Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of social behavior. An undergraduate major in sociology is designed to increase students’ understanding of factors that determine social relationships and social organization. Sociology is useful to students interested in a wide variety of careers ranging from business and industry to government and human services. The department encourages students to combine their academic programs with future career interests through participation in individually designed internships.

Each student majoring in sociology is assigned a faculty advisor to help develop an individual program of study. The student’s academic program reflects specific intellectual interests and contributes to achieving educational and career objectives.

Majors in sociology must complete the five core courses (SOC 110, 242, 340, 343, and 418W).  Majors must also complete three courses at the Foundation Level (9 credits) and two courses at the Advanced Level (6 credit hours).

All courses required for the major must be taken for a letter grade and may not be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Requirements for the Major
Required credits: 36

Core Courses (18 credits)

SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology
SOC 242 Methods of Social Research (4 credits)
SOC 340 Sociological Theory
SOC 343 Statistical Analysis (4 credits)
SOC 418W Senior Practicum (4 credits)

Foundation Level Courses (9 credits)                

Select 3 courses from the following:               

       
SOC 225 Women’s and Gay Rights Social Movements        
SOC 271 Deviance                             
SOC 315 Sociology of Gender and Sexuality             
SOC 326 Sexuality and Social Conflict             
SOC 328 Society and the Individual              
SOC 351 Health and Illness                     
SOC 363 Urban Sociology                       
SOC 364 Collective Behavior and Social Movements          
SOC 366 Work and Leisure                     
SOC 377 Contemporary Studies in Sociology
SOC 375 Social Control
SOC 382 Race and Ethnic Relations

Advanced Level Courses (6 credits)

Select 2 courses from the following:

SOC 419 Applied Research Internship
SOC 420 Social Relations
SOC 424 Political Sociology
SOC 444 Social Research and Social Policy
SOC 445 Applied Research Thesis
SOC 456 Social Welfare
SOC 363 Urban Sociology                         
SOC 463 Social Change
SOC 477 Advanced Studies in Sociology

Learning Outcomes for the BA in Sociology

1) Students will demonstrate understanding of the role of sociological theory in sociological inquiry and analysis.

2) Students will synthesize the learning objectives and content knowledge developed in core and foundation level courses.

3) Students will develop a "sociological imagination" and an ability to apply a sociological perspective to experiences, tasks, and activities beyond the university setting.

4) Students will demonstrate knowledge of the steps of sociological research and understand the relative advantages of different methodologies.

5) Students will demonstrate an understanding of how the nature of social data determines the best statistical procedures, then describe the assumptions necessary for the procedures, how to request them in SPSS, and how to write a good report based upon the SPSS output.