Sociology is the scientific study of the structures and processes of human societies and social interaction. From the analysis of passing encounters between individuals in the street to the investigation of broad-based international social movements, the student of sociology studies the subtle, yet complex, ways in which his/her life interacts with the collective experience of others.

Students who graduate with a BA in sociology and enter the job market directly will find themselves competing with other liberal arts students, but with an advantage -- knowledge of key social factors that are crucial for working in today's multiethnic and multinational business environment, a firm grasp on research design and methods, and strong analytical skills

Sociology Major Requirements

The major is organized to provide a firm foundation in both theory and research methods (through the core courses), while allowing students to tailor their major to their specific subject interests.  All students are required to complete courses in social theory, social stratification, and methods.  In these courses, students acquire the skills necessary to describe and analyze patterns of human interaction.

Requirements (effective Fall 2012*): All students in the sociology major are required to take a minimum of 40 hours of coursework. Required courses include Understanding Social Life (SOCI 1810), Sociological Classics (SOCI 2020), Sociological Imagination and Inquiry A and B (SOCI 2005 and 2006), Social Inequality (SOCI 2420), Sociology Assessment (SOCI 3999), and a minimum of 20 additional elective hours, 8 of which can be the Internship/Practicum.

Sociology Major Requirements Worksheet

 

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*IMPORTANT NOTICE:

As part of the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act in 2010, several new federal regulations (Program Integrity Rules) were established regarding the definition of "credit hours."  The University must comply with these regulations. Therefore, effective fall quarter, 2012, all Sociology classes that had previously been listed as five (5) credit hours will become four (4) credit hour courses. This change affects our major and minor requirements. The current requirement for both Sociology and Criminology majors is "a minimum of 40 credit hours of upper-division coursework, in addition to SOCI 1810 (Understanding Social Life)." The new requirement for both majors is "a minimum of 40 credit hours of coursework, including SOCI 1810 (Understanding Social Life)." Overall, Sociology and Criminology majors graduating prior to fall quarter 2012 must complete 44 credit hours in the major, including all the required courses.  Sociology and Criminology majors graduating in fall quarter 2012 or later must complete 40 credit hours in the major, including all the required courses. Students are expected to meet with their department faculty advisors to verify their major requirements. 

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