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Sociology
Graduate Handbook The University | Sociology Department | Admission Requirements | Types of Admission | Application | Financial Aid | Advising | Degree Requirements | Choosing an Option | Electives | Degree Progress | Grades | Graduation Application | Time Limit | Survey Research Lab | Computing | Library | Flow Chart for Graduate Career | Thesis | Graduate Courses | |
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The University
Overall, the faculty members make every effort to insure that those who receive the M.S.
are fully capable of meeting the standards of scholarship characteristic of the best in the
profession. In the core courses, emphasis is placed on the development of theoretical and
methodological competencies. By the time students complete their degree requirements, they
should have developed a deep appreciation of the nature and theoretical bases of
contemporary sociology. They should be familiar with a wide range of methodological
approaches, statistical concepts, and techniques of measurement, control, and analysis used
in sociological research. Students should also develop substantive knowledge in at least one
area of specialization. 1. General admission requirements for graduate study in the university are as follows:
(1) graduation from an accredited college or university or its equivalent;
(2) except in very unusual cases, a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for at least the last two years of undergraduate work;
(3) satisfactory scores on a standardized test commonly used and deemed appropriate in a particular discipline (the Department requires submission of Graduate Record Examination scores in general aptitude (quantitative, analytical, and verbal);
(4) three letters of recommendation which comment on the applicant's ability to undertake graduate study in sociology;
(5) the applicant's written statement of intent for pursuing graduate studies in sociology;
(6) such additional requirements as may be established by individual programs and schools (additional requirements for the Department of Sociology are listed in points 2 and 3 below).
2. Admission priority is given to students with an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0
or higher on a 4.0 scale. Students with grade point averages below 3.0 will be evaluated by
the Graduate Director and members of the graduate faculty on the basis of the GRE scores,
3. To be admitted as a regular graduate student, applicants should have completed 24
semester hours in social science (including history), with at least 12 credits in sociology.
Undergraduate work in sociology should include a survey of sociological theory, research
methods, and statistics. Students who are otherwise qualified for admission but lack this
background may be admitted provisionally, with the stipulation that they may be requested
to make up an deficiencies specified by the Graduate Program Director.
Final action on admission is taken by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies in
consultation with the College of Humanities and Sciences and the Department of Sociology.
Students may be admitted to the graduate program under one of the following classifications:
1. Prospective candidate for the degree (regular status): Students who meet all requirements
for admission to the degree program, and who are recommended by the Department and
College, may be admitted as prospective candidates for the degree.
2. Provisional status: Students who have not fully met the requirements of the Department
may be granted admission with a provisional status as prospective candidates for a degree.
3. Non-degree status: Students without advanced degree objectives or students who wish to
take graduate courses in sociology without formal admission to the degree program are
classified as non-degree seeking students. Non-degree seeking students are not exempted
from any prerequisites which may be specified for a course. In addition, successful
completion of courses as a non-degree seeking student does not necessarily guarantee
admission to the M.S. Program. This status serves two groups of students: (a) Those
students interested only in enrolling in graduate courses for self-improvement; (b) Those
students interested primarily in certification credit without degree objectives either preceding
or following a graduate degree program. Students who register as non-degree seeking
without the benefit of an advisor must be prepared to document that they have met the
admission requirements and prerequisites of the courses for which they enroll and should
understand that they may be removed from the courses if not qualified or if the courses are
oversubscribed. Students applying for regular candidate admission status after taking courses as non-degree seeking students will not be allowed to apply more than six credits earned as non-degree seeking students toward the degree if accepted into the program. Satisfactory performance as non-degree seeking students does not assure admission as regular degree-seeking students. There is no limit to the number of hours non-degree seeking students can take in pursuing self improvement. Application forms and materials may be downloaded directly from this website. If you would like for them to be mailed, make your request to the School of Graduate Studies, Box 843051, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284-3051. There is a $20 non -refundable application fee which must accompany the application. This fee will not be credited toward tuition payment. Note that all applications must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies at the address above - not directly to the Sociology Department.
