Sep 07, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog 
    
2024-2025 University Catalog

Sociology Major, BA (Small Plan)


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Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious traditions; from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture (American Sociological Association: https://www.asanet.org/about/what-is-sociology/).

Sociology is a valuable liberal arts major for students who are planning careers in a variety of fields such as social research, criminology, demography, social psychology, public administration, gerontology, education, social work and market research; it also provides a useful background for those planning to enter law, business, medicine, community planning, and politics. Sociology is an exciting discipline with expanding opportunities for a wide range of career paths: https://www.themuse.com/advice/sociology-degree-major-jobs-careers 

Students who major in sociology may choose either the small plan (50-credit major) or the large plan (65-credit major).

Please note: students who complete the small plan major must also have a minor or second major in another discipline. Students admitted to the sociology major may have a social services minor but cannot have a sociology minor; additionally, students cannot double major in sociology and social services.

Graduation Requirement
2.25 GPA in major.

Sociology Program Learner Outcomes


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

  • apply sociological perspectives and theory to social issues;
  • apply appropriate sociological methods to a research question using ethical principles;
  • evaluate and communicate sociological information and
  • apply sociological perspectives and knowledge to life and professional goals. 

Select one course from each of the following categories - Credits: 15


Department-Approved Electives - Credits: 10


Any upper-division 300- or 400- level sociology course.

Total Credits: 50


Small Plan Major (fewer than 60 credits)


This major requires the completion of a minor or second major. Please consult with the departments about any specific restrictions regarding overlap between plans.

College and Department Information


Sociology Department  
College of the Sciences  

Online Availability
The program will have both a designated online only option and an in-person or hybrid option.

Program Codes
Major plan codes: SOCISMBA, SOCISMBAP
Online option codes: SOCISMBAO, SOCISMBAOP

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