Social Services Major, BS

The social service major is designed for students interested in working in the human services delivery systems. Students are required to have a strong grounding in sociology as well as the applied field of social services. The coursework introduces students to critical issues in the field and offers students the opportunity to work within agencies in the community.

The major requirements are such that students are encouraged to organize their program of study to include a minor in an area of interest or specialization outside of sociology. Some areas that fit well with this major include psychology, ethnic studies, family studies, gerontology, women’s studies, community health, and the like.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate critical thinking skills:
  • Identify underlying assumptions in theoretical models and arguments
  • Distinguish between arguments based on empirical evidence and those based on opinion
  • Recognize alternative viewpoints on social issues
• Communicate effectively:
  • Express sociological ideas in a clear and coherent manner
  • Make oral presentations focused on course content in group settings
  • Read professional-level sociological reports with understanding
• Apply sociological perspective:
  • Describe similarities and differences between sociology and other social sciences
  • Explain contributions of sociology to understanding social reality
  • Define and apply key concepts such as culture, status, roles, norms, socialization, deviance, conformity, self, social structure, social institution, social inequality, stratification, race, gender, social change, cultural diversity, etc.
• Demonstrate competence in sociological theory:
  • Describe the role of theory in building sociological knowledge
  • Compare and contrast major theoretical orientations
  • Explain how theories reflect historical and cultural context of the times and cultures in which they were developed
• Recognize and use different methods of sociological inquiry and data analysis:
  • Identify, compare, and contrast major sociological research and techniques for analyzing data
  • Design and carry out a social research project
  • Be aware of ethical issues in research
  • Demonstrate basic computer skills necessary to find, create, apply, and communicate sociological information
• Show knowledge in substantive areas within sociology:
  • Summarize existing knowledge, current questions, and important issues in one substantive area within sociology
  • Suggest specific policy implications of research and theories in one area
• Integrate the knowledge and skills learned in the sociology program with life goals and career interests:
  • Participate in extra curriculum and service activities that elicit positive social change
  • Apply sociological perspective in real world, professional experience