Also note that an application cannot be given final consideration until all
required credentials have been received. These include the following: (1) two official
transcripts, or the equivalent from each college or university previously attended,
(2) three
letters of recommendation, (3) GRE scores, and (4) a letter of intent for pursuing graduate
studies. Non-U.S. citizens must complete the VCU Application for International
Admissions.
Applications which reach the university after July 1 for the fall semester and after
November 15 for the spring semester may not be processed in time for registration. An
applicant whose application materials arrive late may be considered for admission as a
non-degree seeking student, but there is no guarantee that the student will be accepted into
the degree program. Applications from international students should be submitted by
April 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester.
Financial
Aid After notification of acceptance the new student's first step should be to consult with the Graduate Director. The Graduate Director will act as the student's interim advisor and will help the student work out a general plan of course work. The ultimate responsibility for meeting all requirements for the degree rests with the student.
Students must select (in
consultation with the Graduate Director) a thesis advisor before the beginning of their third
semester. Students should begin development of a thesis proposal under the guidance of a
thesis committee (thesis option) or a concentration area under the guidance of a
concentration advisory committee (concentration option). The thesis committee consists of
three faculty, one of whom is designated as the student's advisor. One member of the thesis
committee must be from a department, program, or area of specialization other than that in
which the student is enrolled. The concentration advisory committee consists of three faculty
including an advisor.
Requirements for the M.S. Degree in Sociology
Two options are available for students pursuing a master's degree in sociology. Students
must receive approval from the Graduate Director before choosing an option. While each
track has identical core course requirements, there are important differences among the
options that have implications for students' subsequent course choices.
Note: in the descriptions that follow, "substantive departmental seminars" do not refer to
courses that are cross-listed; rather, substantive seminars are taught by graduate faculty in
the Sociology department and are designed around their areas of expertise. Seminar
requirements ensure that students graduate from the program with a broad base of
sociological knowledge, approaches, and topic areas.
1. Thesis option: Required Courses - 12 hrs. core; 6 hrs. thesis;
Thirty-six hours of graduate course work must be completed including the following core
courses: SOC 502 Contemporary Sociological Theory, SOC 601 Advanced Methods of
Social Research, SOC 602 Applications of Advanced Research Methods, and SOC 608
Advanced Statistical Methods. In addition to the core requirements, students must take at
least 3 substantive seminars offered by departmental faculty. A master's thesis will be
developed under the guidance of a thesis committee and must be publicly defended. The
student may present up to six thesis credits for graduation. Up to six graduate credits from
other schools or other departments may be accepted toward the M.S. degree upon
approval of the Graduate Director. Three independent study hours may also be applied toward the M.S. degree. Independent studies require extensive
pre-planning with a faculty member and must be approved by the Graduate Director prior to
the semester it takes place. In exceptional cases, and only with
permission of the graduate committee, students may present up to six
Independent Study hours. At no time can the combination of independent study and
courses taken outside the department exceed 9 hours.
2. Thesis/ Practicum: Required Courses: 12 hrs core; 6 hrs practicum; Electives: 18 hrs. [9 hrs minimum in substantive departmental seminars; 9 hrs.
combination [described below].
Thirty-six hours of graduate course work must be completed including the following core
courses: SOC 502 Contemporary Sociological Theory, SOC 601 Advanced Methods of
Social Research, SOC 602 Applications of Advanced Research Methods, and SOC 608
Advanced Statistical Methods. In addition to the core requirements, students must take at
least 3 substantive seminars offered by departmental faculty. A master's thesis will be
developed under the guidance of a thesis committee and must be publicly defended.
In this track, however, students' theses are based on a participatory
action research model (PAR) and are designed in collaboration with designated state or
local agencies. The
student may present up to six practicum credits for graduation. Up to six graduate credits from
other schools or other departments may be accepted toward the M.S. degree upon
approval of the Graduate Director. Three independent study hours may also be applied toward the M.S. degree. Independent studies require extensive
pre-planning with a faculty member and must be approved by the Graduate Director prior to
the semester it takes place. In exceptional cases, and only with
permission of the graduate committee, students may present up to six
Independent Study hours. At no time can the combination of independent study and
courses taken outside the department exceed 9 hours.
