5083 and DEM 7083.).

DEM 5093. GIS for Population Science. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This course is designed to give graduate students interested in population science and policy fields a hands-on introduction to the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The course will cover geographic data types, spatial data creation and management, exploratory spatial analysis, and basics of geospatial modeling. At the close of the course, students are expected to be able to: create and modify geographic data, perform GIS visualization of spatial data, use database software to manage geographic data and perform descriptive analysis of spatial data using industry-standard GIS software. (Same as DEM 7093. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 5093 and DEM 7093.) Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 5113. Social Demography and Community Trends. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This seminar is a survey of the major themes in demographic research. It will focus on the causes and consequences of demographic change and world population problems and policies, and we will explore the major theoretical perspectives focusing on the interrelationship of social and environmental causes of population change and the dynamics of human populations. (Same as DEM 7113. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 5113 and DEM 7113.) Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 5213. Introduction to Population Data. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to demographic data and how to use them effectively. Students will use statistical software to learn how to read-in raw data, make data modifications relative to research goals, assess data quality, and conduct basic descriptive statistics. The course will also teach students how to make use of data codebooks and request the use of restricted data. Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 5273. Statistics for Demographic Data I. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This course covers two main areas of statistical analysis. First, techniques for the description of univariate and bivariate distributions are covered, including summary statistics, confidence intervals, correlations, graphical exploratory methods and hypothesis testing for two and more groups. Also covered is the analysis of categorical data, including analysis of contingency tables and measures of association for categorical data. Secondly, ordinary least squares regression analysis and analysis of variance procedures and their diagnostics are covered. All methods are complemented by the application to demographic survey data sets and instruction in the Linux environment using either SAS, STATA or R statistical programming languages. (Same as DEM 7273. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 5273 and DEM 7273.) Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 5283. Statistics for Demographic Data II. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: DEM 5273 or consent of instructor. This course represents an in-depth coverage of the general linear model framework, including multivariable regression analysis, logistic and Poisson regression and multilevel modeling. Model fit, model comparison and regression diagnostics for each method are covered. In addition to these topics, students are introduced to techniques for dealing with missing data including multiple imputation. All methods are complemented by the application to demographic survey data sets and instruction in the Linux environment using both the SAS and R/S-plus statistical programming languages. (Same as DEM 7283. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 5283 and DEM 7283.) Course Fee: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

DEM 6383. Capstone. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Completion of 21 semester credit hours of Required Courses. This course is designed to prepare students to write a final exit paper that serves as the comprehensive exam for completion of the MS program. It covers topics including but not limited to: Demographic Data, Research Methods, Quantitative Analysis, Demographic Processes, Health, and/or Inequality. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance on the final exit paper) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance on the final exit paper). Course fees: LRHC $10, STHC $18, GHC1 $75.

DEM 7013. Demographic Methods of Analysis. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Examines basic materials and methods used in demography, including methods for measuring levels and rates of population change, fertility, mortality, migration (both domestic and international), distribution, and composition. Emphasis on cohort and period patterns of change, methods of standardization, and life table methods and population projection methods. (Formerly titled "Demographic Methods of Analysis I.") (Same as DEM 5013. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 5013 and DEM 7013.) Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 7023. Advanced Methods of Demographic Analysis. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: DEM 7013 or consent of instructor. Examines use of advanced demographic and statistical methods of analysis of population and sample data, including simulating, adjusting, and smoothing; advanced survival analysis, methods of rate decomposition and standardization, population estimation, population projections and evaluations of each. Considers applications of demographic techniques in marketing, management and impact analyses in business and government. (Formerly titled "Demographic Methods of Analysis II.") Course Fee: LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 7033. Mortality. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: DEM 7113 or consent of instructor. Theoretical and demographic empirical analysis of current and historical issues concerning epidemiological/health transition, demographic and socioeconomic differentials in health and mortality, infant and child mortality, status of women and health, environment and health, demographic change and nutrition, health care systems, and health planning policies in the United States and in other developed and developing countries. Explores advanced sources of demographic data, measures, and methods of analyses used to analyze the levels and changes in these processes used in applied demographic settings. (Same as DEM 5033. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 5033 and DEM 7033.) Course Fee: LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 7043. Migration. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: DEM 7113 or consent of instructor. Examines patterns, trends and consequences of migration and immigration in the United States and other parts of the world. Explores historical and current theoretical perspectives on migration, analysis of historical, current and projected patterns of migration in the United States and other parts of the world, and examines effects of migration on other demographic, economic, social, and political factors in the United States and elsewhere. (Same as DEM 5043. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 5043 and DEM 7043.) Course Fee: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

