Degrees & Requirements

Complete one statistics course, three research courses, and a multi-semester project.

SOSS 200 Introduction Research Methods 4
SOSS 301 Qualitative Research Methods 4
SOSS 302 Quantitative Research Methods 4
SOSS 450 Advanced Project I 1-3
SOSS 451 Advanced Projects II 1-3
  STAT 161 or 162 or STAT 163 + 4
Total Credits:   18-22

SOSS 200-Introduction to Research Methods

In this course students will learn how to think like a social scientist. They will become familiar with the main components of research design and analysis and have a working knowledge of how to read, interpret, critique, do, and present social science research. They will explore various aspects of research design as well as methods used for collecting and analyzing data. By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Locate, understand, analyze, and evaluate social research
  • Develop a sound, testable research question
  • Research and write a literature review
  • Derive hypotheses based on the relevant literature
  • Operationalize concepts and deal with questions of measurement
  • Understand how to collect and analyze data using a variety of methods

SOSS 301 – Qualitative Methods

This course will build on knowledge and skills developed in SOSS 200. In this course we will begin by thinking broadly about the research process, examining the relationship between social theory and methodological decisions, and looking at research ethics. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to mixed methods, ethnographic methods including participant observation and qualitative interviewing, content analysis, archival research methods, and visual methods including photo voice. Learning objectives include:

  • Students will engage more deeply with the theoretical questions, history and ethical issues of particular qualitative research methods.
  • Students will be exposed to a breadth of contemporary sociological studies that demonstrate qualitative research methods in practice.
  • Students will explore other ways in which qualitative research informs government policy and private industries.
  • Students will be equipped with practical skills in archival research methods, using software for analyzing interview transcripts, etc.

SOSS 302: Quantitative Research Methods II

Topics in quantitative methods that may include but are not limited to data management, multiple regression, generalized linear models (ex: logistic regression), survey research (including design, implementation, and analysis), principal component analysis, and experimental designs.

Prerequisites: SOSC 200, SOSC 301, and STAT 161/162/163. Three lecture hours and one laboratory hour. Four semester hours.

SOSS 450/451: Advanced Projects I & II

This course series will provide a framework in which to write a senior thesis, honors thesis, or other type of advanced project. You will use skills learned in previous classes to conduct research and write a senior thesis, honors thesis, or other form of advanced project. Depending upon your project, this may take one semester (SOSS 450) or two (SOSS 450 & SOSS 451). Topics for structured meetings will build upon previous SOSS methods courses. You will work collectively and individually to craft a project that meets your personal can career goals.