Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ

Sociology seeks to understand the actions of individuals and groups within their social and institutional contexts. Sociologists work to discover and reveal the underlying regularities of social life, how patterns of inequality and behavior come to be, and how these patterns are reproduced or changed over time. Sociology’s scope is broad, ranging from the study of emotions, identities, and/or encounters to the analysis of global social structures and processes.

The Sociology faculty at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ is a community of teacher-scholars and practitioners, each of whom is committed to students' intellectual development and the practice of Sociology. The scope of the department's curriculum is quite broad, ranging from the study of social identities and interactions to the organization and function of domestic and global social institutions and structures. Across its curriculum, the department maintains a primary concern with social inequality - its various forms, structures, and processes of social reproduction - as well as with how sociology can inform efforts to bring about a more just society. The sociology major is carefully designed to facilitate students' mastery of key sociological habits of thought, concepts, theoretical frameworks, and competencies relating to the practice of sociology and its application in the broader world. Anchoring the curriculum are required courses in social theory, research design and methods, and a senior capstone project.

The Sociology Department at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ strives to develop a student's ability to think sociologically, conduct rigorous research, communicate effectively, and engage with diverse communities on issues of common concern. Additionally, we seek to foster "sociological imaginations" that are not only adept at identifying and understanding unjust practices and institutions but can envision a more just society and are equipped to contribute to its realization.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s curriculum teaches students the basic insights of Sociology, with a focus on the major theoretical approaches. Instruction emphasizes how sociological habits of thought promote self-understanding and social change. Students develop competencies in research methods, hypothesis testing & evaluation, community-based research, community engagement, and social change, including activism and social policy. Core competencies and skill sets include:

• Sociological Thinking: Use sociological methods of thought, inquiry, & analysis to understand/address social issues.
• Research Skills: Qualitative, quantitative, community-based, hypothesis testing, evaluation, survey design, sampling.
• Community Engagement & Social Change: Social & political action, social & public policy, community development.

Sociology prepares students for a range of careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. A small sample of sociological career paths includes law, public health & medicine, research, urban planning, counseling, social work, policy analysis, education, human rights, journalism, and government.

A partial list of recent Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Sociology alumni career trajectories is available upon request. 

Sociology Major Requirements: 11 Credits

Required Courses/5 Credits

• SO228: Social Theory
• SO229: Research Design
• SO401 or SO402: Quantitative or Qualitative
• SO450: Senior Thesis/Capstone (2 Credits)
  • Research Theory Paper, or
  • Community-based research paper, or
  • Community-action project and paper

Electives/6 Credits

• No more than three, 100-level electives may count towards major
• At least one, 300-level elective (must be taken prior to SO450)
• Study abroad programs that include a sociological element may contribute one elective credit
• SO451/Senior Seminar DOES NOT count as a credit toward the major.

Speak to your advisor if you have questions about electives.

Download the Sociology Major and Concentration Information Sheet.

Research Methods & Data Analysis (RMDA)

Courses in addition to Sociology major requirements

• SO401 AND 402: Quantitative and Qualitative (must take both)
• SO328: Community-based research
• SO450: Thesis must use at least one research method informed by coursework
• One additional methods course; consult advisor

Health & Society

Courses in addition to Sociology major requirements

• SO450: Thesis must focus on Health & Society topic
• Advisor approved community engagement project, or internship
• At least three courses from the following:
  • SO246: Sociology of Health/Medicine
  • SO250: Global Health
  • SO320: Mental Health Policy
  • SO292: Sociology of Body & Health
  • SO218: Data Visualization for Social Epidemiology

A concentration is NOT required for the major.

Contact Wade Roberts with questions about the RMDA or the Health & Society concentration.

Download the Sociology Major and Concentration Information Sheet. 

KARA WHITNEY CARROLL