2018-19 Catalogs
BA in Sociology
Sociology studies the relationship between individual experience and broader social forces. Sociology will assist you in understanding the role of social structures in the creation - and dismantling - of class, race, sexuality, and gender inequalities. Studying sociology will expand your skills in critical thinking, writing, and analysis through an exploration of social problems and social change. An undergraduate major in sociology offers valuable preparation for careers in social work, social research, criminal justice, community organizing, business, and education.
The major also provides an excellent basis for graduate study in sociology, law, public policy, and social work.
Program Requirements
Requirements for the Baccalaureate Degree
All students are reminded that, in addition to meeting Program requirements for a major leading to a baccalaureate degree, they must also meet the requirements of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the University's Core curriculum.
Major Credit and Grade Policy
The prerequisites for all 300-level sociology courses are SOC 100 and SOC 210 with grades of C or better. Courses to be taken for major credit at other institutions must be approved in advance. Grades of C or better must be achieved in all courses for major or minor credit. Courses taken pass/fail are not acceptable.
The minimum number of credits (exclusive of the University's Core curriculum) required for the major: 37.
Required Prerequisites for all advanced sociology courses (6 credit hours)
SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology
SOC 210 Critical Thinking About Social Issues
Required Courses (10 credit hours)
SOC 300 Sociological Theory
SOC 301 Qualitative Research Methods
SOC 307 Quantitative Research Methods
SOC 410 Sociology Capstone (must be taken concurrent with designated 3-credit companion course)
Elective Courses–choose from among the following (21 credit hours)
SOC 315 Self and Society
SOC 316 Sociology of Gender
SOC 318 Childhood and Society
SOC 327 Social Movements
SOC 330 Sociology of the Family
SOC 331 School and Society
SOC 333 Medical Sociology
SOC 334 Sociology of Religion
SOC 343 Social Psychology
SOC 348 Sociology of Work
SOC 355 Politics and Society
SOC 357 Organization: Individual and Society
SOC 358 Sociology of Women's Work
SOC 359 Leisure and Consumption under Global Capitalism
SOC 363 Food, Culture and Society
SOC 365 Sociology of the Body
SOC 370 Sociology of the Environment
SOC 371 Sociology of Race and Ethnicity
SOC 374 Mental Health and Mental Illness
SOC 380 Topics in Sociology
SOC 390 Individualized Instruction I
SOC 391 Individualized Instruction II
SOC 392 Poverty: Policy and Perspectives
SOC 393 Women, Welfare, and the State
SOC 395 Internship
SOC 450 Undergraduate Teaching Assistantship
Admission Information
For the best overall Financial Aid package, submit your USM application and complete your FAFSA by January 15. However, you can apply at any time. Undergraduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Learn More about the Undergraduate Application Requirements & Process