DEM 7053. International Migration. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: DEM 7113 or consent of instructor. Examines the determinants and consequences of international migration from theoretical and empirical perspectives. Explores impacts on the migrants themselves and the countries of origin and destination. Specific issues include global competition for skilled labor, the concept of ‘replacement migration’, and the role of the state in creating and regulating international population movements. Examines public policy implications of the volume and composition of migration for origin and destination countries. Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 7063. Applied Demography in Policy Settings. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: DEM 7013, DEM 7023, and DEM 7113, or consent of instructor; student must have a minimum of 30 credit hours in the Applied Demography doctoral program. Examines the roles, duties and implications of being an applied demographer in private- and public-sector policy settings, including required professional skills and knowledge. Provides practical case-study based experience in applying demographic knowledge and methods to such areas of applied analysis as marketing research, site location analysis, impact analyses, advertising analyses, program evaluation, short-term and long-term planning, and similar areas of policy development. Emphasis on interactive and team-based case-study analyses resulting in written reports, and findings presented to governmental or private-sector decision makers. Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 7073. Disparities in Health and Health Care. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: DEM 7013 and DEM 7113 or consent of instructor. Overview of current and historical trends and differentials of health, health care access, and health care delivery systems among different racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and residence area groups in the United States and elsewhere. Examines differentials in the types and rates of incidence and occurrence of alternative forms of disease and disorders, and access to physicians, hospitals and forms of treatment across demographic and socioeconomic groups. Data and methods for assessing such disparities are reviewed and alternative policy options for decreasing such disparities are discussed. Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 7083. Fertility. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: DEM 7113 or consent of instructor. Theoretical and empirical overview of major issues and methodological approaches in the demographic study of human fertility in developing and developed countries. Explores advanced sources of demographic data, measures, and demographic methods of analyses used to analyze the levels and changes in these processes used in applied settings. (Same as DEM 5083. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 5083 and DEM 7083.) Course Fee: STHC $18, GHC1 $75, LRHC $10.

DEM 7093. GIS for Population Science. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This course is designed to give graduate students interested in population science and policy fields a hands-on introduction to the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The course will cover geographic data types, spatial data creation and management, exploratory spatial analysis, and basics of geospatial modeling. At the close of the course, students are expected to be able to: create and modify geographic data, perform GIS visualization of spatial data, use database software to manage geographic data and perform descriptive analysis of spatial data using industry-standard GIS software. (Same as DEM 5093. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 5093 and DEM 7093.) Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 7113. Social Demography and Community Trends. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This seminar is a survey of the major themes in demographic research. It will focus on the causes and consequences of demographic change and world population problems and policies, and we will explore the major theoretical perspectives focusing on the interrelationship of social and environmental causes of population change and the dynamics of human populations. (Same as DEM 5113. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 5113 and DEM 7113.) Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 7123. Applied Demography in Education. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Objectives for this course are focused upon development of an understanding of demographic issues in the field of education and skills in the application of demographic methods and techniques in this area. Topics will include issues of population dynamics related to school enrollment and completion and application of demographic techniques relevant for education related topics. Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 7153. Applied Demography in Public Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Course work and readings will provide overview of demographic methods applied to examination of issues in the area of public health. A range of public health and epidemiologic topics will be reviewed in relation to issues related to demography and demographic methods. Assignments will provide students with opportunities to examine key issues in public health and explore specific topics of public health relevance. Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 7173. Applied Demography in Urban and Regional Planning. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Urban and regional planning is strongly dependent on information generated from applied demography. This course will review the field of urban and regional planning with particular reference to the use of demographic information. Elements of the course will emphasize learning and applying traditional and innovative approaches to estimating and projecting population for small areas with particular reference to issues of geography and land use patterns. Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 7183. Social and Economic Impact Assessment. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the requirements of, methodologies for, and issues in, socioeconomic impact assessment and to provide practical, working experience with socioeconomic impact assessment techniques. Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 7223. Event History Analysis. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: DEM 7013, DEM 7023, and DEM 7273 or consent of instructor. This course covers event history analysis for events such as unemployment spans, birth intervals, years of healthy life lived, and other codependent demographic events. Further, this course will provide a survey of demographic analytical methods for empirically explaining variation in timing of demographic events. This course will use SAS, R or STATA software. (Formerly titled "Advanced Methods for Life Table Analysis.") Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10, GHC1 $75.

