Sociology - B.A.

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The major in sociology offers a career-enhancing liberal arts curriculum based on the study of the structure of and interactions among and within groups, institutions, and societies, providing an understanding of how individual behavior shapes and is shaped by group membership, with particular emphasis on class, race, gender, and age. Students majoring in sociology are exposed to a comprehensive program of study in one of three concentrations and are prepared for professional employment in a number of occupations in the public or private sectors, or for graduate study in sociology, related social sciences, social work, education, or law. To this end, three separate concentrations are offered within the sociology major.

Major Requirements:

Forty semester hours chosen in conference with an advisor, to include the courses outlined below.

A minimum of six courses in the major field must be completed at Dominican.

Required Courses:

Thirteen semester hours in foundations courses consisting of:
SOC 110 - Introduction to Sociology
SOC 200 - Writing in the Discipline
SOC 361 - Introduction to Social Statistics
SOC 362 - Research Methods
The remaining 27 hours vary according to the concentration selected by the student:

Social Analysis Concentration

The concentration in social analysis provides the sociological knowledge and skills to prepare graduates for further study in pursuit of a graduate degree in sociology or a related social science or applied field, or for a law degree. This concentration is also designed to provide the sociological training necessary to prepare graduates for employment in a variety of occupations and professions in the private and public sectors.

Nine semester hours in social theory selected from:

Eighteen additional semester hours chosen from:

Social Services Concentration

The concentration in social services provides preparation for graduate study toward a career as a professional social worker. This concentration is also designed to provide the sociological training necessary to prepare graduates for employment in occupations in social services serving communities-in-need and underrepresented populations.

Six semester hours of social welfare studies consisting of:

Nine semester hours in social theory consisting of:

Twelve additional semester hours chosen from:

Gerontology Concentration

The concentration in gerontology offers preparation for graduate study in the fields of gerontology or related social services. This concentration is also designed to provide the sociological training necessary to prepare graduates for employment in a range of social service and health care occupations serving the aging population.

Eighteen semester hours in gerontology-related courses consisting of:

Nine semester hours in social theory consisting of:

Additional Information

Course substitutions are permitted when deemed necessary in consultation with an advisor and subject to the approval of the department chair. STA (study abroad) courses are permitted as course substitutions in consultation with an advisor and subject to the approval of the department chair.

Students are also encouraged to acquire practical experience through internships, community-based learning opportunities, and study abroad or domestic study courses. For additional information regarding the sociology program and its concentrations, students should consult an advisor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology.

Teacher Licensure: Elementary Education

Students who wish to teach grades K-9 may major in sociology and complete the School of Education’s Teacher Education Program. In addition to an elementary license, students would be eligible for a middle school endorsement in social science. Students complete the major in sociology and the following:

Professional education courses as outlined in the School of Education section of this bulletin
One life science and one physical science course; one of these must have a lab (one of the courses will count toward the natural science areas studies requirement)

Three state tests: the Test of Academic Proficiency, the Elementary/Middle Grades content test, and the grades K-9 Assessment of Professional Teaching
100 hours of field experience
Professional portfolio

Clinical practice (one full semester) in an elementary or middle school classroom.

For more information about the elementary licensure program, see the School of Education section of this bulletin.

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