Sociology Major, B.A.
Sociology is the study of social life and the social forces that shape human experience. Students who major in sociology are prepared for a wide range of careers in areas such as social action, social research, human services and administration in government agencies, schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and social agencies. Many sociology majors continue their education and pursue professions such as city and community planning, research, politics, social policy, administration, criminology, law, health care, social work, and higher education.
The sociology major provides a strong foundation in sociological theory and research skills. Students also may take elective courses in more specialized subjects, such as social problems, gender, social inequality, ethnicity, health care, and criminology.
Many sociology majors undertake an internship or independent study as part of their program. Students have received credit for internships in government agencies, courts, law firms, political campaigns, women’s organizations, school systems, group homes for delinquents, research firms and health care agencies. Internships are individually arranged for students with specialized interests and career plans.
The sociology major pairs nicely with several other majors including Arabic and middle eastern studies, art and archeology, English, French, global studies, history, law and criminal justice, music, philosophy, political science, psychology, and Spanish.
The sociology major also allows students the flexibility to complete one or more minors such as, but not limited to, African American studies, archeology, business administration, criminology and delinquency, environmental studies, journalism, management, nonprofit and civic engagements studies, psychology, public relations, social work pre-professional practice, studies in women and gender, and philosophy. Students are encouraged to discuss post-graduation goals with their academic advisors to develop a tailored academic plan.
Requirements for the Major
The sociology major requires a minimum of 30 credits in sociology. Additionally, students must earn at least a C- in SOC 101, SOC 259, SOC 260, SOC 261, SOC 263, and SOC 482 to fulfill the prerequisites for higher level courses and to continue in the major. Students who fall below 2.0 major GPA risk being dropped from the major. Students with at least a 2.5 overall GPA are highly encouraged to complete an internship in their junior and/or senior year.
Required courses:
| SOC 101 | Principles of Sociology | 3.0 |
| SOC 259 | Sociological Theory | 3.0 |
| SOC 260 | Methods of Social Research | 3.0 |
| SOC 261 | Quantitative Methods for the Social Sciences | 3.0 |
| SOC 263 | Grant Writing & Community Based Research | 3.0 |
| SOC 482 | Practicum in Social Research | 3.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18.0 |
Choose at least two from the following:
| SOC 300 | Social Inequality | 3.0 |
| SOC 311 | Sociology of Gender | 3.0 |
| SOC 318 | Global Social Problems | 3.0 |
| SOC 323 | Race and Ethnicity in the United States | 3.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6.0 |
Students may complete an internship, teaching assistantship, independent study, and/or additional elective courses in sociology (SOC/SOSW) (6 credits) to ensure at least 30 credits are earned.