Sociology (B.S.) - Teaching 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

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 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.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Accreditation

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs (NCATE)
South Dakota Department of Education

Certification and Licensure

With this major and the accompanying teacher education coursework required for teaching licensure, candidates are eligible to take the Praxis content tests, and apply for a teaching license in South Dakota. Students are required to take the PRAXIS II content test, as well as the PRAXIS II Principles of Learning and Teaching test. The minimum score for the Praxis II PLT must be obtained for teaching licensure and varies by state.

Course Delivery Format

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