3. Concentration option: Required Courses: 12 hrs. core; Electives:
24 hrs [12 hr. minimum in substantive departmental seminars; 12 hrs combination].
Thirty-six hours of graduate course work must be completed including the following core courses: SOC 502 Contemporary Sociological Theory, SOC 601 Advanced Methods of Social Research, SOC 602 Applications of Advanced Research Methods, and SOC 608 Advanced Statistical Methods. 1) The student must declare a concentration option prior to completing his /her twenty-eighth hour of course work; 2) The student in consultation with his/her advisor will select an advisory committee (three faculty members including the advisor) which will develop an area of concentration consisting of fifteen credits. Six of these credits may be taken prior to committee approval of the total concentration area. The student may take up to nine of the fifteen concentration hours outside of the department, provided the advisory committee approves. In the final semester, students should enroll in one 3 credit independent study structured around the concentration area. Extensive pre-planning with a faculty member prior to the final semester is expected.. At no time can the combination of outside courses and independent study exceed 12 hours. No thesis credit is permitted. The student will receive certification of the concentration area by having it listed on the transcript; 3) The student will submit to the advisory committee a "concentration area paper" which must demonstrate competence in the subject matter by reviewing literature and discussing prominent issues.
The concentration option is designed for students who wish to integrate courses in related
fields with a strong sociological perspective. This option should be particularly attractive to
students who are already working in social problems related community or state agencies
and wish to develop a broader theoretical base from which to approach their respective
occupations. Students who plan a teaching career in a two-year college or secondary school
should consider opportunities to develop a strong, interdisciplinary substantive area
available in the concentration option.
Students who plan careers in research or who plan to pursue the Ph.D. in sociology are
advised to choose the thesis track. Students should consult with the Graduate
Director and faculty in their interest areas to reach a decision on which option to pursue.
Students are advised to make the choice between options by the end of their first year of
full-time graduate study.
Elective hours beyond the required curriculum for the appropriate option may be chosen to
represent a general overview of the field, or they may be selected to permit concentration in
a particular specialty area. Students choosing the thesis option will have
eighteen credits of electives to choose from. Those students choosing the
concentration option will have 24 hours of electives; nine hours of electives must be
completed before declaring the concentration. Students should consult with their advisors in
order to develop a coherent specialization area or concentration area with approved
electives.
The M.S. thesis normally should be comparable to a publishable article (in length and
format), although with a somewhat more extensive literature review and full elaboration of
the theoretical framework and research procedures. Implications for future research and/or
action should also be discussed. The stylistic conventions of the American Sociological
Review should be used. Theses are defended publicly, after having been left on file for one
week with the departmental secretary. Any faculty member present may express
reservations regarding the acceptability of the thesis. However, the student's thesis
committee makes the final departmental decision regarding acceptability of the thesis
(majority vote). The thesis should demonstrate the student's ability to conceive an adequate
research project rather than produce publishable material (i.e., insufficient sample size).
Progress toward the Degree: Continuous Enrollment
Once admitted to the degree program, a graduate student is expected to enroll each
semester. Students may request a leave of absence from the program through written appeal
to the Graduate Director. The Graduate Director will forward the request with attached
recommendation to the graduate dean who will respond for the university. Students who do
not register for courses for more than one calendar year and who have not been granted a
leave of absence, must reapply for admission to the university and the M.S. program.
Students who have completed course requirements for the degree (36 semester hours for
the thesis options; 36 for the concentration option) must register for a minimum of one
semester hour each semester until the degree is awarded.
Full-time graduate status consists of a minimum of nine and a maximum of 16 credits per
semester. No more than 12 semester credits may be earned in a summer semester.
Graduate Teaching Assistants must register for 12 hours each semester, work 20 hours per
week in their teaching assignments, and should not take on work obligations outside the
department.
