Sociology is the scientific study of society and human interaction. As a student in the Sociology Programat IU Columbus, you will explore the interaction between individual and groups of humans who live, learn, work, and play in societies. You can complete the bachelor's degree in Sociology with a concentrations in Criminology and Medical Sociology. Also minors in Sociology, Medical Sociology, and Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies are available.
Sociologists study the patterns of interaction between people in all sorts of settings: at work, at play, at home. They try to clarify what behavior is happening, what lies behind it, what is likely to come from it, and what might be done differently. Their theories and research findings can provide insights into processes and events that affect us in our everyday lives.
Some families are very close and loving, while others are dysfunctional and mired in problems. Some teens and adults get involved in criminal careers while others avoid breaking the law. Some companies are much more productive than others. Some government programs succeed while others fail—these are all examples of the kinds of issues sociologists systematically explore.
Working with our faculty advisors, you can tailor your Sociology studies to fit your unique educational and career goals. You’ll have opportunities to learn about important social issues like crime, poverty, race relations, politics, family interaction, gender and sexuality, religion, and education and how they impact human behavior and quality of life experiences.
Find the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology course requirements below.
Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences (3 courses; 9 cr.)
One Social Science course
One Arts & Humanities course
One Social Science or Arts & Humanities course
ENG-W 131 with a grade of C or higher
ENG-W 231 Professional Writing Skills or ENG-W 270 Argumentative Writing Skills (grade of C or higher)
UCOL-U 110 or DLA-L 110 First Year Experience (waived for transfer students with 18 or more credits)
Computer Proficiency/Logic (If computer proficiency is already proven or waived, then a Logic course is required)
Arts & Humanities 100 or 200 level courses not in your first major field of study
Social Science 100 or 200 level course not in your first major field of study
World Language and Culture (All sociology students are required to complete first-year competency in a world language)
Advanced courses: 40 credits must be completed at the 300-400 level, including courses within the major
SOC-R100 Introduction to Sociology SOC-R351 Social Science Research Methods SOC-R355 Social Theory SOC-R359 Sociological Statistics* SOC-R Sociology Electives (six courses; 18 cr.)
*Students may take Psycholog B305 Statistics in place of SOC-R359, but then need to complete 18 hours of SOC electives to reach the required 30 hours of Sociology courses for the major.
Any additional credit hours needed to reach the minimum of 120 credits hours required to graduate.
Sociology Career Options
Sociology offers a unique perspective and practical skills for working in today’s increasingly complex and global society. Students who graduate with a degree in sociology often find that they have unique analytical and research skills which make them competitive for a wide variety positions in today’s job market.
A degree in sociology will provide you with excellent preparation for careers in social services, law, criminal justice, health care, business, and industry. A few examples include:
Human resources, consumer relations, labor relations, and training and development
Real estate or insurance agent
Marketing analyst, merchandiser, purchasing officer, or sales executive
Case manager working with children, teens, adults, the elderly, and families
Hospital, nursing home, or group home administrator
Career or admissions counselor, fundraising associate, or alumni relations coordinator at a college or university
Affirmative action officer, human rights officer, international aid worker
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