Oct 08, 2024  
2024-2025 General Catalog [Current] 
    
2024-2025 General Catalog [Current]

Sociology (B.A., B.S.)

Location(s): Main Campus


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Program Summary

The sociology major prepares students for life in diverse, global societies by introducing them to applied and conceptual tools that enhance critical understandings of the social world. With a curriculum rooted in the liberal arts and sciences tradition, the sociology program supports the University’s academic mission (and General Education requirements), fosters an understanding of sociological theories, principles, and methodologies, integrates service and experiential learning with other pedagogies, and prepares students for graduate and professional programs in addition to careers in teaching, social work, and a variety of administrative and research occupations.

Program Information

General Education Requirement (30-35 Credits)


See General Education  for course options.

  • Core Course Requirements (12-15 Credits)
  • Breadth Area Requirements (16-20 Credits)

Please note: All students must complete a minimum of 30 credits between the Core and Breadth Area requirements.

Bachelor’s Degree Type: Arts or Science Requirement (12* or 16** Credits)


Select one degree type from either Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science:

Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree Requirement (12 Credits*)


  • Bachelor of Science Degree - Math or Science minimum requirement 12 Credits

* Note: A portion of the B.S. requirements may be met by fulfilling the General Education  Core and Breadth Areas. Because of this, these credits are typically not counted in the degree total at the bottom of page. Some students majoring in non-science fields may need additional math/science courses to reach the minimum 12 credits. Consult your Student Success Advisor for details. 

or

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree Requirement (16 Credits**)


  • Bachelor of Arts Degree - Foreign Language Requirement 16 Credits

** Note: One semester of a foreign language may also fulfill the General Education  Humanities requirement. The 16 credits may be fulfilled by taking four semesters of a foreign language or by testing out of a language and purchasing the credits. These credits are typically counted in the degree total at the bottom of the page. Consult your Student Success Advisor for details. 

Sociology Curriculum (36 Credits)


Required Sociology Introduction Course (3 Credits)


Complete one of the following:

Required Sociology Courses (12 Credits)


Capstone Route


Complete one of the following routes:

Option One - Research Project

  • Students choosing the research capstone project must complete SOC 3450  before enrolling in SOC 4999 .
Option Two - Service Learning Project

  • Students choosing the service learning capstone project must complete SOC 3030  or SOC 4500  before enrolling in SOC 4999 .

Sociology Electives (21 Credits)


  • At least 15 credits of upper-division SOC courses
  • Up to 6 credits of lower-division SOC courses can count toward the 21 credits of Sociology elective credits
  • Up to 6 credits of Anthropology (ANTH) courses earned at SUU may be substituted for Sociology elective credits

Free Electives (33-57 Credits)


Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. For a bachelor’s degree, students must earn a minimum of 40 upper-division credits (courses numbered 3000-4999). Students may need to select additional upper-division courses not included in their major requirements in order to reach this minimum. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for details.

Total Credits, B.A./B.S. Degree: 120


Program Learning Outcomes


  • Demonstrate factual knowledge (terminology, classifications, methods, trends).
  • Students will understand, describe, and critically assess sociological theories, principles, and concepts to comprehend inequalities based on race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexualities, immigration status, etc.
  • Students will demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to understand, describe, and critically assess quantitative and qualitative methods used in sociological research.
  • Students will possess and demonstrate critical and analytical thinking and reasoning skills to design ethical sociological research.
  • Students will analyze personal experiences (inclusive of educational experiential learning experiences) using the sociological imagination, methodology, principles, and concepts.

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