Undergraduate Program
The Department of Sociology offers two majors: Sociology and Sociology-Organizational Studies.
The Sociology Major
Sociology covers a broad range of subject material and a wider range of theory and methods than most majors. Auguste Comte, a founding father of the discipline, referred to sociology as the "Queen of the Sciences" because it embodies the basics of all the other social sciences.
The
department has developed four distinct programs of study within the
sociology major. Students selecting the Sociology major may choose from
four options (also referred to as "emphasis") within this major:
General
Allows students to obtain a broad understanding of the concepts, methods, and theories of sociology in preparation for the pursuit of higher educational research opportunities.Law and Society
Designed for students interested in the study of law, politics, and research. This emphasis has flexibility; expect to take courses in violence of inequality, delinquency, deviance, the criminal justice system, probation, criminology and social problems.Social Services
Students interested in the study of social work agencies, public service, counseling, and healthcare should pursue this emphasis. Flexibility in course selection include social problems, social stratification, the family, social welfare, healthcare, research methods, and ethnic studies.Comparative Studies and World Development
This emphasis focuses on a regional area for students interested in the study of developing and newly industrialized societies. Particular attention focuses on the relationship between current developing countries and the more advanced nations of the international system. This course work is interdisciplinary, and students can expect to take classes in Economics, Anthropology, Political Science, History, Religious and Cultural Studies as well.
The Sociology-Organizational Studies Major
The Sociology-Organizational Studies Major is designed to develop a broad understanding of the political, social, and economic organizations that comprise modern society. The major introduces students to a range of theories and methods that social scientists use in the analysis of organizations. Students should expect to take classes from the disciplines of Economics, Political Science, Communication, Psychology, Community & Regional Development, Agricultural & Resource Economics, History, and of course, Sociology.