DEM 7243. General Research Methods for Demographers. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: DEM 7013 and DEM 7113 or consent of instructor. Examines key aspects of research methodology and provides an understanding and overview of practical and theoretical methods used to include sampling, interviewing, questionnaire and survey construction, and methods of analysis. The course will examine alternative research perspectives used in writing major publishable articles, and a dissertation in demography. Course Fee: STHC $18, GHC1 $75, LRHC $10.

DEM 7253. Survey Methods for Demographers. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: DEM 7243 or consent of instructor. This course examines the use of survey methodology and the research process, with special attention given to survey instruments as they relate to demographic research. Topics to be covered include a general overview of large demographic surveys, modes of data collection, questionnaire design, reliability and validity, sampling, and analysis incorporating survey designs for various large-scale demographic surveys. Special attention will be given to data collected by the U.S. Bureau of the Census. Statistical software applications will be used as they relate to demographic survey instruments. (Formerly titled “General Research Methods for Demographers II.”) Course Fee: STHC $18, GHC1 $75, LRHC $10.

DEM 7263. Spatial Demography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: DEM 7093 or consent of instructor. This course will give an in-depth coverage of spatial demographic processes including models of migration, multiregional population growth, and spatial dependence in vital rates. The course will include a brief introduction to Geographic Information Systems, availability of spatial data and construction of geo-databases for population studies. The course will have a large analytical component with topics to include global and local spatial autocorrelation, analysis of spatial point patterns, neighborhood statistics and spatial regression analysis. Emphasis is placed on usage of computer software for the analysis of population data. Course Fee: STHC $18, GHC1 $75, LRHC $10.

DEM 7273. Statistics for Demographic Data I. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This course covers two main areas of statistical analysis. First, techniques for the description of univariate and bivariate distributions are covered, including summary statistics, confidence intervals, correlations, graphical exploratory methods and hypothesis testing for two and more groups. Also covered is the analysis of categorical data, including analysis of contingency tables and measures of association for categorical data. Secondly, ordinary least squares regression analysis and analysis of variance procedures and their diagnostics are covered. All methods are complemented by the application to demographic survey data sets and instruction in the Linux environment using either SAS, STATA or R statistical programming languages. (Formerly titled "Univariate and Categorical Statistical Analysis for Demographic Data.") (Same as DEM 5273. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 5273 and DEM 7273.) Course Fee: STHC $18, LRHC $10.

DEM 7283. Statistics for Demographic Data II. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: DEM 7273 or consent of instructor. This course represents an in-depth coverage of the general linear model framework, including multivariable regression analysis, logistic and Poisson regression and multilevel modeling. Model fit, model comparison and regression diagnostics for each method are covered. In addition to these topics, students are introduced to techniques for dealing with missing data including multiple imputation. All methods are complemented by the application to demographic survey data sets and instruction in the Linux environment using both the SAS and R/S-plus statistical programming languages. (Formerly titled "Multivariate Statistical Analysis for Demographic Data.") (Same as DEM 5283. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 5283 and DEM 7283.) Course Fee: STHC $18, GHC1 $75.

DEM 7413. Demography of Inequality and Poverty. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This seminar provides an overview of poverty in the United States from a comparative perspective. It addresses the determinants of poverty, with special attention given to different demographic groups, such as single women with children, race and ethnic minorities, and urban and rural residence. Among the topics to be discussed include the differences between the European and U.S. approach to measuring poverty; the relationship between welfare policies, population growth, and economic development; race and welfare; and the 1996 welfare reform in the United States and its consequences to date. Much emphasis will be given to poverty-abatement strategies. (Formerly titled "Demographic Perspectives on Poverty.") Course Fee: STHC $18, GHC1 $75.

