School of Social Sciences and International Studies

Minor in Sociology

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Why Choose Sociology?

Sociology is concerned with social relations:

  • How people relate to each other as individuals, in families, and in other groups
  • How they interact within various social institutions, including the workforce and government
  • How their behavior is judged socially acceptable or deviant by others

A sociology minor will help train you to observe and analyze social interactions, predict likely outcomes, and determine how we can develop programs for the good of individuals and society. Your courses are designed to help develop your writing and critical thinking skills.

Careers

Sociologists develop many skills desired by employers, like critical thinking and the ability to conduct research. These skills, combined with a knowledge base of sociology that promotes tolerance, multicultural awareness, and understanding of group dynamics, help prepare students for a wide range of graduate studies and careers.

Sociologists apply their training and analytic research skills in a broad array of organizations, including:

  • Government agencies at the local, state, federal, and international levels
  • Social services
  • Public health
  • Law
  • Urban or regional planning
  • Departments of correction, commerce, and marketing
  • Public relations
  • Public administration
  • Education
  • Mass communication and media

A master’s degree in sociology is required for many positions in sociology. The Ph.D. is essential for attaining a professorship in most colleges and universities and is usually expected of candidates for directorships of major research projects, for important administrative positions, and for consultants to industry or sales organizations.

View the Sociology program profile for sample occupations, average salary, and employment projections

Real-World Experience

Sociology students can explore career options through participation in the Internship Program (SOC 3000-02), a 3-credit hour internship wherein they work under professional guidance at a local agency or firm.

Success Stories

In a new study, Marlese Durr examined how African American women, specifically stylists, coped with and continued to work during the 2008 economic recession.
Azadeh Jahanbegloo, a senior lecturer of sociology, is now a U.S. citizen who calls America home, but never got to say goodbye to her past.

Academics and Curriculum

View Minor in Sociology program requirements in the Academic Catalog.

View the Minor in Sociology checklist (PDF).

Admission

If you are a current student go to the WINGS Express Major/Minor change request form or talk to your advisor about adding a minor.

 


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