Program Overview

Sociology Program

The Sociology program is a liberal arts/social science major that provides graduates with the scientific tools and perspective necessary to better understand social issues and complex societal problems. Sociology is the study of group life, investigating the structure of groups, organizations, and societies to understand the characteristics, causes, and consequences of human behavior and social relationships.

Degree Options

• BS and BA Degrees: The program offers both Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) options.
• Focus Areas for BS: The BS allows for advanced study in one of three focus areas: Population Dynamics and Wellness, Criminology, Law and Society, and Social Inequality.

Curriculum

Core Requirements

To declare a major in sociology, students must complete Sociology 1101: Introduction to Sociology. The core requirements include:

• Sociology 3463: Social Stratification: Race, Class and Gender
• Sociology 3487: Research Methods in Sociology
• Sociology 3488: Introduction to Sociological Theory
• Sociology 3549: Statistics in Sociology

Additional Sociology Courses

Students must complete a minimum of 24 additional credit hours of coursework in sociology, including a minimum of 12 hours of 4000- or 5000-level sociology courses. A research or internship experience is also required.

Study Abroad

Students are encouraged to participate in education abroad programs, such as Genocide and its Aftermath in Rwanda and the Warsaw Summer School in Social Sciences.

Internship

The Department of Sociology has a strong internship program, allowing students to augment their coursework with career-related internship and volunteer field experiences in settings like the American Red Cross and state senators' offices.

Honors and Scholars

Honors students can enroll in Honors-specific courses, conduct research with faculty, and engage in intellectual discussions. Honors sections are available for several courses, including Introduction to Sociology, The Political Elite and Interest Groups, Criminology, Social Stratification, and Research Methods in Sociology.

Research

Undergraduate research assistants work on faculty-led projects, such as Amish Directory Data, Understanding the Changing Perception of Student Loans, and the National Sport & Society Survey.

Student Organizations

• Alpha Kappa Delta: A national sociology honorary society hosting annual recognition events and intellectual exchange forums.
• Sociology and Criminology Club: Offers service work, speaking events, career exploration, and social activities.

Possible Careers

An undergraduate major in sociology prepares students for various careers, including:

• Health and social services
• Community work
• Criminal justice and corrections
• Business
• Federal, state, or local government Many sociology majors also pursue postbaccalaureate work in law, business, public administration, social work, public health, and urban planning.

Program Objectives

Students in the sociology program will:

• Develop comprehensive knowledge of the discipline of sociology
• Understand sociological theories and concepts
• Apply research methods and statistical analysis to examine social issues
• Prepare for employment or graduate school through academic and experiential learning opportunities

Faculty and Resources

Students have the opportunity to study with leading scholars in their fields. Faculty within the Department of Sociology are nationally and internationally recognized for their contributions to research, scholarship, and teaching, providing valuable contacts and references for graduate school or job applications.