The Sociology Major

~ The Sociology Program at Missouri State ~

The Sociology Major

Mission and Goals of the Sociology Major

Visit the American Sociological Society's page on what a major in sociology is all about. And learn about how a degree in sociology may prepare you for a career in business and other kinds of organizations.

It is the task of sociology to examine society critically and develop an understanding of the social structure and dynamics that shape the individual's participation in, and connection to, society. At the core of sociology are the substantive concepts of social structure, social dynamics, and the social self.

A major goal of the sociology major is to develop an understanding of the theories, methods, and ethical considerations involved in investigating social structure and dynamics, and the historical record of sociology's development and efforts to understand society scientifically.

It is also a goal of the major to promote knowledge of the different levels for analyzing social structure and dynamics and how these different analytical levels fit together to make the total society.

The sociology major curriculum is designed so that at the completion of the major students will have sufficient knowledge of sociology to be able to communicate an apply it in practical occupational settings; pursue graduate work in the discipline; and use sociology to inform analysis of social policy and participate in society as informed citizens.

Description of the Missouri State Sociology Major

The sociology major is available on either the B.A. or the B.S. degree. The major includes five required courses (15 hours) as listed below and satisfactory completion of an additional 21 hours of electives.

SOC 150 - Introduction to Society (3)
SOC 301 - Research Methodology (3)
SOC 302 - Statistics for Social Research (3)
SOC 325 - Introduction to Sociological Theory (3)
SOC 498 - Senior Seminar (3)

A grade of "C" or better is needed in SOC 150 for admission into the Sociology major. Twenty-one (21) credit hours must be taken as electives, up to nine of which may be taken in Anthropology or Crime and Society or all of the electives may be taken in Sociology. In all, a total of 36 hours are needed to complete the Sociology major. Students are required to maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.50 in the courses taken in the major.

Graduates of the sociology major at Missouri State rank in the upper third of students in their performance on a nationally standardized test of knowledge of sociology. If you're not interested in a Sociology Major, perhaps the Sociology Minor would be of interest.