DEM 7423. Demography of the Labor Force and Labor Markets. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This course introduces students to the study of demographics characteristics of the labor force and of labor markets. It addresses such major social and economic trends as the increased labor force participation of women, the integration of formerly disenfranchised groups into white-collar occupations, and the emergence of a service society. Literature that can help explain these trends will come from gender studies, race and ethnicity, and post-industrialization, in addition to demographic research. Other topics to be discussed cover the study of occupational upgrading; employment, unemployment, and underemployment; regional shifts in employment; the work family relationship; and the role of social policy regarding work, family, and fertility. Course Fee: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

DEM 7433. Demography of Race and Ethnicity. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This course is designed to introduce students to the study of the demography of racial and ethnic groups in the United States with some attention to other parts of the world. Using theoretical perspectives drawn from the demographic and race and ethnic literatures, the course will examine demographic, social, and economic variations among major racial and ethnic groups. The course is divided into a series of broad topics covering the study of the demography of racial and ethnic groups including an overview of the construction of race and ethnicity; theoretical perspectives; the foundations of inequality; data and methodological issues; the three population processes (fertility, mortality, and migration); intermarriage and multiracial and pan-ethnic identities; marriage, family, and household arrangements; and labor market and socioeconomic outcomes. Course Fee: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

DEM 7443. Demography of Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Demographers have long considered adolescence and early adulthood as a critical period when significant life choices are made. Important milestones overlap during these years as young people leave school, begin work, form romantic relationships, become independent from parents and begin forming their own families. This seminar explores the different factors that define the timing and progression of this transition and explores demographic and policy implications across different social and cultural contexts. It also highlights the relevance of the life course for the understanding of demographic processes. Course Fee: STHC $18, GHC1 $75, LRHC $10.

DEM 7453. Sexual and Reproductive Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to a number of sexual and reproductive health issues nationally and internationally. The course content will emphasize demographic, social, economic, behavioral, and political factors that affect family planning, reproductive health, fertility, parenthood, and pregnancy/birth outcomes. Emergent sources of data for sexual and reproductive health issues will be discussed. Course Fee: STHC $18, GHC1 $75, LRHC $10.

DEM 7463. Family Demography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This seminar will examine changes in family behaviors and household relationships from a socio-demographic perspective. Specific topics include union formation and dissolution, childbearing, parenthood, intergenerational relationships, and the intersection of gender, work, and family. Although this course will focus primarily on post-World War II United States, some attention will also be given to recent family changes in other industrialized nations and in the developing world. Demographic data sources pertaining to families and households will be discussed. Course Fee: STHC $18, GHC1 $75, LRHC $10.

DEM 7473. Applied Hierarchical Modeling. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: DEM 7283 or consent of instructor. This course will immerse students in the area of hierarchical modeling. Hierarchical models are fast becoming ubiquitous in the social and behavioral sciences as the availability of longitudinal, geocoded-restricted and panel data sources become the norm. This class will apply techniques of Bayesian computation to hierarchical modeling with less emphasis on the theory of Bayesian analysis, and more on the practical side of its use. Topics will include linear and generalized linear mixed effects models, with special attention to structured random effect models, models for longitudinal data and the application of Bayesian computational techniques. Data examples will include the use of social and health survey data sources, and all students are expected to complete a project using the methods presented in class to their own research interests. Course Fee: STHC $18, GHC1 $75, LRHC $10.

DEM 7701. Professional Development Colloquium. (1-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This is a professional development course focusing on the field of applied demography. Topics will vary by semester, and may include such things as grant writing, proposal preparation, peer-reviewed journal publication procedures, presentation development, demographic data sources and literature, grant funding sources, and job hunting. Other professional development topics will be addressed. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fee: STHC $6, GHC1 $25, LRHC $10.

DEM 7783. Internship in Applied Demography. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Consent of faculty advisor for internships and the Graduate Advisor of Record. Student must have a minimum of 40 semester credit hours in the Applied Demography doctoral program. Practical experience in a workplace setting approved by the faculty advisor for internships and the GAR in which classroom knowledge of demographic research, methods, processes, and implications are applied. No more than 3 hours will apply to the Doctoral degree. A research paper under the supervision of assigned faculty is required at the end of the internship. Course Fee: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

DEM 7801. Directed Research. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and a minimum of 40 semester credit hours in the Applied Demography doctoral program. Directed individual reading, discussion, writing, and/or studies of selected topics in the field of demography. For students needing specialized work not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Doctoral degree. Course Fee: STSP $3. Course Fee: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.

