Sociology Major (BA)

Department website

Sociology is the systematic study of human society, groups, and relations. Using a scientific methodology, it is a distinguished mode of thinking about the social world, including social relations, institutions, and structures (how sociologists think about, and imagine the social world). Sociology, therefore, asks and explores how the social world is organized and maintained, and how the social organization shapes human action and consciousness.

The sociology major is also available in an asynchronous online, 7- week format.   Students in the online program will select from a select set of general education, elective and major courses. 

1. Conceptual Competencies: Apply sociological concepts, theories, and perspectives on culture and society. Demonstrate an understanding of cultures and societies in their own terms. Appraise the impact of the social and physical environment on individual experience. Assess and critique different sociological theoretical orientations. Explain the process of theory construction.
2. Methodological Competencies: Demonstrate the connection between theory, methods, and realities. Frame and execute a research project. Record, interpret, and communicate quantitative and qualitative evidence. Find, organize, and critically evaluate data/information (interpreting data outcomes and evaluating literature). Apply the use of technology for achieving goals and tasks.
3. Civic Competencies: Promote the active exchange of ideas in a civil manner. Employ sociological knowledge to address important issues locally and globally. Gain competence in effective collaboration and teamwork. Identify and confront ethnocentrism.

Requirements for the Sociology Major

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12 of the 15 credits must be upper level (300-400 level) courses.

At least one 3-credit class must fulfill the diversity requirement.

Complete one course from at least two of the specialization areas listed.

The remaining three courses can come from any specialization area.

Each class can only count for one area.

 

 

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In consultation with a faculty member, a student may opt to “design” his/her own course as an independent study in sociology. The student must work with a faculty member whose expertise is in the selected topic to negotiate the focus and content of the course. 

Degree Requirements (Bachelor's Degree)

In addition to individual program requirements, students must also fulfill the following requirements.

1. Complete 120 credits of college work. This must include 36 credits in courses numbered 300 or above. Certain elementary courses are identified in the catalog and/or course schedule as not counting toward the 120 credits required for graduation. In addition, only the first 8 credits of physical education activity courses (100-level) may be counted toward graduation or grade point averages (GPA).
2. Earn a minimum of 30 credits toward their undergraduate degree at UW-Parkside. Individual departments and programs may require that certain courses must be taken at UW-Parkside. Students must complete all course work to be counted toward graduation by the end of the semester/subscription period in which they graduate.
3. Attain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale. Some programs have higher GPA requirements. Transfer students must also have a cumulative 2.00 GPA on the combination of transfer credits accepted and credits attempted at UW-Parkside.
4. Complete an approved major program of study with the minimum major GPA as specified by the program or department. Usually, the minimum GPA is 2.00 on a 4.00 scale, but some majors require a higher GPA. Students who apply transfer credits to their majors must also meet the minimum major GPA requirement on the combination of transfer credits and UW-Parkside credits. At least 15 credits of upper level course work (courses numbered 300 or higher) must be completed at UW-Parkside. A student may not graduate with an incomplete grade in major course work if failure in that course would reduce the GPA in the major below the minimum GPA.

 Cumulative Degree GPA: 2.0 minimum

** Transfer students in sustainable management, and health information management and technology collaborative, online degree-completion programs, the business management online degree-completion program, and the flexible option degree-completion program will be exempt from the university’s foreign language requirement. See appropriate academic section for further information.

Skills Requirement

General Education

• General Education Course List

Foreign Language

Ethnic Diversity

Note:  SOCA electives must completed in at least 4 of the specialization areas.