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.

All students in the sociology major are required to take a minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework in addition to the introductory course, Understanding Social Life (SOCI 1810--or equivalent).

Required courses include:

• Sociological Classics (SOCI 2020)
• Sociological Imagination and Inquiry A and B (SOCI 2005 and 2006)
• Social Inequality  (SOCI 2420)
• a minimum of 20 additional hours of elective courses, 5 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 (and therefore the Sociology/Criminology Department) must comply with these regulations.  Therefore, effective fall quarter, 2012, all undergraduate classes currently listed as five (5) credit hours will revert to four (4) credit hours.  This will affect 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)." [Note that we haven't listed the required courses here...those remain basically, but not entirely, the same; a revised checklist is linked below this paragraph.]  There will obviously be a lot of confusion about the requirements regarding this credit hour change.  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.

New Sociology Major Requirements Worksheet (as of fall 2012)

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