»Welcome to the Sociology Department!

Students pursuing the B.A. in Sociology are required to:

• Maintain at least a 2.000 grade point average in the major.
• Earn a grade of “C-“or higher in core courses in the major.
• Complete all core courses in the major for a letter grade.
• Complete 21 credits from upper-division courses in the major.
• Complete the senior thesis requirement SOC497

Curriculum for Sociology Major:

Sociology Core Requirements (18 credits)

• SOC 101 Intro to Sociology 
• SOC 201 Intro to Research Methods
• SOC 305 Social Theory
• SOC 318 Quantitative Data Analysis
• SOC 397 Capstone I: Field Research
• SOC 497 Capstone II:Senior Thesis Project

Social and Anthropology Electives (18 Credits)

Total credits: 36

The Sociology Department encourages and supports undergraduate research.

• The Earl Babbie Research Center
• The Ludie and David C. Henley Social Sciences Research Lab
• Center for Undergraduate Excellence
• Forms for Requesting Support
• Wilkinson College Research Fellows Application

Sociology courses vary widely in their subject matter, theoretical orientation and the research methods used, but an overarching goal of this program is to instill in you the following broad skills:

• Disciplinary Knowledge:
  Students will develop the ability to explain and discuss sociological history, theory and terminology. Students will be able to find and properly cite primary sources in the sociological literature.
• Disciplinary Application:
  Students will develop the ability to apply sociological theory and insights to a broad range of social problems and to the operation of social institutions in both a US and global context
• Oral Communication:
  Students will develop the ability to communicate effectively in oral form which includes the ability to present and summarize information and research results effectively and respond to critical feedback.
• Written Communication:
  Students will develop the ability to communicate effectively in written form which includes the effective development of an argument, accurate discussion of sociological theory, and the application of sociological theory and knowledge.
• Research Skills:
  Students will apply theoretical, methodological, and research skills to carry out empirical research. Students will develop an understanding of both qualitative and quantitative methods for conducting research and how both methodologies complement one another.