Graduate students are expected to maintain an overall grade point average of at least 3.0
("B"). Students who do not maintain a 3.0 average may be dropped from the master's
program at any time. If students earn less than a "B" on 20 percent or more of all attempted
credits, their graduate status will be reviewed by the Graduate Program Committee. Any
graduate student who does not have at least a 3.0 average after completing 15 hours of
graduate work will be dropped from the program. Students will receive no graduate credit
for courses in which a grade of less than "C" is given. Graduate students must have earned
an overall grade point average of 3.0 to receive a degree. Students must not have more than
six semester hours of graduate courses with a grade of "C" to receive a degree.
2. Grade of W (Withdrawn)
The grade of "W'" indicates that a student has officially withdrawn from a course or has been
dropped for non-attendance. Students must abide by attendance requirements as announced
in each separate class even though the requirements may vary widely among courses.
Students may officially withdraw any time up to the end of the eighth week of classes.
(Consult the university calendar in the Graduate Bulletin for the exact date each semester).
3. Grade of I (Incomplete)
If, because of circumstances beyond a student's control, the student is unable to meet all the
requirements of a course by the end of the semester, a grade of "incomplete" ("I") may be
given with the instructor's permission. The award of a grade of "incomplete" requires an
understanding between the instructor and the student as to when and how the course will be
completed and the filing of an "Incomplete Grade Assignment" form. The maximum
time-limit for submission of all course work necessary for the removal of an "incomplete" is
the end of the last day of classes of the semester immediately following the semester or
summer session in which the "incomplete" was incurred. At that time, an un-removed grade
of "I", the "incomplete," is automatically changed to a failing grade. An extension of the time
limit is possible but must be approved, prior to the time of expiration noted above, by the
instructor and the dean of the school through which the course is offered. Written approval
indicating the new time limit must be filed with the Office of Enrollment Services by the dean.
4. Thesis Grading
Students enrolling in SOC 698 (M.S. Thesis) will be awarded a grade of "S" (Satisfactory)
or "U" (Unsatisfactory) each semester. There is no limit to the number of thesis credits a
student may take while pursuing completion of the degree as long as the student receives a
grade of "S" for each credit.
Students are required to submit a Graduation Application Form and a Degree Completion
Form (Form 3.1) to the dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences in advance of the
date when they expect to receive a degree . The deadline for the submission of these forms
to the student advisor normally occurs shortly after classes begin in the semester of expected
graduation. Consult the university calendar in the Graduate Bulletin for the exact date each
semester.
The university sets deadlines each semester for the completion of the thesis oral defense,
normally at the beginning of final examination week. Consult the university calendar in the
Graduate Bulletin for the exact date each semester. Theses must be filed with the
departmental secretary one week prior to the public defense.
The time limit for completion of the M.S. degree may not extend beyond a period of seven
years, which includes five years with two possible one-year extensions which may be
granted, upon petition, by the dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Students taking nine
hours per regular semester may complete the thesis option or the concentration option in
four regular semesters. Taking summer courses may quicken the pace of an individual's
program.
The Survey Research Laboratory (SRL) of Virginia Commonwealth University offers
graduate students the unique opportunity to participate in survey research conducted for
local, state and federal agencies, as well as other groups working in the public interest.
Students gain direct experience in sampling procedures, questionnaire development,
interviewing, computer applications, and statistical analysis of the data. Research
project ,
directed by members of the Lab as well as members of the Faculty afford the student
opportunities seldom offered by purely academic settings.
Computer Resources and Facilities
Academic Campus Computing Services (ACCS) provides staff support and computer
facilities for instruction, research, and certain community service activities. A wide range of
computing facilities is available at VCU. The University maintains systems for research and
instruction, and students can obtain accounts that provide access to Internet and electronic
mail as well as to a variety of databases and an assortment of statistical software. Public
access terminals are located in Cabell Library, the Temple Building, and the Business
Building, and the department maintains workstations in Lafayette Hall that are connected to
the network. Dialup facilities are available to provide computer access from remote
locations.