DEM 7803. Directed Research. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

DEM 7811. Doctoral Research. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Permission of the Ph.D. Graduate Advisor of Record and dissertation director. Preparation and writing of dissertation proposal. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Doctoral degree. Course Fee: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.

DEM 7813. Doctoral Research. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

DEM 7816. Doctoral Research. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.

DEM 7903. Special Topics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Doctoral degree in Applied Demography. Course Fee: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

DEM 7911. Doctoral Dissertation. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Admission to Candidacy for the Doctoral degree in Applied Demography. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 12 hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree. Course Fee: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.

DEM 7913. Doctoral Dissertation. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

DEM 7916. Doctoral Dissertation. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.

Sociology (SOC) Courses

SOC 5003. Sociological Theory. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The nature of sociological theory, the major varieties of theory, the theorists who developed them, and the social and historical contexts of theory development and construction. Issues concerning the relation of theory and research are also explored. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5033. Qualitative Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Qualitative strategies and techniques used in social science research, including field methods such as participant observation, in-depth interviews, and the collection of documents. Emphasis is on understanding the ways people interpret their experiences and construct and shape their reality. Course Fees: DL01 $75; GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5043. Evaluation Research. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Theory and practice of evaluation of public policy and social service programs. Evaluation theories, models, and key evaluation studies are reviewed. Practical and political issues involved in the design and implementation of evaluations are addressed. Evaluation of a social agency or program may be included. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5053. Professionalization Seminar. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course assists students in navigating key benchmarks in the master’s program, including the comprehensive examination, master’s thesis, and internship. Issues of pedagogy (teaching), writing, and scholarship are also addressed, along with prospects students often consider upon completion of the master’s degree (e.g., doctoral program admission, community college instruction, and the application of sociological skills in workplace settings). Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5063. Research Design. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Graduate-level methods of sociological inquiry. Topics may include the ethics of social inquiry, deductive and inductive reasoning, conceptualization and operationalization, sampling, experimental and quasi-experimental design, survey research, field research, unobtrusive research, and basic qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5073. Quantitative Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: SOC 5063. Graduate-level social statistics. Topics may include analysis of contingency tables, analysis of variance, correlation, multiple linear and logistic regressions, and index construction and scaling with use of computer programs such as SPSS to analyze social data. (Formerly SOC 5013. Credit cannot be earned for both SOC 5013 and SOC 5073.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5083. Advanced Quantitative Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: SOC 5073. Advanced social statistics. Topics may include categorical data analysis, event history analysis, structural equation modeling (LISREL), multi-level modeling or longitudinal data analysis with use of computer programs such as SPSS, STATA, SAS, Amos, or HLM to analyze social data. (Formerly SOC 5023. Credit cannot be earned for both SOC 5023 and SOC 5083.) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5123. Family Contexts and Social Change. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Family system organization and process within the broader context of community and society. Emphasis is on the changing historical roles of families, as well as cross-cultural, socioeconomic, race and ethnic, and gender variability in the family. The impact of education, the economy, and politics is also considered. Course Fee: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5133. Sociology of Health and Health Care. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The relation of social behavior to health status, epidemiology, and the social organization of medicine in the United States and cross-culturally. Emphasis is on the development of the health care industry and problems associated with the delivery of health care services. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5173. Religion, Health and Mortality. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Explores the complex relationships between religion and mental health, physical health, and mortality risk. Attention will also be given to religious influences on factors that may affect health, including health behaviors, social ties and support systems, psychological resources, coping practices, and character strengths that may foster resilience. The distinction between religiousness and spirituality will be discussed. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5203. Social Stratification. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Theory and research pertaining to structures of social inequality - their causes, forms, and consequences. Emphasis is on the distribution of power, prestige, and economic privilege, and patterns of social mobility in the United States. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5213. Race and Ethnic Relations. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Dominant-subordinate relations between various racial and ethnic groups from cross-cultural theoretical perspectives. Models of assimilation, cultural pluralism, and colonialism are investigated, as are their implications for minority and majority group members. Course Fees: GHS1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5223. Mexican Americans: Community, Culture, and Class. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Sociological focus on the Mexican American population. Emphasis is on the theories used to interpret the experiences of this group, particularly those oriented to issues of stratification and social mobility. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5233. Sociology of Gender. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Interdisciplinary survey of theory and current research on gender and gender-related issues. Gender-based theories are examined and compared to explanations for other forms of social stratification. Implications for family dynamics, the labor force, and the economy are explored. (Formerly titled “Gender and Society.”) Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC 418.

