BA in Sociology

The practical skills developed by sociology majors—analyzing problems, understanding diverse peoples, and assessing how changes in the broader social structure shape individuals’ daily lives are in demand by employers and transcend specific occupations.Sociology also provides training in social science research methods and statistics, communication, and critical thinking.

Sociology also provides an excellent foundation for professions that often require graduate school training, such as counseling, law, public policy and administration, social work, or teaching.

Coursework to earn your degree

Students are required to take 31 hours of sociology course work, and must maintain a C average in their sociology courses. The 31 hours include five required core courses and five additional sociology course electives.

Review a sample Four Year Degree Plan.

Review the WSU Catalog schedule of studies.

Required Courses

• SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
• SOC 305: Degree & Careers (1 credit, Recommended but not Required)
• SOC 310: Development of Social Theory (3 credits)
• SOC 317: Research Methods in Sociology (3 credits) (M)
  Exceptions to this requirement are routinely given to students double-majoring in Criminal Justice, Human Development or Psychology and have passed CRM_J 311, HD 310, or PSYCH 312 respectively.  Students take SOC 300 to meet the [M] and total credit requirement.
• SOC 321: Quantitative Techniques in Sociology I (4 credits)
  Exceptions to this requirement are routinely given to students double-majoring in Criminal Justice or Psychology and have passed CRM_J 321 or PSYCH 311 respectively. Students take additional Sociology credits to meet the total credit requirement.
• Capstone Experience (choose one of the following):
  • SOC 495: Capstone: Internship (3 credits) (M) (Available fall, spring, and online in the summer)
  • SOC 497: Capstone: Research Practicum (3 credits) (M) (Available fall)

Students must also complete 15 credits of elective courses in sociology and 12 credits in a concentration area, half of which must be in 300-400-level courses. Concentration courses enable students to individualize their programs of study to best meet their academic and career goals. Students select concentration courses from a department-approved list and in consultation with an academic adviser.

Current Concentrations

Work and Family (SOC 251, 340, 351, 384, 390);
Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (SOC 360, 361, 362, 364, 368, 461);
Sustainable Societies (SOC 332, 334, 335, 336, 430, 474);
General Sociology & Related Fields (e.g., Criminal Justice, Psychology, Human Development, Honors and others listed as Concentration Electives in course catalog)