What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of human social interaction and social organizations. Sociologists examine social relationships in institutions like the family, religion, the economy, health care, media, education and government. Using theoretical and practical tools, sociologists can begin to understand social behaviors and societies in order to inspire change and contribute knowledge to the general public. Studying sociology fosters creativity, innovation, critical thinking, analytic problem solving, and communication skills. Sociology majors are employed in a variety of business, nonprofit, and government jobs.
Careers in Sociology
Sociological expertise can be useful in careers that involve community service, urban and regional planning, industrial development, population analysis, agricultural and rural life advocacy, economic or marketing studies, health-related work, government administration, human relations, human and social services, management or personnel, and research analysis.
The department has developed several occupational tracks to help students better understand what areas of employment they can pursue. The tracks options will give a list of potential employers, potential job titles and/or fields along with suggest curriculum choices and skills one would have after completing the tracks.
Why choose Sociology?
Whether you decide to major and minor in Sociology, there is a myriad of useful skills to learn and many meaningful careers to be cultivated. We all have been asked at one time or another, “What are you going to do with a sociology degree?” The answer is that a sociology degree serves as an excellent springboard for a variety of careers in many diverse fields. You can easily transfer the skills you obtain with your undergraduate or graduate degree in sociology, the trick is to understand how to translate what you have learned into terms future employers find valuable. Sociology also offers a unique insights to things you experience every day as a social being living in society.
Major Requirements
Sociology Core Requirements (a grade of "C" or better required)
ANTH 111 | Introduction to Anthropology (May satisfy general education category B and D) | 3 |
or ANTH 206 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology: Peoples of the World | |
SOC 110 | Introduction to Sociology (May satisfy general education category B) | 3 |
or SOC 115 | Social Problems | |
or SOC 116 | Global Social Problems | |
SOC 214 | Social Interaction | 3 |
SOC 340 | Social Research Methods | 3 |
SOC 410 | Social Inequality | 3 |
SOC 422 | Development Of Social Theory | 3 |
SOC 470 | Social Data Analysis | 3 |
SOC 489 | Senior Capstone In Sociology | 1 |
STAT 330 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
Electives: Select an additional 12 credits from the electives listed below: |
12 | |
SOC 233 | Sociology of Organizations and Work | |
SOC 235 | Cultural Diversity | |
SOC 401 | Sociology of Religion | |
SOC 405 | Community Development | |
SOC 407 | Deviant Behavior | |
SOC 412 | Sociology of Gender | |
SOC 416 | Sociology Through Literature | |
SOC 417 | Sociology of the Family | |
SOC 418 | Social Psychology | |
SOC 424 | Feminist Theory and Discourse | |
SOC 425 | Sociology of Culture | |
SOC 426 | Sociology of Medicine | |
SOC 431 | Environmental Sociology | |
SOC 439 | Social Change | |
SOC 440 | Sociology of Aging | |
SOC 441 | Death and Dying |
A B.A. in Sociology requires foreign language proficiency at the two-year level. A B.S. in Sociology requires completion of the requirements for a minor in another discipline. The degree also includes 40 general education credits and 12 credits of AHSS College requirements.
Minor Requirements
Core Courses | ||
Introduction to Anthropology | 3 | |
or ANTH 206 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology: Peoples of the World | |
Introduction to Sociology | 3 | |
or SOC 115 | Social Problems | |
or SOC 116 | Global Social Problems | |
Required Courses: Select two of the following: | 6 | |
Social Interaction | ||
Sociology of Organizations and Work | ||
Social Research Methods | ||
Social Inequality | ||
Development Of Social Theory | ||
Social Data Analysis | ||
Minor Electives: Select any two SOC prefix courses at the 300-400 level | 6 | |
Total Credits | 18 |