Department of Sociology and Anthropology Home Page
Program of Study
The M.S. degree program in applied
sociology emphasizes practical and theoretical knowledge in the areas
of policy analysis, evaluation research, and organizational
sociology. It focuses on the acquisition of social research
skill, theory application, and practical experience. Students are
prepared for employment in industry, government agencies, and to pursue
a doctorate.
The degree is made up of 34 hours of graduate credit and
typically takes two years to complete.
The core curriculum includes theory, research methods, survey design,
evaluation research, statistics, organizations, and a 6-hour
field placement in an applied context. Students also design
a study area from classes offered in the department from
other graduate programs. Study areas are designed to
enhance the student's professional skills. Study areas could
potentially include marketing research, educational research,
organizational counsulting, criminal justice, health science, or policy
analysis. The program is designed to ensure close and informal
associations with the faculty.
Clemson's Applied Sociology program
has been recognized by the American Sociological Association as a
program with " exemplary practices" in the training of applied
sociologists.
The department offers several teaching and research assistantships
each year Graduate assistants devote 10 to 20 hours service per
week to the department assisting in faculty research or teaching
. Stipends currently pay $9,000 and include a tuition reduction
for in-state and out-of-state students.
The application deadline for an assistantship is March 15: however,
students should apply early since these positions are competitive.
Our program offers a four-pronged approach to student development. First, our students receive a grounding in policy analysis, organizations, and theory. This knowledge develops an understanding of intra-organizational patterns such as decision making, communication, and resource allocation. Second, our students are trained in the methods of data gathering and analysis, including computer applications. Emphasis is upon constructing, managing, and analyzing data sets that provide information crucial to organizational success. Third, students select an area of specialization related to their preferred work settings. The range of possibilities include, but are not restricted to, criminal justice, environmental sociology and developmental policy, business administration and management, health care delivery, public service, and education. Students select their area of specialization with the guidance of the graduate advisor. Finally, our students have the opportunity to gain "hands on" experience working in a private business or public service agency.
Research Facilities
The department of sociology is housed in Brackett Hall. The recently renovated building includes an atrium and two public-access computer laboratories. The department also has a computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) laboratory. Twelve interviewer stations are linked to a local server in order to facility telephone interviewing. Graduate students are trained to use this facility, including the software programs needed to design and implement a telephone survey. Clemson University libraries have a collection of more than 7,000 serial titles and 1,500,000 volumes.
Financial Aid
The Department of Sociology offers several teaching and research assistantships. Assistants devote 10 to 20 hours of service per week to the department. Stipends for 20 hour assistants are $7,500 for the first academic year, and $400 while undertaking the field placement. Semester tuition for in-state and out-of-state students with assistantships is reduced to $906. Highly qualified graduate students can receive fellowships. These awards require no services. The value of fellowships range from $5,000 to $12,000. Information about other forms of financial aid, including Stafford Loans, is available from The Financial Aid Office.
Cost of Study
In-state graduate students enrolled in 12 hours are currently charged $2,550 for academic fees per semester. Out-of-state students are charged $6,200 per semester. Graduate assistants are charged only $906 for academic fees and $95 for medical fees per semester. Summer academic fees were $196 per session in the summer of 2003.
Living and Housing Costs
Living expenses in Clemson are reasonably low. Housing can be obtained for under $500 per month for a two bedroom apartment. On campus housing also is available for $345 per month.
Student Group
The department has approximately 12 full-time graduate students, all of whom are currently supported by assistantships or fellowships. Currently, 7 females and 5 males are enrolled in courses.
Student Outcomes
Our graduates are highly marketable and have an excellent employment record. Our graduates work in such organizations as the National Opinion Research Center, United Way, Society for Human Resource Management, National Restaurant Association, NC State Center for Health Statistics, South Carolina's Department of Pesticide Regulations, Miglara Kaplan Company, Anderson Memorial Hospital, Arist Corporation, South Carolina Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission, Travel Industry Association, the Florida State Attorney's Office, and private research and marketing firms. These graduates are data analysts, research consultants, policy analysts, statisticians, and management consultants. Average starting salaries range between $28,000 and $58,000 a year. Other students are enrolled in various doctoral programs.
Location
Clemson University is situated in the Appalachian foothills and adjacent to Lake Hartwell. The campus and surrounding area are serene and beautiful. Lake Hartwell, with over 900 miles of shoreline, is excellent for fishing, skiing, and swimming. The campus is close to the cities of Greenville and Anderson. Both cities have many amenities, including fine restaurants. The climate is temperate.
Applying
All material for admission should be received by March 15. The application deadline for departmental assistantships also is March 15. Since these positions are competitive, students are encouraged to apply earlier.
Correspondence and Information
For more information contact Dr. Kinly Sturkie ( Email:
dkstr@clemson.edu)
An application form and the Graduate School Bulletin, can be
obtained by
accessing Clemson University's home page at http://www. grad.clemson.edu