Software available on these computers, or through the VCU network, include statistics
packages (e.g., SPSS--Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and SAS--Statistical
Analysis System), word processing applications (e.g., Microsoft Word), electronic mail, and
software to facilitate Internet access. Databases include the complete General Social
Surveys (1972 - present). VCU is a member of the ICPSR (International Consortium for
Political and Social Research) which allows researchers to use a vast array of survey data
that has been archived over the past 30 years. Up-to-date U.S. Census data is also
available.
Sociology Graduate students have their own word processing room (room 317) available in
the Sociology/Anthropology building at 312 Shafer Street. This room currently houses five
IBM compatible computers that are connected to the campus network, along with a
document scanner and laser printer.
The combined collections in James Branch Cabell Library on the Academic Campus and
Tompkins -McCaw Library on the MCV campus total more than one million volumes and
feature over 8,400 journal and newspaper titles. The Cabell Library is a selective depository
for U.S. government documents and also houses audio, video, and multimedia resources.
Both libraries offer an assortment of services, including reference assistance from
professional librarians, library orientation tours and bibliographic instruction,
computer-assisted literature services, and self-service photocopiers. The online catalog links
libraries on both campuses and offers a social science electronic database. Through
interlibrary loan, students may borrow books from public and academic libraries throughout
the United States.
Flow Chart for Graduate Career
The Graduate Director is the temporary advisor for all first year students. All students should
make an appointment to see him/her and discuss their first year curriculum. A permanent
advisor should be identified during the first year. The following curriculum is the most typical
one pursued by students. Exceptions are common when prerequisites have not been fulfilled
or when students come with extensive sociological backgrounds. YEAR ONE
Fall Semester [both options]
3) Elective
Spring Semester [both options] In the spring semester Methods class (601) students choosing the
thesis option will have the opportunity to develop a first draft of a
thesis proposal. During the summer months, students should move this
process forward in two ways: Summer
1.
Over the summer, students should start thinking seriously about who they will ask to be their
adviser and about a research problem that they will pursue for their thesis (if they haven't already
done this). If at all possible, they should tie the interest reflected in their thesis to one or
more courses they will select in the fall.. 1a. Identify and ask a
faculty person to serve as a thesis chair. In consultation with the
chair, students should also identify the rest of their thesis committee
[one additional departmental faculty member; one faculty member outside the
department.] Once agreements to serve have been obtained, students
should inform the Graduate Director of these selections. 2. In consultation with the thesis chair, the student should develop
a reading list and conduct their preliminary literature review based on
their thesis area. 2a. 2c.
Students are advised to read
previous theses located in the Graduate Reading Room in Lafayette
Hall (in the alcove) to obtain the best
idea of what is currently acceptable.
Fall Semester [practicum students]
Spring Semester [Thesis Option ]
Practicum Option
2) Elective
All second-year students planning to graduate in May should file for graduation prior to the Spring deadline which is always at the beginning of
the Spring semester (consult the Graduate Bulletin for exact date).
1. Develop an idea for a thesis problem or proposal. At this point the idea can be rather
vague, but try to write down a statement of the problem that can be researched. This should
be done in the summer between the first and second year or during the fall of the second
year.
7. All students planning on graduating in May must have their advisors post the
announcement of their thesis defense on the bulletin board outside the chairperson's office
one week before the actual defense.
Graduate Courses in Sociology
502 Contemporary Sociological Theory. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A
critical assessment is given of such contemporary theoretical orientations as functionalism,
conflict theory, exchange theory, symbolic interactionism and phenomenology.
601 Advanced Methods of Social Research. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: SOC 214 and 320 or equivalent. Research as a systematic process involving
formulation of the problem design of the research, field operation, the processing and
analysis of data, and preparation of the research report. Also considered are critical
analyses of current methods, administration of research projects, and the significance of
research to social action.
602 Applications of Advanced Research Methods. 3 lecture and conference hours. 3
credits. Prerequisites: 601, and 608. The methods of developing a research project will be
analyzed from the initial problem identification, literature review, theoretical framework,
through research design and procedures.
603 Seminar in Population Studies. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Analysis of
fertility, mortality and migration from a sociodemographic perspective. Special attention will
be paid to sociological determinants of demographic processes and their interrelationships.