SOC 5253. Border Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An examination of borders in an era of globalization, with emphasis on the United States–Mexico border. Themes may include a theoretical criticism of American mainstream border studies and its more important representatives. Course Fees: DL01 $75; GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5353. Crime and Delinquency. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Analyzes the role of crime and delinquency in society. A consideration of the relationship among data, theory, and policy as integral components of crime and delinquency forms a central theme of this course. Independent empirical work is required. Course Fees: DL01 $75; GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 5403. Social Movements. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Involves evaluation of dominant theoretical perspectives and research strategies in social movements and organized protests. Contrasts classic theoretical models with more recent scholarship emphasizing the cultural dimensions of social movement dynamics. Case studies may include the American Civil Rights Movement, Labor Unionization, and the Feminist and Environmental Movements. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6043. Immigration and Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Analyzes theoretical explanations and social, economic, cultural, and ideological features of migration. May include topics such as border dynamics, transnationalism, incorporation of immigrants, remittances, and the impact on sending and receiving countries. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6063. Health and Health Disparities. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Explores issues related to disparities in population health. Health care based on racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds in the United States and other nations will be analyzed. Discussions may include differences in health and health care at the local, national or international level. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6143. Sociology of Religion. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A seminar to provide a theoretical and methodological appraisal of contemporary research in the sociology of religion. Classic texts will be considered with emphasis on current trends in the field. May include topics such as religion and health, religion and globalization, new religious movements, religion and politics, religion and family and the immigrant religious experience. Theoretical debates from the secularization thesis to rational choice approaches will be considered. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6713. Health Care System in the United States. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course covers the complexities of health care organization and finance and presents a general overview of how the U.S. health care system works and how the major components within the system fit together. Covers basic structures and operations of the U.S. health system - from its historical origins and resources, to its individual services, cost, and quality. Compares and contrasts the U.S. health care system with other health care systems around the world. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6723. Religion, Health and Mortality. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A growing body of theory and research explores the connections between religion (and its close cousin, spirituality) and a diverse array of mental and physical health outcomes, including mortality risk. In this course, explanatory pathways receive particular attention, including the role of religion in shaping health behaviors and lifestyles, social resources, psychological resources, coping practices, healthy beliefs, character strengths, and other potential mechanisms. A number of other topics are considered as well, including: the negative health effects of religion, racial/ethnic and other subgroup variations in the religion-health connection, faith-based health programming, the role of religion and spirituality in healthcare settings, and others. Although the primary focus is on the U.S. and developed western societies, comparative materials may also be introduced. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6733. The Social Psychology of Health and Illness. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course is organized primarily around the "stress process model" in the social psychology of health and illness. The "stress process" perspective explains individual- and group-level variations in health outcomes partly in terms of (a) differential exposure to stressful events and conditions and (b) differential vulnerability to (or resilience in the face of) such stressors. Thus, we will selectively examine literature on the definition, measurement, and epidemiology of stress. Particular attention is given to the social and psychological resources available to - and the specific coping strategies used by - persons experiencing stressful circumstances. The course will emphasize the impact of stressors and resources on mental disorders, physical health problems, and even mortality risk. In addition, it will examine the usefulness of the "stress process" approach for explaining the social patterning of various mental and physical health outcomes, such as those determined by objective and subjective aspects of socio-economic position, race and ethnicity, gender, and other important elements of social location. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6753. Racial/Ethnic Minority Families in the United States. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course will be devoted to a survey of racial/ethnic families in contemporary America. The course is designed to help students to better understand the concept of "family ethnicity," as the United States is approaching the time when a majority of its citizens will be members of ethnically or culturally diverse families. This course will compare differences and similarities in family lives across a number of racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Specifically, four major groups of racial/ethnic families - African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American families - will be explored and compared. Families with different ethnic/cultural backgrounds such as Hawaiian and/or Jewish American families will be discussed briefly as well. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6763. Youth and Emerging Adulthood. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course will focus on youth and adolescence as well emerging adulthood from a sociological perspective. It will examine theoretical and empirical research related to youth, adolescence and emerging adulthood as well as connect these ideas to practical concerns and current events. It will explore the lives and diverse experiences of young people and will focus on topics such as the historical development and distinguishing characteristics of adolescence and emerging adulthood, the social and cultural context of adolescence and emerging adulthood, gender and identity, family relationships, peers and friends, dating, romance, and family formation, religion and spirituality, school and education, and work and the future. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6903. Topics in Advanced Sociology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A seminar offering the opportunity for specialized study not usually available as part of the regular course offerings. Topics may include social gerontology, deviance, social psychology, religion, mass communications, and research applications. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6933. Exit Seminar. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Completion of the 9 semester credit hours of core courses, 21 semester credit hours of electives, and permission from the Graduate Advisor of Record is required. This course is designed to prepare students for the written comprehensive examination and covers topics on sociological theory and methods. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance on the comprehensive examination) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance on the comprehensive examination). Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6951. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) from the instructor and the Sociology Graduate Advisor of Record. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. For students needing specialized work not usually available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master’s degree. Course Fees: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.

