Sociology Minor

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

Students whose career goals involve extensive contact with the public, including majors in business, communications, engineering, human development and family studies, nursing, and psychology would benefit from a Minor in Sociology. It is a means toward greater understanding of the complex social and cultural world that shapes their future clients’ and customers’ life experiences, needs, and concerns.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students with a minor 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.
• understand the components of a sociological practice as they relate to career, civic, and volunteer opportunities, and developing the capacity to apply sociological principles, methods, and theories to addressing social issues.
• develop skills in communicating sociological information through writing and speaking.
• develop the skills and understanding to apply sociological theories to current and past social problems and public issues.
• demonstrate an understanding of how data is collected and analyzed and skills to assess the quality of data collected and the rigor of the analysis.
• understand and apply basic ethical principles in the study of society and in applying sociological approaches.

Academic Requirements

Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.2 to enter the program, a minimum GPA of 2.2 in the minor, and a C or better in each course for the minor. Courses may not be used for both a Sociology major and a minor in Sociology, Social and Human Services, or Criminal Justice.

Course Delivery Format

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