Sociology

Shirley A. Jackson
CHAIRPERSON

MAJORS IN SOCIOLOGY
The Sociology Department offers courses of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree, the Bachelor of Science degree (with or without specialization), and the Bachelor of Science degree in sociology with certification in secondary education. The curriculum is designed to equip students with a broader and deeper understanding of human diversity. Students are rigorously trained in theory and research methods. The degree program in sociology prepares students for employment in the professional and private sector and pursuit of higher degree programs.

All majors in sociology must have a minimum overall QPR of 2.5. A grade of “C” or better is required in all core sociology courses. Sociology majors are strongly encouraged to take at least one L course in sociology.

Bachelor of Arts Degree
Students pursuing a liberal arts degree in sociology are required to enroll in a minimum of 31 credits in the major.

Required courses are:
SOC 200 — Adventures in Sociology
SOC 370 — Methods of Social Research
SOC 380 — Foundations of Sociological Theory
SOC 480 — Applied Contemporary Theory

One additional methods course:
SOC 470 — Quantitative Analysis of Social Science Data)
SOC 473 — Qualitative Research Methods

One course emphasizing diversity:
SOC 310 — Race and Ethnicity
SOC 315 — Sociology of Gender
SOC 363 — Social Inequality in the U.S.

One capstone course from the following:
SOC 490 — Sociology Seminar
SOC 495 — Departmental Honors
SOC 497 — Sociology Internship

The student then elects three additional courses from the sociology offerings. With the advice and consent of the department, PSY 227 — Social Psychology may be taken in place of an elective sociology course.

Bachelor of Science Degree (with Secondary Education certification)
The major in sociology, requires a minimum of 31 credits in sociology. These courses consist of the required core sociology courses and three additional courses in sociology. Students are also required to enroll in courses in history (21 credits) and education (18 credits) to fulfill the requirements for this option.

To meet certification requirements, a sociology major in the Secondary Education Program must take a history minor, which includes at least one course in non-western history. The specific professional requirements for Initial Teaching Certification in Connecticut are listed in the Undergraduate Catalog under the heading "Major Programs in Secondary Education" in the School of Education.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology
The major in sociology, consisting of a minimum of 52 credits, provides an understanding of the nature and structure of society and group behavior. Courses provide cover-age in depth of the field. Elective offerings allow the student to adapt the major to the student's particular interests and future plans. The major prepares students for teaching and for further work at the graduate level. In addition, sociology provides a background for those interested in a variety of work activities. Career opportunities include positions in criminal justice, private and public social service agencies, and research relating to areas such as public opinion and marketing.

The program is comprised of a minimum of 31 credits in sociology.
Required core courses are:
SOC 200 — Adventures in Sociology
SOC 370 — Methods of Social Research
SOC 380 — Foundations of Sociological Theory
SOC 480 — Applied Contemporary Theory

One additional methods course:
SOC 470 — Quantitative Analysis of Social Science Data S
OC 473 — Qualitative Research Methods

One course emphasizing diversity:
SOC 310 — Race and Ethnicity,
SOC 315 — Sociology of Gender, or
SOC 363 — Social Inequality in the U.S.

One capstone course from the following:
SOC 490 — Sociology Seminar
SOC 495 — Departmental Honors
SOC 497 — Sociology Internship

The student then elects five additional courses from the sociology offerings. With the advice and consent of the department, PSY 227: Social Psychology may be taken in place of an elective sociology course. The student selects 12 cognate credits (courses outside of the department) to fulfill the major requirements. Students are encouraged to work with a faculty advisor to develop a program of interest outside of the major to assist in the selection of appropriate cognate courses.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology with Specialization
The Bachelor of Science program in sociology examines the traditional body of knowledge relevant to sociology while also exploring professional career possibilities. There is a strong emphasis on research techniques and on applied and practical aspects of sociology. Students are able to consider career opportunities in the various specialties offered by the department.

The Bachelor of Science program is available in several specializations within the sociology major: Criminology and Criminal, Justice Ethnic and Racial Relations, Family and Gender Studies and Urban Community.

The core program is comprised of a minimum of 31 credits in sociology. Required courses are:
SOC 200 — Adventures in Sociology
SOC 370 — Methods of Social Research
SOC 380 — Foundations of Sociological Theory
SOC 480 — Applied Contemporary Theory

One additional methods course:
SOC 470 — Qualitative Research Methods
SOC 473 — Quantitative Analysis of Social Science Data

One course emphasizing diversity:
SOC 310 — Race and Ethnicity SOC 315 — Sociology of Gender
SOC 363 — Social Inequality in the U.S.

One capstone course from the following:
SOC 490 — Sociology Seminar
SOC 495 — Departmental Honors SOC 497 — Sociology Internship

Additional courses are chosen according to the specialization chosen within the sociology major. Students must take an 12 credits of specified supplemental cognate courses in areas other than sociology that are relevant to the specialization and support professional career goals. The courses should promote a field of study with the student's academic and career goals in mind.

With the advice of the department, a senior thesis may be substituted for the internship. With the advice and consent of the department, PSY 227: Social Psychology may be taken in place of a sociology elective course.