Sociology, B.A.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

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 five core courses (SOC 110 , SOC 242 , SOC 340 , SOC 343 , and SOC 418W ). Majors must also complete three courses at the foundation level (9 credits) and two courses at the advanced level (6 credit hours). To attain the 36 required credits for the major, one additional elective must be taken from any level of the curriculum.

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

General Education Requirements (A&S)

In addition to major requirements, students must meet the General Education Requirements that correlate to their degree.

For B.A. and B.S. degrees, see General Education Requirements for the B.A. and B.S. Degrees (A&S) .
For Transfer students, see General Education Requirements for Transfer Students (A&S) .

Major GPA and Grade Requirements

Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in courses required to complete the major. All courses required for the major must be taken for a letter grade.

Requirements for the Major

Required credits: 36

Core Courses (18 credits)

SOC 110 - Introduction to Sociology 3 credit(s)
SOC 242 - Methods of Social Research 4 credit(s)
SOC 340 - Sociological Theory 3 credit(s)
SOC 343 - Statistical Analysis 4 credit(s)
SOC 418W - Senior Practicum 4 credit(s)

Foundation-Level Courses (9 credits)

Select three courses from the following:

SOC 225 - Women’s and Gay Rights Social Movements 3 credit(s)
SOC 271 - Deviance 3 credit(s)
SOC 315 - Sociology of Gender and Sexuality 3 credit(s)
SOC 326 - Sexuality and Social Conflict 3 credit(s)
SOC 328 - Society and the Individual 3 credit(s)
SOC 351 - Sociology of Health and Illness 3 credit(s)
SOC 363 - Urban Sociology 3 credit(s)
SOC 364 - Collective Behavior and Social Movements 3 credit(s)
SOC 366 - Work and Leisure 3 credit(s)
SOC 377 - Contemporary Studies in Sociology 3 credit(s)
SOC 375 - Social Control 3 credit(s)
SOC 382 - Race and Ethnic Relations 3 credit(s)

Advanced-Level Courses (6 credits)

Select two courses from the following:

SOC 419 - Applied Research Internship 3 credit(s)
SOC 420 - Social Relations 3 credit(s)
SOC 424 - Political Sociology 3 credit(s)
SOC 444 - Social Research and Social Policy 3 credit(s)
SOC 445 - Applied Research Methods 3 credit(s)
SOC 456 - Social Welfare 3 credit(s)
SOC 460 - Social Inequality 3 credit(s)
SOC 463 - Social Change 3 credit(s)
SOC 477 - Advanced Studies in Sociology 3 credit(s)

Additional Information:

It is recommended that SOC 110 be taken before the end of the sophomore year, SOC 242 and SOC 343 before the end of the junior year, and SOC 340 in the junior year. SOC 418 must be taken in the senior year.

Not all elective or required courses are scheduled each semester. All prospective majors should consult with departmental advisors before planning their course work in sociology.