The sociology curriculum includes courses on research design, data analysis, social theory, and conceptualization of domestic and international organizational and social problems. In today’s information society, these skills give sociology majors a competitive advantage in the fields of social research, criminology, public administration, demography, policy analysis, gerontology, social work and market researchand education.
Sociology majors entering the business world often work in marketing research, human resources, management, industrial relations, public relations or sales. Sociology majors entering human services often work with youths at risk, the elderly or people experiencing problems related to poverty or substance abuse. Sociology majors entering the government sector often work in policy analysis, program evaluation or urban planning.
Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Sociology
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Sociology
Requirements for a Minor in Sociology
Departmental Distinction
I. Core courses required for a B.A. degree in Sociology (12 hours- 4 courses), to be taken as soon as possible:
SOCI 2300 Social Problems or SOCI 2310 Introduction to Sociology
SOCI 3311 Qualitative Research
SOCI 3312 Survey Research
SOCI 4313 Sociological Tradition or SOCI 4314 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Students should take SOCI 2300 or SOCI 2310 and SOCI 3311 or SOCI 3312 before taking a 4000-level course. In addition, it is suggested that STAT 1301 or STAT 2331 be taken before SOCI 3312.
II. The remaining 21 credit hours (7 courses) are distributed as follows:
A. Five courses at any level (STAT 1301 or STAT 2331 can be counted as one of the elective courses):
SOCI (3000 level) Elective 1/ STAT 1301 or STAT 2331
SOCI (3000 level) Elective 2
SOCI (3000 level) Elective 3
SOCI (3000 level) Elective 4
SOCI (3000 level) Elective 5
B. Two upper level courses
SOCI (4000 level) Elective 6
SOCI (4000 level) Elective 7
Click here to see the B.A. Advising Checklist
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I.Core courses required for a B.S. degree in Sociology (15 hours- 5 courses), to be taken as soon as possible:
SOCI 2300 Social Problems or SOCI 2310 Introduction to Sociology
SOCI 3311 Qualitative Research
SOCI 3312 Survey Research
SOCI 4313 Sociological Tradition
SOCI 4314 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Students should take SOCI 2300 or SOCI 2310 and SOCI 3311 or SOCI 3312 before taking a 4000-level course In addition, it is suggested that STAT 1301 or STAT 2331 be taken before SOCI 3312.
II. The remaining 21 credit hours (7 courses) are distributed as follows:
A. Four courses at any level (STAT 1301 or STAT 2331 can be counted as one of the elective courses):
SOCI (3000 level) Elective 1/ STAT 1301 or STAT 2331
SOCI (3000 level) Elective 2
SOCI (3000 level) Elective 3
SOCI (3000 level) Elective 4
B. Three upper level courses
SOCI (4000 level) Elective 5
SOCI (4000 level) Elective 6
SOCI (4000 level) Elective 7
Click here to see the B.S. Advising Checklist
Requirements for a Minor in Sociology = 15 term hours
I. Courses required for a minor in Sociology (15 hours- 5 courses):
A. Students must take (3 hours—1 course)
SOCI 2300 Social Problems or SOCI 2310 Introduction to Sociology
Students should take SOCI 2300 or SOCI 2310 before other Sociology courses.
B. Choose One of the following courses (3 hours—1 course)
SOCI 3311 Qualitative Research
SOCI 3312 Survey Research
SOCI 4313 Sociological Tradition
SOCI 4314 Contemporary Sociological Theory
C. Two elective courses at the 3000 level or above (6 hours—2 courses)
SOCI (3000 level) Elective 1
SOCI (3000 level) Elective 2
D. One additional upper level elective course at the 4000 level (3 hours—1 course)
SOCI (4000 level) Elective 1
Total= 15 hours – 5 courses
Click here to see the Minor Advising Checklist
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Departmental Distinction
The major offers graduation with distinction to select student majors of high academic achievement.
I. Who is eligible for Departmental Distinction?
The program is open to junior and senior majors. Interested students with a minimum 3.000 overall GPA and a 3.500 GPA in the major. Students applying for distinction should also be persuing a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology.
II. How do I apply for Departmental Distinction?
Students wishing to work for distinction in sociology should consult the director of undergraduate studies as soon as possible in the junior year.
III. What will I be expected to do during my distinction project?
Students will be expected to engage in original research (based on a topic covered in a 3000- or 4000-level course) and write a journal-length article under the supervision of a faculty member while enrolled in SOCI 4396.
At the end of the term, the supervising faculty will make a recommendation to departmental faculty regarding distinction. The department committee will then evaluate the merits of the paper and determine if distinction will be awarded.
For more information about departmental distinction click here
Important Departmental Distinction Forms
Student Petition for Individual Research Course (SOCI 4396)
Application to Pursue Distinction in Sociology
Decision to Grant Distinction in Sociology