Program of Study

The Major in Sociology

With strong foundations in sociological research and theory, you'll learn about self and society, social interaction, the role of culture and social institutions, and the importance of structured inequality (race, class, and gender) in social life. The department has a particular strength in the analysis of legal institutions. You have two tracks to pick from:

Sociology

• Designed to prepare students for a wide range of professional careers and advanced study. This track is particularly useful background for careers in education, human services, social policy, business, or the media.
• View course catalog for the Sociology Major course requirements

Sociology (Criminal Justice and Law)

• Designed for students with an interest in careers in the legal profession or other aspects of the justice system, as well as for the kinds of advanced study expected of professionals in those fields.
• View course catalog for the Criminal Justice and Law Major course requirements

The Sociology Core

Every sociology major, regardless of track, completes the following courses:

• Sociology 115 Introductory Sociology
• Sociology 246 Basic Research Methods
• Sociology 335 Sociological Theory
• Writing Intensive (WI) Course: Sociology 346 Advanced Social Research OR Sociology 347 Advanced Anthropological Research
• Sociology Inequality Course: Sociology 258 Power and Conflict OR Sociology 355 Sociology of Gender OR Sociology 357 Racial and Ethnic Inequality

In addition to these five required courses, students take four other courses, three of which must be above the 100 level and at least one of which must be at the 300 level.

Click here to view updated course options from the course catalog.

The Minor in Sociology

The minor in sociology consists of five-course units: Sociology 115 and four other courses that must include at least two 200-level courses and one 300-level course. 

Note: students pursuing a minor in sociology will not be permitted to take ANTH/SOC 113 as an elective course for fulfilling the requirements of the sociology minor.

The Minor in Anthropology

The interdisciplinary minor in Anthropology requires students to complete 5 courses, three of which must be at the 200-level or higher. Two courses are required (SOC 113 - Cultural Anthropology and SOC 347 - Advanced Research in Anthropology), supplemented by three elective courses, of which minimum of one elective must be completed in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology and students may pursue up to two elective courses that are cross-listed in other departments to fulfill the requirements for the minor.

Click here for an overview on requirements for the Anthropology Minor

The Minor in Medical Sociology and Anthropology

Medical sociology and anthropology is the study of the distribution and experience of health and illness in society, past and present. The field explores the cultural influences on the interpretation and experience of health and illness, the institutions that diagnose and treat illness, the different disease burdens experienced by different arrangements of human communities, and the socialization of both practitioners and patients. The minor in medical sociology and anthropology will enable students to understand and appreciate the macro factors that impact the health and illness of human communities as well as to develop an understanding of the complexity of interactions and social relationships between people in medical institutions. 

Click here for an overview on requirements for the Medical Sociology and Anthropology Minor

The Interdepartmental Major

Six courses of Set I of the interdepartmental major must include Sociology 115, at least two 300-level courses, and three other departmental electives.