Sociology Major, B.A.

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Sociology is the study of society in all of its aspects, from individuals to large organizations. The sociology major emphasizes the applied aspects of the field of sociology. Applied sociology is the use of sociological theory and methods to analyze issues and solve practical problems that exist in the every day social world. This means students majoring in sociology will be able to apply what they have learned in a variety of work-related settings or go to graduate school. Contact the Sociology, Anthropology and Behavioral Science Department for additional information.

A major in sociology requires that students take and pass 39 hours in sociology, with a minimum of a “C” in all sociology courses taken. The student majoring in sociology will take 21 required hours and 18 elective hours, for a total of 39 hours in the discipline. At least 12 upper-division semester hours in sociology must be completed at MSCD by students majoring in sociology.

A minor in sociology is also available: Minor Requirements .

Required Courses:

SOC 1010 - Introduction to Sociology
SOC 2600 - Art and Craft of Sociological Writing
SOC 3320 - Sociological Theory: Past and Present
SOC 3590 - Social Statistics
SOC 3600 - Research in the Social Sciences
SOC 4600 - Advanced Research in the Social Sciences
or
SOC 4710 - Applied Sociology
Social Stratification Elective (one course - 3 credit hours)

Total: 21

Electives:

A minimum of 18 additional semester hours in sociology are required to complete the major. Students may choose as electives any additional courses offered in sociology. The department recommends that the student’s choice of electives be made in consultation with a department advisor.

Social Stratification Elective:

Choose one course from the list below.

Applied Sociology Electives:

Applied sociology is the primary focus of the sociology major. The applied focus of the sociology major’s required courses can be extended through the selection of the applied sociology electives listed below. These courses emphasize the practice of sociology and the application of sociology to social issues which emphasize practical skills, knowledge, and theories that the sociologist can use outside of the academic environment. Applied sociology includes fieldwork in government, business, nonprofits, and other organizations and agencies.

The following are courses specifically designed to meet these criteria:

General Sociology Electives:

As an alternative to the applied sociology focus, students may choose instead to create a program of elective hours that meets their own needs and interests. It is recommended that students build an area of emphasis with the help of a sociology advisor. Students should, however, feel free to create their own list of classes that meet the necessity of taking 18 additional elective hours in sociology. Possible areas of emphasis are listed below.

Suggested Areas of Emphasis:

The Family:

Medicine and Health:

Social Action:

Social Deviance:

Social Stratification:

The Urban Community:

Gerontology Concentration:

Gerontology deals with the causes and consequences—biological, psychological, and social—of aging. Drawing from many fields of academic study, this concentration prepares the student for professional and paraprofessional careers in human services for the aging population.

The gerontology concentration requires a student to complete the 21 hours of required courses in the sociology major and 39 credit hours of electives from the gerontology concentration listed below for a total of 60 credit hours. Electives within this concentration should be selected in consultation with an advisor in the department. No minor is required with this concentration.