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

Program Coordinator/Contact

Mary Emery, Department Head
Department of Sociology and Rural Studies
Hansen Hall 004
605-688-4132
E-mail: mary.emery@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/sociology-rural-studies
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 minors in Criminal Justice, Social and Human Services, Youth and Community, and 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.