department of
Sociology,
Social Work & Anthropology
SOCIOLOGY
PROGRAM
Sociology is the study of the human individual and human groups. Sociology
systematically describes and explains group behavior, the interaction
of the individual with the group, and the interactions of groups with
each other. Sociology offers a broad foundation for understanding human
behavior and encourages the development of critical thinking.
The student with a BA or BS major in Sociology will be able to think
critically, to analyze everyday events in light of larger social institutions
and societal trends. Required sociology classes deal with how people
in different societies organize and control their societies, critical
issues in sociology as they have developed through history, and statistical
methods for analyzing sociological data.
Students select courses from three different areas. Social Problems
classes focus on topics such as retirement and other aspects of aging,
the causes and prevention of crime and juvenile delinquency, and the
cultural characteristics of minority groups. Groups and Institutions
courses look at collective behavior, the organization of communities,
the development of sex roles, economic systems, educational systems,
and social inequality. Population, Environment and Development courses
deal with the effects of the environment on human behavior and social
organization and the consequences of different patterns of population
growth and settlement.
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Career Opportunities
Sociologists collect survey information and do research for lawmakers,
administrators, and educators, providing advice on drug treatment programs,
demographics, zoning changes, and aid to the poor. With advanced training,
graduates in Sociology may do research, teaching, consulting, and administrative
work at universities and for corporations and research firms. Sociologists
also work as analysts and statisticians for federal agencies such as
the Environmental Protection Agency, the Veteran's Administration, or
the departments of Health and Human Services, Education, Interior, or
Agriculture. Training in statistics, computer science, public administration,
and business administration will enhance employment prospects.
Surveys of graduates indicate that sociology majors pursue a wide range
of occupations. A third are employed in the professional sector, while
close to one-fourth are in service occupations. In addition, 26 percent
are involved in sales or management/administration. In terms of specific
job titles, social service is a popular option, as is retail sales and
teaching. Other frequent job titles include: vocational rehabilitation
counselor, research analyst, data coordinator, management analyst, district
sales manager, parole officer, juvenile probation officer, social services
director, civil service test examiner, personnel director, insurance
salesman, and correctional service officer.
A variety of government and business positions are also expanding for
sociology majors with the new emphasis on a liberal arts education.
The growing awareness of the value of sociological perspectives for
problem-solving continues to provide an increasing range of opportunities
for employment in a variety of work settings.
For detailed information on major and minor requirements, go to link below:
Get
Sociology Requirement Sheet
***NOTE: The required courses for the Sociology Minor have been changed from Soc 1010 and Soc 1020 to Soc 1010 or Soc 1020, making it a 3 credit requirement instead of 6 credits. The elective credit requirement has been changed to 9 credits instead of 6 credits, maintaining the total credit requirement of 12 for the minor.
***NOTE: Beginning Fall 2008, a Sociology capstone course will be an added requirement for Sociology Majors. This will raise the total credit requirement for the major from 33 to 36. Students will have three options to fulfill this requirement. Althought a capstone course is not currently required, it is highly recommended for all Sociology Majors. Two of the three capstone course options are currently offered:
- Soc 4720 Applied Community Development (also an internship course)
- Soc 4800 Honors Research Seminar (conduct your own research)
The third option will be a Career Building capstone course in which students will learn Sociology career opportunities, learn to build their resumes and market their sociological training.
Teaching Major and Minor in Sociology:
The teaching major and minor in Sociology can be achieved by completing the
Secondary
Teacher Education Program (STEP), as well as a regular Sociology
major in the Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology Department. A 2.5
GPA is required in Sociology courses, and a 2.75 total GPA is required
for graduation with a Teaching License in Sociology. At least 50 percent
of Sociology coursework must be completed at USU. No more than 3 semester
credits of Soc 4900 (Independent Readings in Sociology) can be used
toward the Teaching Major in Sociology.
Law and Society Area Studies Certificate
The Law and Society Area Studies Certificate is an opportunity for students interested in law enforcement careers, corrections, counseling, or law school to emphasize the study of the relationship between law and society from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students must complete at least 24 credits from the list of courses on pg. 3 of the Major Requirement Sheet (Certificate section; see link below). The courses must be chosen from at least three different disciplines, and no more than 12 credits may be chosen from a single discipline. A student must maintain a 3.0 grade point average for the 24 credits. The Law and Society Area Studies Certificate is pursued in conjunction with a major, as it is not itself a degree program. Courses taken for the Law and Societies Area Studies requirements may also count toward fulfilling requirements for a major. A student's final transcript will reflect the Law and Society Area Studies Certificate upon completion of the requirements for a degree.
Get Sociology Requirement Sheet
TRANSFER Students
Use this link http://www.usu.edu/transfer/guide/course_by_course.cfm
to see a list of the courses that transfer to USU from particular universities and that transfer directly into the Sociology program.
NOTE: Sociology of the Family courses generally transfer into the Department of Family, Consumer and Human Development (FCHD). Forensics/Criminal Justice or Criminal Studies courses do not generally transfer directly into Sociology except as indicated in the articulation guide. A few classes may transfer for elective credit of some kind.
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For more information Email Dr. E. (Eddy) Helen Berry, at eddy.berry@usu.edu
To contact the Sociology Peer Advisor:
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