Sociology (BA) | Office | Website

The Sociology Department is structured to accomplish three major objectives: academic excellence, the development of critical and analytical skills, and a humanitarian consciousness. These objectives serve to provide a foundation for students' future pursuits in graduate studies and career paths in corporations, social service agencies, educational institutions, government agencies, human services, health care, criminal justice, and self-employment. In addition, the objectives serve to enhance self esteem, quality of life, and interpersonal relationships of individual students. To achieve these objectives, the department will provide five sub-fields in which students can gain a concentration of knowledge:

Sociology Program

• 1. Social Theory and Deviance
• 2. Social Behavior and Conflict Management
• 3. Male/Female Relationships and Marriage and Family
• 4. Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Diversity
• 5. Applied Social Research

As part of their major in Sociology, students will be required to take 18 hours from other departments whose courses fit with overall major objectives. Thus, both a general and specific body of knowledge in sociology will be gained. The course content of all courses will reflect the University's mission statement and the core objectives.

Sociology majors are prepared to do graduate study in sociology and related disciplines such as social work, criminal justice, law, and urban planning. The methods, computer, and statistical skills learned in the major have wide application to other disciplines. The course array is especially attuned to an understanding of variables in social, political, and economic contexts.

Many students opt to pursue sociology as part of a double major in order to increase their marketability in the workplace. Because of its focus on every aspect of life, Sociology has become an attractive second major for students. Traditional, full-time students pursuing this option can graduate in four years. In addition, advising is available to accommodate the special needs and interests of students who double-major.

Sociology classes are well represented in the core curriculum. The following courses can be taken to satisfy University core requirements: Introduction to Sociology, Social Interaction, Cultural Anthropology, Blacks in Social Relations and Social Institutions, Urban Issues, Race and Ethnic Relations, and Contemporary Social Problems.

Required Courses for Sociology Major: 42 Credits