SOC 6953. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

SOC 6961. Comprehensive Examination. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Approval of the Sociology Graduate Program Committee to take the Comprehensive Examination. May be repeated as many times as approved by the Sociology Graduate Program Committee. Enrollment is required each term in which the Comprehensive Examination is taken if no other courses are being taken that term. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination). Course Fees: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.

SOC 6963. Internship. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and 18 semester credit hours of graduate work. Work-oriented experience within a local organizational setting where the principles, theories, concepts, and methods of the discipline can be applied. A capstone project under the supervision of assigned faculty is required. Course Fee: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6966. Internship. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.

SOC 6973. Special Problems. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not usually available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Problems courses may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master’s degree. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6981. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Permission from the Graduate Advisor of Record and thesis director, and 24 semester hours of graduate work. Thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master's degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each semester in which the thesis is in progress. Course Fees: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.

SOC 6983. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Permission from the Graduate Advisor of Record and thesis director, and 24 semester credit hours of graduate work. Thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master’s degree. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment is required each term in which the thesis is in progress. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 6986. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.

SOC 7001. Doctoral Dissertation. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Admission to Candidacy for the Doctoral degree in Translational Science. Preparation and writing of the Doctoral dissertation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 12 hours may be applied to the Doctoral degree. Course Fees: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.

SOC 7003. Doctoral Dissertation. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

SOC 7006. Doctoral Dissertation. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.

SOC 7891. Doctoral Research. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Preparation and writing of dissertation proposal. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Doctoral degree. Course Fees: GHC1 $25; LRHC $10; STHC $6.

SOC 7893. Doctoral Research. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Preparation and writing of dissertation proposal. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Doctoral degree. Course Fees: GHC1 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

Department of Sociology and Demography

Master of Science Degree in Sociology

Program Admission Requirements

Degree Requirements

Master of Science in Applied Demography

Admission Requirements

Degree Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Applied Demography

Admission Requirements

Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements – Track I

Program of Study for Students Admitted without a Master’s Degree

Earning a Master’s Degree

Program of Study for Ph.D. in Applied Demography – Track I

Degree Requirements – Track II

Program of Study for Students Admitted with a Master’s Degree (from another institution)

Program of Study for Ph.D. in Applied Demography – Track II

Concentration in Applied Demography

Concentration in Sociology

Primary Advisor

Qualifying Exam

Dissertation Stage

Committee

Proposal Defense

Admission to Candidacy

Supervision of the Dissertation Research

Submission of the Dissertation

Final Oral Examination

Recommendation for Granting of the Degree

Demography (DEM) Courses

Sociology (SOC) Courses

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