Program Overview
Sociology, B.A.
The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program at Saint Louis University engages students in the scientific study of human groups and their characteristics, changes, causes, and consequences. Through teaching, research, and service, sociology reveals a critical understanding of the different ways people relate to one another through the organization of society and how its structures and cultures influence lives.
Overview
The program's subject matter ranges from family life to large-scale organizations, from crime to religion, from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, from poverty to prosperity, and from the sociology of work to the sociology of sport. Few fields have such a broad and exciting scope.
Curriculum Overview
The bachelor's degree in sociology curricula includes exciting fieldwork practicum courses and service-learning. Students may complete the general sociology major or choose to use their sociology electives to pursue one of three concentrations:
- Health and Medicine Concentration
- Law, Crime, and Deviance Concentration
- Urbanization, Immigration, and Demography Concentration
Concentrations
Health and Medicine Concentration
The health and medicine concentration focuses on the interplay of interactions, inequality, and institutions that shape health and illness, both locally and globally. Students preparing for health-related fields find this area of concentration relevant.
Law, Crime, and Deviance Concentration
The law, crime, and deviance concentration allows students to develop their sociological expertise on the making, breaking, and enforcement of social norms. Students considering careers in law, forensic science, and progressive law enforcement will be interested in this concentration.
Urbanization, Immigration, and Demography Concentration
The urbanization, immigration, and demography concentration allows students to explore urban and community change and social justice. This concentration provides opportunities for careers in consulting, government, human services, social welfare, geoinformatics, and geospatial statistics.
Fieldwork and Research Opportunities
The Department of Sociology has many connections with social agencies throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. Fieldwork practicums are available for sociology majors, including working at neighborhood centers in St. Louis or performing social research projects. Fieldwork practicums also provide an opportunity for students to be involved in agencies and organizations.
Careers
Graduates of the sociology program have diverse careers. They have occupied such positions as president of a management consulting firm, methodologist for a health organization, and directors of community centers. Graduates of the sociology program can also continue with graduate work in sociology or a wide range of programs, such as social work, law, and health service fields.
Admission Requirements
All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicants file.
Tuition
Tuition per year: $56,960. Additional charges may apply.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education: scholarships and financial aid. Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2023, 99% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid, and students received more than $459 million in aid University-wide.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of issues related to diversity, inequality, and social justice.
- Understand the role of theory in social analysis.
- Understand the role of qualitative and quantitative research methods in sociology.
- Communicate effectively in written and oral forms.
Requirements
Sociology students must complete a minimum of 30 credits for the major. A maximum of two anthropology courses may count toward the sociology major.
Course List
- University Undergraduate Core: 32-35 credits
- Major Requirements:
- Introduction Requirements: 3 credits
- Methods Requirement: 3 credits
- Theory Requirement: 3 credits
- Research Requirement: 3 credits
- Senior Experience: 3 credits
- Elective Courses: 15 credits
- General Electives: 55-58 credits
- Total Credits: 120
Concentration Courses
Health and Medicine Concentration
- Select 12 credits from courses with the Sociology -- Health & Medicine attribute.
Law, Crime, and Deviance Concentration
- Select 12 credits from courses with the Sociology -- Law, Crime, and Deviance attribute.
Urbanization, Immigration, and Demography Concentration
- Select 12 credits from courses with the Sociology -- Urbanization, Immigration, and Demography attribute.
Continuation Standards
Students must have a GPA of 2.00 in sociology major coursework to be retained in the major.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 120 credits.
- Complete the University Undergraduate Core curriculum requirements.
- Complete major requirements: minimum of 30 credits required.
- Achieve at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, a 2.00 grade point average in the major(s), and a 2.00 grade point average in the minor/certificate or related elective credits.
- Complete department- and program-specific academic and performance requirements.
- Complete at least 50% of the coursework for the major and 75% for the minor/certificate through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
- Complete 30 of the final 36 credits through Saint Louis University or an approved study-abroad program.
- Complete an online degree application by the required University deadline.