604 Sociology of Work in Industry. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Analysis of
work relations and the social structures and mechanisms which govern and arise out of them
and examination of the social problems that are inherent in the characteristics that make a
society an industrial society.
607 Seminar in Racial and Ethnic Relations in America. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3
credits. A study of inter-group relations in such areas as busing and school desegregation,
racism, minority separatist movements, ethnic-racial violence, minorities and athletics, the
emergence of white ethnic groups in the political systems, and the position of minorities in
legal, economic, and medical institutions.
608 Advanced Statistical Methods. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: SOC 214 and 320 or equivalent. A discussion of statistical methods related to sociological research. The statistical techniques include correlation and regression, multiple correlation, and multiple regression, T test, one- and two-way analysis of variance, non-parametric statistical techniques especially PRE measures.
609 Seminar in the Family. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
Analysis of contemporary family life with an emphasis on the influence of social change.
Consideration of current family crises and problems.
610 Complex Organizations. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A study of complex organizations in society with emphasis on the determinants and effects of organizational structure and process.
611 Studies in the Community. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. The organization
of the community with emphasis on major trends in urban development and growth, the
inter- dependence of political, social and economic geographic units, and the need for
cooperative planning and control.
612 Seminar in the Sociology of Deviant Behavior. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3
credits. The nature and functions of deviance. Theories and problems of social control.
613 Social Stratification. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An in-depth analysis
of status differentials in society (e.g. social class, prestige, and power).
614 Seminar in the Sociology of Education. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A
sociological analysis of education as a social institution with an emphasis on methodological
issues and policy implications.
615 Seminar in Mass Communications. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A
sociological analysis of contemporary media and their interrelationships with social systems,
media, and national development. Special emphasis on media as instruments of social and
cultural change. (Some theoretical background in sociology is recommended.)
620 Seminar in Criminology. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Discussion and
investigation of contemporary issues in criminology. Special emphasis on research problems
in and theories of crime causation.
625 Urban Sociology and Social Change. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
Prerequisite: graduate standing. A detailed analysis and examination of the social and
ecological structures and processes of the modern metropolis with primary emphasis on the
macro-level organization of urban life. Special attention will be given to suburbanization,
gentrification, and urban change.
630 Social Psychology. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Discussion and
investigation of selected social psychological issues in sociology, as well as traditional and
innovative methodology applied to these issues.
640 Seminar in Political Sociology. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Analysis of
structures and processes of political organization. Examination of the creation and
management of power, diffusion and regulation of conflict, and the politics of modernization
and bureaucratization.
645 The Sociology of Health and Illness. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An
examination of sociocultural factors in health and illness and the influence of social factors on
recovery and rehabilitation. Special attention will be paid to the methodology found in
current studies.
646 Seminar in the Sociology of Mental Health and Disorder. Semester course; 3 lecture
hours. 3 credits. Seminar is social organizational causes of clinical depression, schizophrenia,
neurosis, and personality disorders. Focus is on prevention through social engineering and
social policy. Impact of social change, sex roles, and socialization processes on rates of
mental disorder emphasized.
660 Sociology of Women. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An examination of
the theories, methods, and treatment of women in traditional social thought and research.
Feminist scholarship is used to analyze the sociological basis for the roles and status of
women and the social forces that create and maintain hierarchical patterns and
arrangements.
650 Theories of Social and Institutional Change. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
A study of social change with emphasis on institutional settings. Topics examined include
alternative theoretical perspectives on change, structural sources of change, approaches to
planned change, and the role and function of change agents.
691 Topical Seminar. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Seminars on current
specialized areas of sociological and anthropological interest.
692 Independent Study. Semester course. 1-3 credits per semester. Prerequisites:
permission of both an instructor and the Graduate Director. A maximum of 6 credits may be
submitted toward the master's degree. An independent study must be planned prior to the
semester in which it will be carried out; a tentative reading list and timeline should be
submitted to the Graduate Director with the request for permission.
698 M.S. Thesis. 1-6 credits. May be repeated. |
Program resources:
Handbook AKD
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