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Master Program in Sociology

Academic Program

The Master's Program in Sociology is a graduate program offered by the College of Humanities and Sciences - Department of Sociology and Social Work at the University of Science and Technology in Fujairah. This program was developed in recognition of the importance of creating programs that keep pace with societal changes, marked by the scientific and technological revolution of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The university's commitment to scientific and technological research has become a strategic activity, positioning the institution to significantly influence positive societal change. The global competition extends beyond economic aspects to include knowledge, science, and technology. While the economy is the lifeline of society, scientific and technological research, with its contribution to knowledge, forms its mastermind. Scientific research has become a powerful force across various fields, prompting the university to emphasize research in its strategic plan. This program aims to align with continuous development trends, the Fifth Industrial Revolution, and digital transformation.

 

Objectives of the Master's Program in Sociology:

The Master's Program in Sociology is an integral part of the academic programs and activities of the College of Humanities and Sciences, aiming to achieve the following goals:

  1. Achieve academic excellence for graduate students enrolled in the program.
  2. Serve the needs of the local and regional community and contribute to building a developed and innovative society.
  3. Provide opportunities for qualified university graduates and professionals working in government and non-governmental institutions, as well as related organizations and individuals.
  4. Enhance students' academic knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and research competence, preparing them for future roles as efficient administrators, practitioners, social workers, and researchers.
  5. Open doors for scientific and cultural cooperation, and exchange expertise and knowledge with counterpart faculties in various Arab and foreign universities.
  6. Prepare students for advanced studies qualifying them to pursue a PhD in sociology or related fields.

 

Program Outcomes

Upon completing the program requirements, graduates will be able to:

  1. Understand advanced theoretical frameworks and methodologies in sociology.
  2. Acquire specialized skills necessary to conduct qualitative and quantitative sociological research.
  3. Apply acquired sociological knowledge to address social challenges.
  4. Analyze social, developmental, and strategic issues through creative critical thinking.
  5. Plan social, developmental, strategic, and applied research projects in the UAE and lead work teams.

 

Admission Criteria

To be accepted into the Master's Program in Sociology, the following conditions must be met:
  1. Students must hold a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Sociology and Social Work, or Social Work from a recognized university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (Very Good).
  2. Students with a Bachelor's degree and a GPA between 2.5 and less than 3.0 out of 4.0 may be conditionally accepted. They must enroll in three courses (9 credit hours from the Master's program courses) and achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 by the end of the first semester. Failure to meet this requirement may result in dismissal from the program.
  3. Students with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Humanities, or Educational Sciences from a recognized university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (Very Good) may be conditionally accepted for one semester. During this period, they must complete three remedial courses that are not part of the Master's curriculum:
    • Introduction to Sociology (SSWM151)
    • Social Theories (SSWM257)
    • History of Social Thought (SSWM155)
These courses are designed for students whose undergraduate programs did not include sociology studies, providing them with the foundational knowledge required for the Master's Program in Sociology. Students entering the program without prior coursework in Sociology or Social Work must complete these three remedial courses and achieve a cumulative GPA of "B" (3.0 out of 4.0) for full acceptance into the program.
The remedial courses are offered in the first semester, and conditional acceptance is contingent upon achieving a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 by the end of that semester. Failure to meet this requirement may lead to dismissal from the program. These courses cover key concepts and tools of modern sociology in areas such as sociology, social theories, and the history of social thought. Students may be exempted from one or more of these courses if they can provide evidence of successfully completing equivalent courses at other accredited universities. The Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences and the Master's Program Coordinator in Sociology are responsible for decisions regarding these exemptions. However, remedial courses are mandatory for students without prior experience in core areas of sociology. Students must pass these courses before starting the Master's Program in Sociology. Additionally, the university recognizes prior learning experiences, allowing for appropriate exemptions through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, according to university regulations.
  1. An interview with the Master's Program Admission Committee in Sociology.
Students are accepted based on their specific specialization and undergraduate GPA. In cases where applicants have equal qualifications, they will undergo an interview with a departmental committee to establish priorities based on academic and practical criteria set by the department. Priority is given to students with the highest undergraduate GPA, and if there is a tie, preference is given to those with more professional experience in social and human sciences.
  1. Achieving a score of 450 in TOEFL, 4.5 in IELTS, or equivalent scores in other English proficiency tests recognized by the ministry, or an EmSAT English score of 950.
  2. Students who do not meet the English language requirement (450 in TOEFL, 4.5 in IELTS, or EmSAT English 950) may be conditionally accepted into the program. They must enroll in a basic English language course during their first semester, along with up to two program courses (maximum of 6 credit hours). Full admission to the program is granted only after successfully completing the basic English course with a minimum grade of 'C' or 'Good.' If the required grade is not achieved, the student is given one additional semester to meet the requirement for full acceptance into the program.

 

Required Documents for Admission to the Graduate Program:

  • Completed application form
  • UAE high school certificate or equivalent
  • Certified copy of the bachelor's degree certificate or equivalent
  • Certified copy of the transcript
  • Language proficiency certificate
  • Copy of a valid passport
  • Copy of the UAE ID card
  • Health certificate from a recognized authority
  • Certificate of good conduct from an official body
  • Six recent passport-sized photos
  • Two reference letters
  • Signed statement of commitment to university rules and regulations

 

Admission Validity

Admission to the Master's Program in Sociology is valid for up to two semesters. If the admitted student does not enroll in the program within this period, the admission will be canceled.

 

Graduation Requirements

To earn the Master's degree in Sociology, students must complete 30 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, detailed as follows:

  • Complete 24 credit hours by studying 8 courses.
  • Complete a 6-credit hour thesis.
  • The program must be completed in a minimum of four semesters and a maximum of eight semesters. Postponement or withdrawal is allowed for up to two semesters, extending the maximum to ten semesters, excluding summer.

Extensions for justified reasons may be granted for one additional semester upon the supervisor's recommendation and approval from the college council.

 

Enrollment Suspension

A student enrolled in the master's program may request to suspend enrollment for up to two consecutive or non-consecutive semesters with the Dean's approval, provided the request is made during the first half of the semester. Conditional acceptance students may defer meeting admission conditions to the next semester. The decision will be communicated to the student and the Director of Admissions and Registration.