Academic Advising Resource Center
Sociology
Why take courses in Sociology?
Sociology majors use the critical skills learned in the classroom to address complex problems in the wider world. Sociology students study social phenomena ranging from states to small groups to analyze their effects on inequalities and identities. Our majors are trained to analyze, interpret, frame, and communicate data both quantitative and qualitative in ways that are desirable across a range of professions.
What kinds of questions does Sociology explore?
- What is the relationship between the individual and society?
- How do social institutions like families or cities guide collective behavior?
- How are literary (and more broadly, artistic) texts shaped by their cultures, languages, and social and political realities?
- What conditions give rise to social change?
What advice would you give students interested in taking courses in Sociology?
All 100-level courses are interchangeable introductory surveys; you may only take one for major credit.
200-level courses have no prerequisites and allow students to explore a specific subfield.
Methods SOCI 301/302 is only taught in Fall; you must take a DATA class either before it or concurrently with it. Only third-years who have taken methods are eligible for Honors in their senior year.
Theory is normally taught in Spring; for the time being it is also taught in Fall.
Normally, students have taken methods and theory by the end of their third year.
Taking Courses
Courses for non-majors or general interest
- Any 1xx- or 2xx-level course
Getting started in the major
Any 1xx- or 2xx-level course
Advanced Placement Credit
Sociology does not transfer AP credit toward the major requirements. Refer to the AP/IB chart for complete information about AP test scores.
Majoring in Sociology
Provided are two examples of how a student could distribute courses required for the major over three or four years with additional information provided on this handout. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.
Sample Four-Year Plans
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | SOCI 1XX | SOCI 2XX |
| Y2 | 2XX ELECTIVE | DATA 113 or 114 |
| Y3 | SOCI 301 SOCI 302 | SOCI 303 3XX ELECTIVE |
| Y4 | SOCI 400 | SOCI 2XX 3XX ELECTIVE |
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | 2XX ELECTIVE | SOCI 1XX |
| Y2 | 2XX ELECTIVE | 2XX ELECTIVE SOCI 303 |
| Y3 | SOCI 301 & 302 DATA 113 | Study Away |
| Y4 | 2XX ELECTIVE 3XX ELECTIVE | SOCI 400 |
Related Areas of Study
Africana Studies; Comparative American Studies; Environmental Studies; Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies; Law and Society; Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
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Sociology Major Requirements
Sociology Department