Sociology Major

The Sociology major is designed to give students the ability to analyze the world around them, its people and their institutions. It is flexible: it allows you to choose 12 hours of courses to meet your personal or career objectives. Professional sociologists concentrate on several diverse areas within the field. For instance, sociologists may focus on one of the social institutions, such as family, religion, medicine, the economy, or politics. Some specialize in deviance, disorganization and conflict. Others concentrate on stratification–the formation and influence of various social hierarchies. Specifically, they may focus on issues of race, class, gender or age. Still others focus on population and the environment. Those who mainly focus on the impact of society on individual development and interpersonal relationships concentrate in social psychology. Our department also has a growing emphasis on analysis of global and cross-cultural issues.

The completion of a major in sociology requires 30 hours of course work in sociology (18 hours of required courses and 12 hours of electives).

Required Courses

• SOC 2000: Principles of Sociology
• SOC 2820: Methods of Data Collection
• SOC 2830: Methods of Data Analysis
• SOC 3000: Sociological Theory
• SOC 3200: Introduction to Social Psychology
• SOC 4800: Advanced Sociology

Electives

Students may choose their electives from many offerings in the Department of Sociology. At least two of the courses must be at the 3000-5000 level. Only one 1000 level course may be taken as an elective. Limitations to the requirements above include: (1) a maximum of 12 hours transferred from a two-year institution may be included; (2) at least 9 hours must be taken at Western Michigan University; (3) no more than one course at the 1000-level may be included.

The undergraduate advisor must approve any deviation from these requirements.

Transfer Students
Transfer students should see the department advisor, since any transfer credit in sociology without a stated equivalent must be evaluated by the department if it is to apply toward a sociology major or minor.

Baccalaureate Writing Requirement
Students who have chosen the Sociology major will satisfy the Baccalaureate Writing Requirement by successfully completing: SOC 4800 - Advanced Sociology Credits: 3 hours 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information, please contact the undergraduate and graduate academic advisor, Susan Standish.  Telephone: (269) 387-5286.