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.

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

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