speechfan222

I am starting a Masters program in Sociology this Fall and am wondering whether or not I should read through a Sociology textbook I have from an Introductory course. I took this course years ago and only studied a section of the book. It's very interesting (and seems pretty basic compared to a graduate program), but I'm not sure if I should spend the time reading through it and possibly taking some notes. If I should pass on this textbook, can anyone recommend some decent Sociology books that I should read? I find it very interesting and want to read more about it. I have googled top Sociology books and found a few that I've already added to my to-read list. I also found a pretty good blog that I've been following, but I would like more. If anyone can provide me with more materials, let me know!

I will be starting a Masters program in Sociology this coming Fall semester, but I'm curious... Does anyone have any good recommendations for books about or related to Sociology? I am interested in all areas of this field, but mostly issues affecting our society, data analysis, statistics, and the study of life and human interaction. I did a google search for most popular Sociology books, but I'm looking for more. Let me know if you have read any of these and would recommend them or if they are on your to-read list. I'm curious!!

Hello everyone, I am an online student and am interested in asking a professor for a letter of reference. I did really well in her course and believe she wouldn't mind writing a LOR for me. I kept in contact with her throughout the course by emailing her quite often with several questions. Other than email, there have not been any other ways of contact with one another. We have not met each other in person and I have not attended any of her office hours. I'm curious, is it appropriate, and okay, to ask a professor who teaches online courses for a LOR? I'm not really afraid of her possibly saying no. I just don't want her to not be able to because she has not met me in person and only knows about me through email communications. If appropriate, would it be okay to ask for the LOR through email? I normally ask for letters in person, but since email is my only option with this professor, I just want to make sure it's professional and acceptable. Please let me know what you think. I appreciate any feedback!

Does anyone know where I can find more information about research positions? Once I obtain my MA degree, I would be interested in a research position and performing data analysis (obtaining and analyzing data). Other than specific companies posting job opportunities and what their company requires for a position, I'm not able to find any information about the daily responsibilities and job requirements for someone conducting research with a Sociology degree. If anyone knows anything about this or has more information, please let me know. Also, would I be required to obtain a PhD in order to do research, or would a Master degree be enough? Thanks!

This is interesting, thanks! I may consider these as well, but I'm obtaining my Masters in Sociology, so I'm looking for job opportunities and responsibilities with a Masters degree.

This information seems very helpful. Thanks for your response. I clicked the link you provided and searched for a few positions where I'm currently located and it only came up with military positions. Several within the Air Force and Navy. Do you have any idea which state or federal agencies I can search within to find more information about job opportunities? I can google them, but wasn't sure if you already knew about some. If you don't mind me asking, what does your position involve? Do you conduct research on mental health and substance abuse patients? Or do you not see individuals and instead just research more information about these topics? Would you say that most research positions would only require a Masters degree and I would only need a PhD if I wanted to conduct research on my own? Thanks for the help. I appreciate it.

I am currently completing my Masters degree in Sociology. Unfortunately, I don't have a large background or experience within this field, as I earned my BS degree in another major. I have been doing some research about job opportunities for somebody with a Masters degree in Sociology. I enjoy the whole major - improving society, helping families succeed, and even data analysis and research. The American Sociological Association website doesn't seem to be much help either. Does anyone have any resources, information, suggestions, or tips to help me find this information? It seems like I can find out about specific job opportunities when I see them posted under the career section of company websites, but I'm not always able to look for all of those. I also would like to find out whether or not I would need to obtain a PhD for specific opportunities and positions, or if I could gain employment with a Masters degree. If ANYONE has any information for me, I would greatly appreciate it. Sometimes I feel like a lost puppy in the large world of Sociology. Thank you in advance!

I've heard the NAU Speech Pathology program is pretty good. I was interested in this program, but wasn't able to apply since there is not an online option. I currently work full time and need to be able to take online courses. NAU - Flagstaff also has a summer program where you complete coursework during summer semesters. Hello @maurmaur. I noticed you're from AZ and saw your profile says Tucson. I'm currently in Tucson as well. Small world! Where did you apply for this fall?

Hmmm okay. Interesting. Thanks.

