Overview

The Major in Sociology provides scientific training for understanding the organization and fluid nature of contemporary society, patterns of social change, and the mutual influence between macro structures and processes (society and culture) on one hand, and the micro level (individuals and groups) on the other. Increasingly, sociologists are also focused on understanding the processes of globalization that are currently transforming contemporary societies.

Curriculum Requirements

Required Courses
SOC 101Introduction to Sociology3
Select one of the following:3
Introduction to Social Research
Geographic Research Methods
Community Program Development and Evaluation for students who are also enrolled in the School of Education
Select one of the following options:3-4
Quantitative Methods for Sociologists
and Quantitative Methods Lab (Or equivalent 3-credit statistics course with Dept approval)
Introduction to Statistics and Research Design EPS 351 for students who have a major or minor in the School of Education and Human Development
Introduction to Biobehavioral Statistics for students who are also Psychology majors or minors
Introduction to Biobehavioral Statistics Section B for students who are also Psychology majors or minors
SOC 401Sociological Theory3
Select two of the following:6
Social Organization
Social Psychology: Sociological Perspective
Social Inequalities
Departmental Electives12
General Education Requirements
Written Communication Skills:
WRS 105First-Year Writing I3
WRS 106First-Year Writing II3
or ENG 106 Writing About Literature and Culture
Quantitative Skills:
MTH 113Finite Mathematics 33
Areas of Knowledge:
Arts and Humanities Cognate9
People & Society Cognate (9 credits) (fulfilled through the major)
STEM Cognate9
Additional Required Courses
Additional Major/Minor15-30
Science Course3
Foreign Language3
Electives42
Total Credit Hours120
1

GEG 306 can be substituted for SOC 210 and EPS 452 can be substituted for SOC 210 only by students who are also enrolled in the School of Education. 

2

PSY 291, PSY 292 can be substituted for SOC 211 only by students who are Psychology majors or minors and also majoring in Sociology or Criminology.  EPS 351 can be substituted for SOC 211 only by students who have a major or minor in the School of Education and Human Development.  

3

3 credit hours in a Mathematics course numbered MTH 108 or higher is required for graduation; MTH 113 is recommended for Sociology students.

*

A minimum final grade of C- in all courses offered by the Department

**

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all courses offered by the Department

***

A minimum of 16 credit hours must be earned in residency in the Department; thus, only a maximum of 15 credit hours can be transferred from other institutions as eligible credit hours for the SOCIOLOGY major

Suggested Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman Year
FallCredit Hours
MTH 113 Finite Mathematics 3
Language (first course) 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate (first course) 3
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology 3
WRS 105 First-Year Writing I 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Language (second course) 3
STEM Cognate (first course) 3
SOC 210 Introduction to Social Research 3
WRS 106 or ENG 106 First-Year Writing II
or Writing About Literature and Culture
3
Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Sophomore Year
Fall
SOC 211
SOC 212
Quantitative Methods for Sociologists
and Quantitative Methods Lab
4
Arts and Humanities Cognate (second course) 3
Minor (first course) 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
SOC 301, 302,
Social Organization
or Social Psychology: Sociological Perspective
or Social Inequalities
3
Minor (second course) 3
STEM Cognate (second course) 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Junior Year
Fall
SOC 371 Criminology 3
Minor (third course) 3
STEM Cognate (third course) 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Minor (fourth course) 3
Natural Science Course 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Senior Year
Fall
SOC 401 Sociological Theory 3
Minor (fifth course)  
Arts and Humanities Cognate (third course) 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours121

Mission

Course work in this major is designed to provide scientific training for understanding the organization and patterns of structure and change in contemporary society, in addition to the interrelations between social structures, processes, and culture, on the one hand, and between these macro-level phenomena and individuals and groups, on the other.

Goals

Sociology courses have several objectives, including: general education, preparation for pursuing careers in such fields as law, social gerontology, health, human resource management, and social planning, and preparation for graduate study in sociology.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of sociology, and the basic sociological theoretical concepts and knowledge base.
  • Students will develop and demonstrate critical thinking skills through the comprehension, analysis and critique of sociological theories.
  • Students will demonstrate an ability to understand and critique sociological research methodology. Students will have the ability to design and critique valid research studies and to identify reliable findings from such studies.