Mar 28, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Sociology (SOC) - BA Major


sociology major image


48 credits

Minor (or additional major if non-dual degree seeking) required.

2.5 GPA required.

C grade or better required in all major courses. Letter grade required in all major courses unless otherwise noted.

Sociology Major Map  

Overview

Sociology examines how social experiences and social structure shape beliefs and behavior. As one of the social sciences, sociology stresses the use of scientific research methods and theories to study human social behavior in a variety of settings. The required courses are also designed to provide experience in building and testing theory as well as collecting and evaluating data. A degree in sociology provides well-developed communication and research skills, assets that prove essential in many professions.

The BA Sociology program not only contributes to the overall liberal arts education of students, but it also teaches valuable analytical skills that include understanding and appreciating the experiences of diverse groups in society, identifying the various causes of social problems, and the application of quantitative and qualitative reasoning. At the completion of the BA Sociology program, students will be able to:

  • understand sociological research
  • understand sociological perspectives
  • communicate effectively
  • understand social equality and social inequality

These skills prepare students for a wide variety of careers including business, government, human services, and public and private research as well as graduate programs. The program emphasizes developing these skills through the integration of classroom study with supervised field instruction. 

Students are encouraged to meet frequently with their advisor to design the most effective program for their future career and educational plans. For example, students who are interested in a future career with families should consider taking SOC 212 - Sociology of Families  for their sociology foundation course, SOC 412 - Sociology of Gender and Sexuality  as one of their social inequalities courses, and SOC 435 - Advanced Topics in Family Sociology  and SOC 474 - Family Policy  as part of their sociology elective courses.

Students who are interested in a future career in a human service organization should consider taking SOC 423 - Sociology of Race and Ethnicity  as part of their social inequalities courses, SOC 334 - Sociology of Education  and SOC 438 - Health and Human Services Organizations  as part of their sociology elective courses.

Note: Students may not major in Sociology (SOC) and minor in Sociology (SOCG).

Program Requirements


Usually completed for GEP or MN Transfer Curriculum thus don’t count toward total program credits. C grade or better required.

Sociology Foundations Courses (6 credits)


Sociology Core Curriculum (30 credits)


Statistics (3 credits)


Choose one:

Social Research (6 credits)


Sociological Theory (3 credits)


Internship (12 credits)


Dual Degrees


Students wishing to complete two degrees concurrently, (example: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science) must complete a minimum of an additional 30 credits above the required 120-128 credit hours. Students must complete all major requirements under both degrees, including separate minors if required.

Legend


◎ = Oral Intensive

◆ = Math/Critical Analysis Intensive

△ = Writing Intensive

✽ = Physical Development and Wellness Graduation Requirement