2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]


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Sociology (B.S.) - Teaching Specialization



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Program Coordinator/Contact

Mary Emery, Department Head
Department of Sociology and Rural Studies
Hansen Hall 004
605-688-4132

Program Information

Sociology majors often make strong teachers because of their understanding of how people behave and interact. Students in this specialization gain mastery of sociology by studying and applying contemporary sociological theory and research to social issues such as globalization, social inequality, diversity, family, religion, or population. Additionally, students complete pedagogy courses to prepare for employment in middle school or senior high level teaching.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students majoring in Sociology will:

  • develop skills in applying the Sociological Imagination to understanding and addressing social issues.
  • develop the ability to apply critical thinking skills to understanding society, social structures and the interaction of people and groups within a social context.
  • develop and implement a sociological practice by identifying career, civic, and volunteer opportunities, and developing capacity to apply sociological principles, methods, and theories to alleviating social problems and addressing social issues at the micro and macro levels.
  • demonstrate writing and speaking skills that communicate professionally with clients, professionals, funders, and employers.
  • develop the skills and understanding to apply sociological theories to current and past social problems and public issues.
  • develop and apply skills in collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data.
  • understand and apply basic ethical principles in the study of society and in applying sociological approaches.

Academic Requirements

  • A grade of “C” or better is required in SPCM 101 , ENGL 101 , PSYC 101 , and MATH 103  or higher (if these courses are in your plan of study), and all courses for the major (classes with department/program prefix).
  • An overall GPA of 2.5 is required to enroll in any education courses.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Accreditation

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs
South Dakota Department of Education

Certification and Licensure

  • Completion of an approved bachelor’s Secondary preparation program.
  • Completion of an approved Indian Studies course.
  • Pass the state designated content knowledge test or 2.7 GPA in content major coursework.
  • Pass the state designated pedagogy test.
  • Completion of a Suicide Awareness and Prevention training, available free online through the South Dakota Department of Education.
  • Apply online with the South Dakota Department of Education.
  • Written recommendation from institution of higher education (SDSU) verifying program completion.

Course Delivery Format

The program offers coursework on campus, on-line, and at attendance centers around the state.

Requirements for Sociology Major - Teaching Specialization: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science in Arts and Sciences

System General Education Requirements


College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements


Bachelor of Science Requirements: 13+

  • Natural Sciences  Credits: 10+
    • Any two lab sciences.
    • Coursework must include 2 prefixes.
    • MATH and STAT courses do not count toward the science requirement.
  • AIS 211 - South Dakota American Indian Culture and Education (COM) [SGR #3] Credits: 3  
  • One declared minor outside of the major prefix OR a second major OR a teaching specialization. The minor may be a traditional minor within one department or it may be interdisciplinary involving more than one department. The minor can be in a different college. The minor must be declared no later than the student’s third semester of enrollment.
  • Capstone course in the major discipline
  • Upper division coursework Credits: 33

System General Education and/or major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences  for additional information about Bachelor of Science specifications.

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

System General Education Requirements 30 Credit Hours
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements* 13+ Credit Hours
Major Requirements 33 Credit Hours
Teaching Specialization Requirements 34 Credit Hours
Electives** 16 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements, Major Requirements, and Supporting Coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements.  
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.

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