Sociology (B.S.) - Human Resources Specialization

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

Graduates in the human resources specialization work in employee recruitment, personnel management, customer relations, marketing, and sales. Students take Business, Economics, and Psychology electives. An internship is strongly encouraged.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students majoring in Sociology with a Human Resources specialization 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 and work related organizations, social structures and the interaction of people and groups within a social context.
• develop and implement a sociological practice by identifying careers related to human resources, civic, and volunteer opportunities, and developing capacity to apply sociological principles, methods, and theories to addressing social issues, particularly as they relate to work environments.
• develop skills in communicating sociological information through writing and speaking, particularly in relation to work environments.
• 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 and human resources-related approaches.
• understand and develop skills related to the sociological, psychological, management, and or/or economic aspects of Human Resources practices and regulations.

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.