Sociology, B.A. (A)

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The Department of Sociology promotes a challenging atmosphere in which students are encouraged to recognize, understand, and think critically about social processes, issues, and cultural diversity. Through rigorous coursework, the program teaches students how to gather, analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative data. Through research-in-service and internships students learn how to apply their knowledge and skills to problems and needs in businesses, organizations, and communities. A central part of our mission is to provide opportunities for independent student research as well as faculty and student collaborative research. We teach from the philosophy that active engagement in real-world research enhances employment opportunities and opens doors to graduate school. The department engages in sound career planning and preparation with each major.

REAL Curriculum

Sociology is the scientific study of society, cultures, and human interaction. Majors in Sociology develop an expertise in understanding human behavior in the context of their culture, their institutional and other social structures, and their social environment. Students need majors and/or minors to fulfill the R, E, and L areas to complete the REAL Curriculum requirements.

REAL Foundational Requirements

Foundational Writing (3 Credits)

ENGL 111 - Principles of College Composition (GE)

Foundational Math (3 credits)

REAL Cornerstone Requirements

Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (6 credits)

Writing Intensive courses are denoted below with a (WI). Two writing intensive courses are required to graduate, with at least one at the 300- or 400-level. The Sociology major includes 3-6 credits of writing intensive courses.

Personal and Professional Development (PPD)

Personal and Professional Development requirements can be met through a variety of coursework and activity hours. The Sociology major includes 3-6 credits of personal and professional development, satisfying this requirement. For more information on how to meet this requirement visit the REAL Curriculum website.

General Education Requirements

General Education courses will be denoted below with a (GE). Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours of general education designated courses within their degree requirements. The Sociology major includes 6-12 general education credits.

Major Requirements (45-47 credits)

B.A. Requirements (6-8 credits)

The Bachelor of Arts degree requires completion of the B.A. language requirements described Academic Programs General Information .

Required Courses (21 credits)

Sociology Electives (15 credits)

Students must choose 15 credits in Sociology electives. Courses selected must include four additional 300- or 400-level courses not listed above. One elective must be satisfied by an approved internship or other designated applied sociology course selected in consultation with your advisor.

Required Outside Coursework (3 credits)

Additional Degree Requirements

To graduate with a major in Sociology, a student must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher in all courses taken with a SOCY prefix. Majors must complete all required courses in the major curricula listed above with a grade of “C-“ or better.

Open Credit Hours (73-75 credits)

These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements.