The Department of Sociology at the University of Tennessee offers a Five-Year BA/MA program for highly motivated and academically outstanding students who are passionate about understanding and analyzing human societies. This program offers students the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Sociology within a five-year timeframe. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and advanced research experience required for a successful career in sociological research, social services, advocacy, and more.
The core component of the program is that qualified students can apply up to 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. This not only accelerates their academic journey but also enhances their research and analytical capabilities.
Program Components
Eligibility and Admission
Students must have a declared major in Sociology with a specialization in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Students must have an overall GPA of 3.4 in required coursework for admission to the program.
Conditional admission may be granted after the completion of 60 hours of coursework fulfilling requirements for the BA in Sociology, including a minimum of 15 credit hours in core Sociology courses.
Full admission to the program may be granted after the completion of 90 hours of required coursework for the BA in Sociology with a minimum GPA of 3.4, including at least 24 hours of core Sociology courses.
Admission Process
The admission process begins with application to the Sociology Undergraduate Program Director.
The admission decision will be based on coursework, letters of recommendation, and a personal interview with members of the Undergraduate and Graduate Committees in the Department of Sociology to determine the level of maturity and academic achievement.
Upon approval from the Undergraduate Program Director, students can submit an official application to the Graduate School.
Coursework
Students, once conditionally admitted to the program, may take up to 9 credit hours of approved graduate-level Sociology courses that count towards both their BA and MA degrees.
All courses taken for graduate credit must be approved by the student’s academic advisor and the Sociology Director of Graduate Studies.
Students must also request permission from the Graduate School to take approved courses for graduate credit and follow the regular admission process for the Sociology graduate program.
Assistantships
Students will be eligible for assistantship opportunities after they are formally enrolled as graduate-level students in the Sociology Graduate Program.
Thesis
Students in the Five-Year BA-MA program will complete a practicum and thesis as part of their Master of Arts requirements. This option allows for an in-depth exploration of the application of Criminology and Sociology to the wider community.
Faculty Mentorship
Students are required to obtain a commitment from a faculty member in the Sociology Department to serve as their major professor for the MA portion of the program. The major professor will act as a mentor and advisor.
Academic Advising
Students in the Five-Year BA-MA program will receive specialized academic advising to ensure a smooth transition between their undergraduate and graduate studies.
