Academic Advising Resource Center

Sociology

Why take courses in Sociology?

Sociology majors use the critical skills learned in the classroom to address complex problems in the wider world. Sociology students study social phenomena ranging from states to small groups to analyze their effects on inequalities and identities. Our majors are trained to analyze, interpret, frame, and communicate data both quantitative and qualitative in ways that are desirable across a range of professions.

What kinds of questions does Sociology explore?

  • What is the relationship between the individual and society?

  • How do social institutions like families or cities guide collective behavior?
  • How are literary (and more broadly, artistic) texts shaped by their cultures, languages, and social and political realities?
  • What conditions give rise to social change?

 

What advice would you give students interested in taking courses in Sociology?

All 100-level courses are interchangeable introductory surveys; you may only take one for major credit.

200-level courses have no prerequisites and allow students to explore a specific subfield. 

Methods SOCI 301/302 is only taught in Fall; you must take a STAT class either before it or concurrently with it. Only third-years who have taken methods are eligible for Honors in their senior year.

Theory is normally taught in Spring; for the time being it is also taught in Fall.

Normally, students have taken methods and theory by the end of their third year.

Taking Courses

Courses for non-majors or general interest

  • Any 1xx- or 2xx-level course

Getting started in the major

Any 1xx- or 2xx-level course

    Advanced Placement Credit 

    Sociology does not transfer AP credit toward the major requirements. Refer to the AP/IB chart for complete information about AP test scores. 

    Majoring in Sociology

    Provided are two examples of how a student could distribute courses required for the major over three or four years. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.

    Sample Four-Year Plans
      Fall Spring
    Y1 SOCI 1XX SOCI 2XX
    Y2 2XX ELECTIVE STAT 113 or 114
    Y3 SOCI 301
    SOCI 302    		 SOCI 303
    3XX ELECTIVE
    Y4 4XX SEMINAR SOCI 2XX
    3XX ELECTIVE
      Fall Spring
    Y1 2XX ELECTIVE SOCI 1XX
    Y2 2XX ELECTIVE 2XX ELECTIVE
    SOCI 303
    Y3 SOCI 301 & 302 
    STAT 113    		 Study Away 
    Y4 2XX ELECTIVE 
    3XX ELECTIVE    		 4XX SEMINAR

     

    Related Areas of Study

    Africana Studies; Comparative American Studies; Environmental Studies; Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies; Law and Society; Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies

    Learn More

    Sociology Major Requirements
    Sociology Department