What does the sociology major entail?

The major in sociology offers three concentrations: General Sociology; Crime and Justice; and Health, Medicine and the Body.

The concentration in General Sociology offers a broad and substantial exposure to the problems and prospects associated with culture, institutions, social inequities, human relations, social process, social movements and social change. It provides students with a fundamental critical social science knowledge base from which to approach a variety of careers in the professions or work in human service, non-profits, community advocacy, government or business. It is also an excellent foundation for entrance into graduate study. In addition to the 12 credits in the required core, students in General Sociology are required to take five additional Sociology electives. Students are strongly encouraged, in consultation with their advisor, to select courses that provide a broad and balanced knowledge of the discipline of sociology.

The concentration in Crime and Justice equips the students with the necessary knowledge and skills to enter, and be effective in, the various fields of adult and juvenile justice, youth development, community justice, victim advocacy and human services. An emphasis upon the relationship between law and society makes it an equally valuable track for graduate criminological and legal studies.

The concentration in Health, Medicine and the Body prepares students for employment in this rapidly growing sector by providing students with: an understanding of the ways in which cultural patterns influence bodies and health; a comprehensive overview of the social, economic, and political forces that shape the American health care system; and an understanding of the global inequalities that give rise to disparities in health status. Many Health, Medicine ad the Body concentrators seek jobs in the health care sector upon graduation.  These jobs may be in hospitals, government agencies,  insurance companies, and community organizations. The concentration is good preparation for graduate study in education, social work, hospital or public administration, as well as joint RN/MS programs that fast-track college graduates into the nursing profession.

What are the requirements for a major?

General Sociology	Crime and Justice	Health, Medicine & the Body
Introductory Sociology  (SOC 113 or 116*)	Introductory Sociology  (SOC 113 or 116*)	Introductory Sociology  (SOC 113 or 116*)
Research Methods  (SOC 214**)	Research Methods  (SOC 214**)	Research Methods  (SOC 214**)
Sociological Theory  (SOC 310, 315***, or 333****)	Sociological Theory  (SOC 310, 315***, or 333****)	Sociological Theory  (SOC 310, 315***, or 333****)
Senior Seminar  (SOC 433 or 443)	Sociology of Crime  (SOC 433)	Sociology of Health and Illness  (SOC 253)
5 Sociology Electives	Seminar in Crime and Justice  (SOC 433)	U.S. Health Care Landscapes  (SOC 354)  or  Global Health and Healing  (SOC 357)
	2 Crime and Justice Electives	Seminar in Health, Medicine & Body  (SOC 443)
	2 Electives outside of Crime and Justice	1 Health, Medicine & the Body Elective
		2 Electives outside of Health, Medicine & the Body

A major in Sociology requires a minimum of 36 credit hours. All students must complete the following core and concentration requirements. Additional credits can be taken as electives.

* Course must be completed with a grade of C or above.
** Prerequisite; a grade of C or abovein either SOC 113 or 116 is needed in order to enroll in this class.
*** SOC 215 (Social Theory) is now SOC 315
**** SOC 233 is now SOC 333

What are the requirements for a minor?

A minor in Sociology may be obtained by completing twenty credits (5 courses). The minor requirement is satisfied by successful completion of two core courses:

 

An Introductory Sociology Course (either SOC113 Introduction to Sociology or SOC116 Social Problems)

and

Either Research Methods (SOC214) or Sociological Theory (SOC215)

 

Students must also complete three electives in sociology. Electives may be chosen from any combination of Sociology offerings.