Degree: B.A., Sociology
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Sociology systematically investigates human society and social interaction, seeking to understand patterns of organization and change in a variety of settings.
The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree program offers a strong foundation in sociological theory and methods of research. In addition, students take courses to deepen their understanding in the areas of public health and environment, law and justices, and work, education, and welfare. Courses focus on such topics as ethnic and racial relations, gender, inequality, medicine, occupations, environment, community engagements, popular culture, education, and law.
Individual study and research offer students the opportunity to pursue areas of special interest. Supervised internships are also available.
The program of study is designed to provide sociology majors with a strong foundation for graduate work in the social sciences, as well as for a variety of careers, including elementary and secondary teaching, social services, public policy formulation, public administration, urban planning, and research in both public and private agencies, including private industry and the allied health professions.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students will define and explain various sociological concepts and theories.
2. Students will identify social issues and evaluate implications of such issues by finding relevant evidence and evaluating the evidence.
3. Students will analyze and interpret empirical data from a sociological perspective.
4. Students will understand social policies and their implications and become more informed and engaged citizens of the community and the world.
5. Students will feel prepared and confident to take on a career path.
6. Students will design an original research project and demonstrate skills to generate data or collect relevant information.
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCG 105 | The Social World | 3 |
| or SOCG 155 | Social Issues | |
| SOCG 364 | Quantitative Research Methods and Analysis 1 | 4 |
| SOCG 365 | Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis | 4 |
| SOCG 372 | History of Social Theory | 3 |
| or SOCG 373 | Contemporary Sociological Theories | |
| or SOCG 374 | Feminist Theory & Intersectionality | |
| Select 15 additional Sociology credits at or above the 200 level, excluding internships (499) 2 | 15 | |
| Any 3 credit SOCG course at or above the 400 level except 481 and 499 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 32 | |
- 1
Statistics 180 (Introduction to Statistics) is a prerequisite for SOCG 364 Quantitative Research Methods and Analysis and must be taken prior to enrolling in this course.
- 2
A maximum of six anthropology credits at 200-level or above, excluding individual study (ANTH 491 Individual Study and Research, ANTH 492 Individual Study & Research ) and internships ( ANTH 499 Internship ) may be substituted for sociology electives.
General Education Requirements
The general education requirements for Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degrees apply to all students who are seeking to earn an undergraduate B.A., B.S. or B.S.Ed. degree.
Students seeking a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree have a separate set of BLS general education requirements.
Electives
Elective courses are those that are not needed to fulfill a general education requirement or major program requirement but are chosen by the student to complete the 120 credits required for graduation with a B.A./B.S./B.S.Ed. degree or the BLS degree. These courses may be taken graded or pass/fail (or S/U in the case of physical education and 100-level dance). No student in a regular B.A./B.S./B.S.Ed. program may count more than 60 credits in a single discipline toward the 120 credits required for graduation.
Total Credits Required for the Degree: 120 credits
Plan of Study
This suggested plan of study should serve as a guide to assist students when planning their course selections. It is not a substitute for a student's Degree Evaluation or the Program Requirements listed for this major in the catalog. Academic planning is the student's responsibility, and course selections should be finalized only after speaking with an advisor. Students should familiarize themselves with the catalog in effect at the time they matriculated at the University of Mary Washington. Students should also familiarize themselves with general education requirements which can be fulfilled through general electives as well as major/minor course requirements. Course requirements and sequencing may vary with AP, IB, CLEP, Cambridge or previous coursework, transfer courses, or other conditions. To be considered full-time, an undergraduate student must be enrolled in 12 or more credits for the semester.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| FSEM 100 | First-Year Seminar | 3 |
| SOCG 105 or SOCG 155 |
The Social World or Social Issues |
3 |
| General Education Courses | 9 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOCG 204 |
Social Stratification or Gender and Society or Racial and Ethnic Relations |
3 |
| STAT 180 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| General Education Courses | 10 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOCG 215 |
Gender and Society or Social Stratification or Racial and Ethnic Relations |
3 |
| SOCG Elective | 3 | |
| General Education Courses | 9 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOCG 365 | Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis | 4 |
| SOCG Elective | 3 | |
| General Education Courses | 7 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOCG 364 | Quantitative Research Methods and Analysis | 4 |
| SOCG Elective or Theory (SOCG 372, SOCG 373, or SOCG 374) | 3 | |
| General Education Courses or Electives | 7 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOCG Elective or Theory (SOCG 372, SOCG 373, or SOCG 374) | 3 | |
| General Electives | 12 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOCG 481 | The Road Ahead: Career Planning and Changemaking With a Sociology Degree | 1 |
| 400-Level SOCG Capstone Course | 3 | |
| General Electives | 12 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOCG Elective | 3 | |
| General Electives | 12 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |