2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Sociology (B.A./B.S.)


Program Coordinator/Contact
Mary Emery, Department Head
Department of Sociology and Rural Studies
Scobey Hall 224
605-688-4132
E-mail: mary.emery@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/soc
Click here for additional information.  

Program Information
The world awaits all who have a major in sociology. The mission of the Department of Sociology & Rural Studies is to provide students with the theoretical and substantive knowledge to participate as skilled professionals within the institutions and organizations that shape our increasingly diverse and global society. Students receive a broad liberal arts education that will qualify them for many different kinds of occupations, such as group work with youth or the elderly, community development, business, college admissions, family planning, criminal justice, and other government jobs. In addition to four options within the major, the Department also offers a minor in Criminal Justice and in Sociology.

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 minimum GPA of 2.2 and at least a C in all major courses is required.
  • A Grade of C or better in all major courses.
  • No SOC class may be used for the major AND the CJUS minor.

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

Requirements for Sociology Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Arts in Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Arts and Sciences

System General Education Requirements


Institutional Graduation Requirements


College of Arts and Sciences Requirements


  • 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
Bachelor of Arts Requirements: 6+
  • Modern Foreign Language Including the 202-Level Credits: 6+
Bachelor of Science Requirements: 10+
  • Natural Sciences   Credits: 10+
    • Any two lab sciences.
    • Coursework must include 2 prefixes.
    • MATH and STATS courses do not count toward the science requirement.

SGRs, IGRs, and/or Major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts and Sciences  for additional information about Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science specifications.

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120