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Sociology Programs

Sociology Major

The sociology major brings together courses in theory, methods and a variety of electives to examine the complexities of society. The course work culminates in a major research project conducted in the student's senior year that allows her to integrate theory and methods into a public sociology project.

The sociology curriculum is based upon a strong liberal arts foundation emphasized through the College's general education requirements.

Majors will complete at least 36 credit hours within the field of sociology.   

All majors will complete the following requirements:

In addition students majoring in sociology will complete a minimum of 18 credit hours in electives -- with at least 6 credits at the 400 level.  See course offering for a listing of all courses offered in the sociology program.

  1. Students usually begin with Principles of Sociology (SOC 230) which is an introduction to the field of sociology
  2. Students may then take electives or Applied Sociology (SOC 280). In the Applied Sociology course, students learn how to do field research and to keep field notes. A great deal of focus is on linking theory and experiences students have in the community. Students are requred to work at a non profit or government agency and complete research on a social problem that ties in with their field work.
  3. Students may then enroll in Math statistics or Psychology statistics to get a grounding in understanding how to read and create tables with data and how to better read and understand social science research.
  4. The next course would be Social Research Methods (SOC 374). In this course students create research projects, plan how they would carry out this research and learn about ethical issues in social science research.
  5. Students would be taking a variety of electives in sociology with at least two at the 400 level to get a good exposure to theories and research in the all the areas of the field
  6. In Social Theory (SOC 489) students learn more about classical and modern social theores in sociology and the important links between theory and research. 
  7. Public Sociology (SOC 496) is usually the final, capstone course in the major where the students work a major issue or problem (chosen by the faculty) with indivdual projects. Students can choose to do only research, or they might do a significant amount of work in the community in service placements. The students present on their work in a final public presentation at the end of the course. In the past many of these students have presented their research at the Southern Sociological Society meeting (in various southern cities) and/or at Meredith College's Day of Student Celebration.

Independent studies, individualized research and internships may also be planned in consultation with a sociology faculty member.

Sociology Minor

The sociology minor gives students the opportunity to examine and understand the society in which they live. This flexible course of study complements many other disciplines and is easily combined with other majors and minors across the College's curriculum.

All students minoring in sociology will complete Principles of Sociology.

Additionally students will complete 15 credit hours of electives -- with at least 3 credit hours at the 400 level.  See course offerings for a listing of all courses offered in the sociology program.

Criminal Justice Studies Minor

The criminal justice studies minor can prepare students for careers in law enforcement, the judicial system, corrections, and victim or offender community services.

The minor requires 21 credit hours including the following courses:

Students will also complete nine credits of electives from the following list or from appoved alternative courses:

 

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