Frequently Asked Questions

What do all the letters mean?
   M.P.H. (Master of Public Health)
   M.A. (Master of Arts)
   M.S. (Master of Science)
   Dr.P.H. (Doctor of Public Health)
   D.P.A. (Doctor of Public Administration)
   Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)
   Psy. D. (Doctor of Psychology)
   J.D. (Juris Doctor)
   M.S.W. (Master of Social Work)

Do I have to get my graduate degree in the same discipline as my undergraduate degree?
Absolutely not! In fact, many graduate programs encourage applicants from other disciplines. This website provides information on some of the related fields that sociologists go into. There are many more possibilities for someone with a Sociology B.A. but, make sure you read the admissions requirements for any graduate program before applying.

Do I have to get my Master’s Degree before going into a Ph.D. program?
While most academic Ph.D. programs will admit students with a Bachelor’s degree and award a Master’s degree en route to the Ph.D., some programs do require a Master’s Degree. Be sure to check the requirements for each program you plan to apply to.

What should I look for in a graduate program?
Obviously, the prestige of the university is an important consideration in choosing a graduate program, but, ideally, you would want to find a program that provides the best fit of your personal and professional goals. That usually means getting as much information as you can about the programs and faculty of universities that interest you. A good place to start is their web site.

Here are some universities in the Los Angeles/Orange County area that offer Master’s or Ph.D. degrees (Links to Graduate Division of each school). Graduate programs are listed aphabetically by school and by discipline: