Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Laurie G. Dodge, Ph.D., Interim Dean, Arts and Sciences

Jeremy Korr, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Arts and Sciences

William Sokoloff, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Arts and Sciences

Michael Moodian, Ed.D.

Sociology is the study of how society organizes itself. The subject matter includes social institutions and culture, community life, family patterns and relationships, social change, social movements, gender and ethnic relations, race, social class, demographics, value systems, deviant behavior, conflict, mass media, health-seeking behavior, and the people and institutions of other societies and cultures.

Sociology is a valuable liberal arts major for students interested in developing analytical thinking skills suited to evolving workplace demands. The major prepares students for careers in educational, governmental and corporate settings. The undergraduate major provides the foundation for careers in social work, urban planning, public health, gerontology, medicine, law, criminal justice, social service agencies and other fields where an understanding of and knowledge of social institutions, social interaction, and a range of research techniques are needed. It also prepares students to enter graduate study programs and the student may choose between emphases in either sociology or social work.

All courses taken in the major program must be passed with a grade equivalent of "C" or higher. Courses may be used to fulfill both major and general education requirements.

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the BA Sociology degree program is to provide students with theoretical and research based knowledge that can be applied to practical situations. The program is intended to help students become successful and dynamic practitioners in professional contexts by improving their capacity to analyze, understand, and evaluate social phenomena, enhancing awareness of diversity, developing critical thinking skills, and improving writing and verbal skills.

Sociology Learning Outcomes

• Statistics: Explain common sociological statistical techniques
• Methods: Compare and contrast sociological methodological approaches
• Diversity: Evaluate the effects of multiculturalism in society
• Theory: Apply major sociological theories to practical situations
• Research: Evaluate published sociological research
• Application: Create an applied research or related project

Emphasis in Social Work

The BA in Sociology with an emphasis in social work teaches students how to analyze social problems and human needs and to design and implement programs to remedy these problems.

The social work emphasis can lead to careers working with families and children in federal, state and county agencies, in human resource management and in the legal system. The emphasis also prepares students in enter graduate studies in social work (Master of Social Work or M.S.W.).

Minor in Sociology