COURSE CURRICULUM

The sociology degree program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and rigorous education in sociological theory, research methods, and applied knowledge. To earn the degree, students must complete a minimum of 38 credits, with at least 30 of those credits taken at the upper-division level, ensuring advanced and in-depth study. The program begins with a foundational course, where students choose between SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology or SOC 103: Contemporary Global Issues. These courses provide the essential grounding needed to understand sociological concepts and contemporary societal challenges. Building on this foundation, students are required to take several core courses that focus on classical and contemporary sociological theories and essential research methods. These include SOC 407: Classical Sociological Theory, SOC 430: Quantitative Methods, and SOC 440: Ethnographic Methods, the latter serving as a capstone experience. The capstone course allows students to apply their knowledge through hands-on research, helping them develop critical analytical skills and practical experience in sociological inquiry. To further deepen their expertise, students select one advanced course, either SOC 420: Contemporary Social Theory or SOC 421: Applied Sociology, allowing them to explore current sociological frameworks or practical applications in various social settings. Beyond the core requirements, students must complete a minimum of 14 upper-division elective credits, providing the flexibility to tailor their education according to their interests and career goals. These electives may cover a broad range of sociological topics such as gender, race and ethnic relations, deviance, religion and culture, sexuality, immigration, medical sociology, and family dynamics. This combination of theoretical, methodological, and elective coursework ensures that students graduate with a well-rounded understanding of society at both micro and macro levels, equipped to analyze social issues critically and contribute meaningfully to diverse professional and academic environments.