Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Sociology
Associate Professor: Marjorie Donovan, Harry L. Humphries
Assistant Professor: Browyn Conrad
Instructor: Gary Wilson
Sociology is the scientific study of human social behavior, as well as the structure, organization, and processes that define contemporary society. As the foundation of many fields of study, including social work, gerontology, demography, and criminal justice, sociology serves as a valuable liberal arts major for students planning careers in a wide variety of fields, including law, law enforcement, criminology, social services, public administration, community planning, international relations, and market research. Sociology's concentration on such social factors as race, ethnicity, gender, age, education, and social class also make it an excellent foundation for working in today's multiethnic, multinational business world. The major is organized to reflect the rationale and recommendations of the American Sociological Association and requires the completion of a minimum of 38 semester hours in sociology. Majors in sociology must complete 45 upper-division credit hours to graduate and must take at least one minor or second major with a minimum of 16 upper-division semester credit hours. Suggested minors and/or second majors include: history, geography, psychology, multicultural studies, international studies, or women's studies. Majors may also choose to pursue a recognized emphasis in one of the following two specializations: 1) Criminology or 2) Diversity Studies.
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in sociology should be selected by students planning careers immediately following completion of the degree in which the sociological knowledge and skills acquired can be put to immediate, "practical" application. It is the option for those who plan careers in law enforcement and corrections, social service, government service, administration, and similar occupations but do not want to be required to do graduate study to advance in them. Generally speaking, this is the sociology option for students who have a "working with people" orientation in career choices.
It is important to note that whereas the B.S. option is not organized with a view toward attending graduate school, selection of it would not preclude that option later in one's career should that become an option or necessity after completing the baccalaureate program. Career changes are not only possible, they are likely in the field of human services, so a sociology major need not lock one into a particular occupational choice as new opportunities arise.
The requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in sociology are:
| Hours | |
I. Required courses |
20 |
| SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOSCI 387 Social Research Design | 4 |
| SOSCI 388 Social Research Analysis | 4 |
| SOC 570 History of Sociological Thought | 3 |
| SOC 675 Contemporary Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC 681 Practicum in Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 691 Senior Seminar in Sociology | 3 |
II. Complete one 3-hour course from each of the following groups for a total of 12 hours: |
12 |
A. Crime/Deviance |
|
| SOC 527 Correctional Systems | 3 |
| SOC 547 Criminology | 3 |
| SOC 548 Juvenile Delinquency | 3 |
| SOC 549 Social Deviance | 3 |
B. Social Institutions |
|
| SOC 410 Sociology of Sport | 3 |
| SOC 534 Political Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 536 The Family and Society | 3 |
| SOC 584 Medical Sociology | 3 |
C. Social Organization |
|
| SOC 360 Community Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 440 Personality and Social Structure | 3 |
| SOC 537 Sociology of Work and Occupations | 3 |
D. Social Inequality |
|
| SOC 443 Race and Ethnic Relations | 3 |
| SOC 512 Social Stratification | 3 |
| SOC 569 Society and Sexuality | 3 |
| SOC 663 Women, Men and Society | 3 |
| SOC 676 Global Sociology | 3 |
III. Complete 6 hours of electives in sociology |
6 |
IV. TOTAL |
38 |
Sociology (Criminology Emphasis)
In addition to the other requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree, sociology majors pursuing an emphasis in Criminology must complete the six hours of electives in sociology from among the courses listed under group A (Crime and Deviance).
Sociology (Diversity Studies Emphasis)
In addition to the other requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree, sociology majors pursuing an emphasis in Diversity Studies must complete the six hours of electives in sociology from among the courses listed under group D (Social Inequality).
The Bachelor of Science degree requires a practicum experience of 150 hours in which the student will be required to apply what has been learned in the classroom in a setting appropriate to the area of special interest (i.e., law enforcement and corrections, aging, youth work, etc.) that is selected by the student as a career emphasis.
The sociology programs reflect recommendations adopted by the American Sociological Association.