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Sociology Program

Program Overview/Mission

Sociology is the scientific study of human social behavior, interactions, and social institutions. Areas of study range from the micro-dynamics of human experiences, to the larger processes involved in the creation of social institutions, organizations, and social structures.

The Sociology Program at University of Houston-Clear Lake offers courses covering a wide spectrum of topics, including sociology of family and marriage, medical sociology, race and class inequality, social stratification, the city and urban problems, sociology of immigration, sociology of work and occupations, and gender and women's studies. Our students receive a broad education, with emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, and effective communication. The program is designed to prepare students to navigate the complex and diverse social world and pursue a purposeful life and a variety of careers.

Our faculty has areas of specialization in sociology of the family, immigration, medical sociology, race and ethnic relations, religion, social inequality, complex organizations and nonprofit organizations, and conflict resolution. We offer a broad spectrum of courses that will prepare students to pursue a variety of career paths.

Sociology students are encouraged to structure their plans of study to reflect concentrations within the discipline.


Program Degrees

Undergraduate Program (Bachelor of Science)
The undergraduate program in Sociology offers a broad spectrum of courses that will prepare you to pursue a variety of career paths.

Sociology B.S.

Minor in Sociology

Sociology students are encouraged to structure their plans of study to reflect concentrations within the discipline:

  • Criminology
  • Diversity
  • Family Sociology
  • Health and Medicine
  • Legal Studies
  • Urban Studies
  • Women's Studies
  • Work and Occupations

Graduate Program (Master of Arts)
The graduate program in Sociology features small classes that allow for close interaction with excellent faculty committed to teaching and advising students. As part of your advanced study, you will participate in a graduate internship either by completing a 500-hour internship at an agency or association or by teaching in a community college.

Sociology M.A.

Sociology students are encouraged to structure their plans of study to reflect concentrations within the discipline:

  • Diversity
  • Family Sociology
  • Health and Medicine
  • Urban Studies
  • Work and Occupations

Admission Requirements

  • Sociology M.A.
  • Application

    Apply online through Apply Texas for admission to the University of Houston-Clear Lake as a graduate student.

    Documents for admission are submitted after completion of the Apply Texas application. All required documents are due by the Graduate and International Admissions application deadlines.

  • Requirements
    • GRE Scores Not Required: The GRE requirement will automatically be removed after successful submission of the admission application.
    • Official Transcripts: Students should submit official transcripts from every college or university attended to the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Office of Admissions or International Admissions.
      • Recommended last 60-hour GPA of 3.0 or higher.
      • Please review New Student Admissions in the Graduate Catalog under Transcripts and Records Information to learn how to submit an official college transcript to UHCL.
  • Admission Review Process 

    If the last 60-hour GPA is below a 3.00 or an applicant has not completed a prior advanced degree, student admission files will be sent to the program for individual review.

    Individual Review Requirements: To complete individual review, submit/upload a statement of purpose to your UHCL E-Services account and to the program via email at Arney@uhcl.edu.

    • Statement of Purpose (not to exceed two single-spaced pages): describing the reasons for desiring this degree and how it fits into your career goals.

Program Faculty

Jennifer Arney
Jennifer Arney

Jennifer Arney

Associate Professor of Sociology,
Human Sciences and Humanities

Contact number: 281-283-3441
Email: Arney@UHCL.edu
Office: Bayou 2121

Jennifer Arney Faculty Bio

Stephen M. Cherry
Stephen Cherry

Stephen Cherry

Professor of Sociology,
Human Sciences and Humanities

Contact number: 281-283-3434
Email: cherry@uhcl.edu
Office: B2233

Stephen Cherry Faculty Bio

Amy Lucas
Amy Lucas

Amy Lucas

Associate Professor of Sociology,
Human Sciences and Humanities

Contact number: 281-283-3413
Email: Lucas@uhcl.edu
Office: Bayou 2121.04

Amy Lucas Faculty Bio

Mike McMullen
Michael McMullen

Michael McMullen

Professor of Sociology,
Human Sciences and Humanities

Contact number: 281-283-3435
Email: McMullen@uhcl.edu
Office: Bayou 2617.13

Michael McMullen Faculty Bio

Additional Information

For additional information about Sociology program faculty and courses, please contact:

Dr. Mike McMullen
Professor of Sociology and Program Director
McMullen@uhcl.edu
281-283-3435