That's awesome! Would you mind telling me what your job requirements were and what you did on a daily basis, if you don't mind? I'm not really sure what research positions entail. Thanks. I appreciate it.

Good to know, thanks. I figured some would require a doctorate since most university professors who have research labs are required to have a doctorate. I'm assuming you are a Soc major. What do you want to do with your degree? Are you going for an MA or PhD?

This helps a bit, thanks. As popular as Sociology is and the amount of opportunities available, I'm just kind of shocked that there aren't more resources available. Someone with a BS in the field may have been given more information, but someone new to this field, like myself, is somewhat lost. Do most research positions only require an MA? I figured it would require a PhD or something else. But that is good to know. I think research would be interesting. Put this stats knowledge to work. :o)

Do you know of any resources where I can find more job opportunities in detail? I've heard about non profit groups, but what is the job description for someone with this position?

Thanks for this information. I figured individuals with a Masters in Sociology would teach at a university level (positions that don't require doctorates), but I suppose community college is an option too. Hmmm.

Does anyone know where I can find resources or any information about careers and job opportunities for someone with a Masters degree in Sociology? I am new to this field and have a small idea of what I would like to do once I graduate, but would like more information. I looked over the ASA website which isn't too helpful. I also did a google search to try and find more information for graduate students with an MA/MS in Sociology, but am not finding any helpful information. If anyone knows where I can find more information or who/what to contact, please let me know. Thank you!

I am currently taking an online pre-requisite course for an online Masters program in Sociology. It's an accelerated course that lasts for 7.5 weeks, then the second course begins for 7.5 weeks. I'm pretty comfortable with the weekly assignments and due dates, but am curious about managing my time for other responsibilities. I need to make sure to have enough time for my significant other, my two dogs, and to make dinner. By the time I get home from work, make dinner, and eat, it seems like I only have a few hours left until I need to go to bed. What are some of the best ways to organize my time and make sure I can finish everything I need to. I'm trying to complete assignments early, so that I have some extra time in the week for other things. My weekends will be filled with assignments and studies and may have a little extra time, but I'm mostly concerned about M-F when I'm working. Please let me know what you think. Every suggestion is appreciated!

I loved this book!! I'm sure you'll enjoy it as well. I'd also recommend All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. That book was incredible!!

I wish I was watching the snow as well. That sounds nice and relaxing.

I just saw this response now since grad cafe isn't very good at giving me notifications when I have comments on posts. This definitely answers my questions and is very helpful, thanks! Just one more question for you... Why would not not advise teaching at a university with a MA degree for very long?

I'd like to do basically anything in the field. From teaching sociology at a university to doing research. All of it interests me. Where are you from?

I think you should take the prereqs and apply to programs if you're really interested in the field. It's ironic....we are doing the exact same opposite. I have a BS in Speech Pathology and am going to start an MS program in Sociology. I have to take two prereqs first since I don't have a background in the field, but I'm going to take those starting next week and then apply to programs for Fall 2017. Since you have a BS degree in Sociology, is there anything specific or important I should know (or that you want to share) before starting an MS program? I find Sociology very interesting, but don't have any background in it or know much about it. Thanks!

Yes, full time study. That makes sense. Unfortunately, prereqs are required for those without a BS in Speech Pathology. What do you have a BS in? You can still consider taking the prereqs if you're that interested in the field!

I'm assuming you don't have a BS degree in Speech Pathology? It depends on the program and how many credits you take per semester. Some programs only offer these courses either in the Spring or Fall and sometimes there are credit requirements, especially if you have financial aid. It looks like you need a total of 21 credits. If you take 9 credits (3 courses) per semester, you would be finished in 3 semesters. You would be able to complete all of your prereqs in a year and a half. How many credits do you want to take in a semester?

I really enjoyed this book. I found it interesting that its a fictional work but takes place during an actual event. I want to look into his other works. I really liked this book.

I'm currently reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. It's a great book. I really enjoy how it's written. I'm a little behind in having a chance to read the book once it was published, but reading it now. About half way through and trying to finish it as soon as I can. Classes start in 11 days and I'm pretty sure I won't have much time for reading fiction books. If I don't finish it in time, I will definitely read at night before bed.