Degree Requirements
2005-2007 Catalog
A major in sociology can serve as preparation for various positions in the human service and related occupations in business and industry; as background for professional education in such areas as social work, law and theology; or as a basis for graduate professional training as a sociologist in academic, government, business or industrial settings.
Requirements:
- Sociology 115 (R cr) Orientation to Sociology
- Sociology 134 or 130 (3 cr) Intro. to Sociology or Rural Institution & Organizations 1
- Note: only one can count toward graduation.
- Note: only one can count toward graduation.
- Sociology 202 (3 cr) Introduction to Research Methods 1
- Sociology 302 (3 cr) Advanced Research Methods 1
- Sociology 305 (3 cr) Social Psychology: A Sociological Perspective 1
- Sociology 401 (3 cr) Contemporary Sociological Theories 1
- Sociology 310, 380 or 420 (3 cr) 1
- Select 1 course to fill Social Organizational component
- Select 1 course to fill Social Organizational component
- Sociology 327, 330 or 331 (3 cr) 1
- Select 1 course to fill the Social Inequality component
- Select 1 course to fill the Social Inequality component
- Sociology 300-400 courses (9 cr)
- Select an additional 9 credits of electives in Sociology.
- Select an additional 9 credits of electives in Sociology.
Total 30 Credits
Complementary Courses:
- Philosophy 230
- Philosophy 300-400 course.
- Select any 300 or 400 level Philosophy course.
- Select any 300 or 400 level Philosophy course.
- English 302 or 309 or 314 (3 cr) 2
- Complete one courses with a grade of C or better.
- Complete one courses with a grade of C or better.
- Statistics 101 (4 cr) 3
- Or Stat 104 (3 cr)
- Or Stat 104 (3 cr)
- Mathematics (3 cr)
- Select at least 3 credits with a Mathematics designator.
Note:
The Liberal Arts and Science College requires that a student complete at least 8 credits numbered 300 or above in their major at Iowa State University and in which the student's grade is C or higher. In addition, the average grade in all courses used in the major must be 2.0 or higher
Programs leading to a bachelor of arts (BA) degree will emphasize additional course work in groups I, II and IV or the general education requirements. Program leading to a bachelor of sciences (BS) degree will emphasize additional coursework in groups III and IV of the general education requirements.
1 A grade of "C-" or better is required by the department in each of these required courses.
2 Sociology majors must earn a C or better in each of English 104 and 105, and a grade of C or better in English 302 or 309 or 314 (see 1997-99 Catalog, pg. 300).
3 If Stat. 101 is taken to meet requirements for Group III, then it must be taken for a grade. If math credits excluding Stat. are earned in Group III, then the statistics course may be taken on a Pass/Not Pass basis as an elective if all other P/NP conditions are met.
The Sociological Advantage
Regardless of the work setting you are interested in entering, the field of sociology provides important insights. The sociological perspective gives you a unique way of looking at how society works and the complex interrelationships between individual and society. Sociology embraces theories and concepts that help you understand communities, organizations, bureaucracies, families, and small groups.
A Bachelor’s (B.S. or B.A.) degree in sociology provides students with an excellent liberal arts foundation for embarking upon a wide range of career paths that many other liberal arts majors pursue. Undergraduate training in sociology can open a variety of doors in business and the human services. Sociology majors have a competitive advantage in today’s information society. The solid base majors receive in research design, data analysis, statistics and sociological concepts allows our majors to compete for support positions in research, policy analysis, program evaluation, or in the justice system.
Minor in Sociology
The department offers a minor in Sociology which may be earned by completing 15 credits in Sociology.
At least 9 of the 15 credits must be at the 300 level or higher.
The following classes are also required:
- Sociology 130 or 134
- One class from 310, 380 or 420
- One class from 264, 305 or 381
Criminal Justice Studies Minor:
A minor in Criminal Justice Studies is available through the Department of Sociology. You may major in Sociology and minor in Criminal Justice Studies at Iowa State. If you would like more information concerning our Criminal Justice Studies minor speak with Dr. Matt DeLisi , in 203A East Hall or call (515) 294-8008.
Other Minors:
You might also want to consider a related minor in:
African American Studies
American Indian Studies
Latino Studies
Anthropology
Child & Family Services
Economics
Family Resource Management
Computer Science
Environmental Studies
Speech Communications
Gerontology
International Studies
Journalism & Mass Communication
Linguistics
Political Science
Technology & Social Change
Psychology
English
Women’s Studies
Statistics
Health Studies
Field Placements:
After consultation with your advisor and with the Departmental Coordinator for the field placement, you may gain valuable work experience and develop skills in your field of concentration through the field observation and practice options of Sociology 454 and Sociology 460.
For more information about majoring in Sociology, stop by the Sociology Advising Center in 118 East Hall, call (515) 294-8408, or e-mail Mark Hagley ( mhagley@iastate.edu).
