Sociology (B.A.)

Do you have a desire to learn about society in an inclusive environment without judgment from others? Would you like a rewarding career that lets you help people, educate others, serve the public or engage in vital research? Sociology might be for you!  Sociology majors study all aspects of society and social behavior. They learn important career skills like how to solve problems, engage in teamwork and lead others. They become prepared for careers in social work, human services, business, social policy, law, education, government, the nonprofit sector and other industries. Some students go directly from graduation into the job market. Others go on to earn a Master’s Degree in Social Research and Analysis or a Graduate Certificate in Data Collection and Management. These credentials enhance their marketability or it can be a stepping stone to a PhD in Sociology. Some skills all Sociology majors acquire include:

Critical thinking

Identifying patterns in data

Making evidence based decisions

Communicating with others

Research skills

Management, planning and organization 

Unless otherwise noted, 120 credits of coursework is required for a baccalaureate degree with a minimum 2.0 overall GPA, and a minimum 2.0 major GPA.

Degree Requirements Overview

New Student Seminar1
SEEDS General Education Requirements24-27
Major Requirements39
Free Electives56-53
Total Credits120

Major Requirements

Required Courses
SOCI 100Introduction to Sociology3
SOCI 240Statistics for Social Research4
SOCI 301Sociological Research Methods I4
SOCI 302Interviews and Focus Groups3
or SOCI 305 Sociology in a Digital World
SOCI 313Sociological Theory: A Critical Analysis3
SOCI 400Senior Project4
or SOCI 410 Senior Capstone: Internship Experience
Major Electives
Complete a total of 18 credits. At least 12 credits must be at the 300-400 level.18
Total Credits39

300-400 Level Electives

Select 12-18 credits from the following:
SOCI 303Large Scale Organizations3
SOCI 304Sociology of Work and Professions3
SOCI 307Immigration3
SOCI 309Sociology of Health and Illness3
SOCI 310Directed Independent Research3-9
SOCI 311Urban Sociology3
SOCI 312Environmental Sociology3
SOCI 314Environmental Justice3
SOCI 315Social Inequality3
SOCI 316Sociology of Education3
SOCI 318Sociology of Population3
SOCI 330Political Sociology3
SOCI 336Sociology and Social Work3
SOCI 340Social Change in a Global World3
SOCI 350Special Topics in Social Issues3
SOCI 364Religion, Culture, and Society3
SOCI 401Sociology of Emotions3
SOCI 405Deviance and Social Control3
SOCI 407Sociology of the Mass Media3
SOCI 408Social Movements3
SOCI 420Sociology of Law3
SOCI 426Sociology of Sexuality3
SOCI 430Sociology of Gender3

100-200 Level Electives

Select 0-6 credits from the following:
SOCI 102Racial and Ethnic Relations3
SOCI 104Sociology of the Family3
SOCI 106Individual and Society3
SOCI 107Youth and Society3
SOCI 113Social Problems3
SOCI 208Men and Masculinities3
SOCI 212Sociology of Technology3
SOCI 215Sociology of Sports3
SOCI 219Sociology of Aging3
SOCI 220Sociology of Rich and Poor Nations3
SOCI 225Latinas and Latinos in the United States3
SOCI 230Sociology of Conflict and Violence3
SOCI 250Special Topics in Current Sociology Issues3
SOCI 290Cooperative Education in Sociology3-4

New Student Seminar

Students in the Adult Learner program must take GNED 100.
Complete one course from the following. Some courses may be restricted by major. Consult with an academic advisor.1
Pathways to Success
Freshman Seminar in Chemistry
First Year Seminar
Adult Academic Success Seminar
New Student Seminar
Freshman Seminar in Health and Physical Education
Pathways to Adult Learning
New Student Seminar
New Student Experience for Mathematical Sciences
Freshman Seminar for Music Majors
Introduction to Nursing
Freshman Seminar in Political Science and Law

SEEDS General Education Requirements

Click here for a list of courses that fulfill the SEEDS requirements.

Foundations
Effective Writing I
Complete one Effective Writing I course.3
Effective Writing II
Complete one Effective Writing I Icourse.3
Interactive Communication
Complete one Interactive Communication course.3
Quantitative Reasoning
Fulfilled by SOCI 240 in the major.
Political and Civic Life
Fulfilled by SOCI 100 in the major.
World Languages
Complete two sequential classes in one World Language when starting at the Beginner I or Beginner II level. Complete one class when starting at the Intermediate/Advanced Level.3-6
Exploration
Complete one course from four different Exploration categories.12
Analyzing Cultures and Societies
Creative Expression
Ethical Inquiry
Historical Thinking
Literary and Artistic Analysis
Scientific Reasoning
Total Credits24-27

Recommended Roadmap to Program of Study Completion

This recommended degree plan is provided as an outline for students to follow in order to complete their program of study requirements within four years and 120 credits. This plan is a recommendation and must be used in consultation with their academic advisor. Important note: Students should be aware this plan assumes no pre-requisite coursework is required. If pre-requisite coursework is needed, students may have additional requirements to fulfill which do not appear on the plan.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
New Student Seminar1Major Elective 13
SOCI 100 (SEEDS: Political and Civic Life)3SEEDS: World Language 2 or Free Elective3
SEEDS: World Language 13SEEDS: Exploration 23
SEEDS: Effective Writing I3SEEDS: Exploration 33
SEEDS: Interactive Communication3SEEDS: Effective Writing II3
SEEDS: Exploration 13 
 16 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Major Elective 23SOCI 240 (Fulfills SEEDS: Quantitative Reasoning)4
SEEDS: Exploration 43Major Elective 33
Free Elective3Free Elective3
Free Elective3Free Elective3
Free Elective3Free Elective3
 15 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
SOCI 3014SOCI 302 or 3053
Major Elective 43Major Elective 53
Free Elective3Free Elective3
Free Elective3Free Elective3
Free Elective2Free Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
SOCI 3133SOCI 400 or 4104
Major Elective 63Free Elective3
Free Elective3Free Elective3
Free Elective3Free Elective3
Free Elective3 
 15 13
Total Credits 120