Sociology (B.S.) - Teaching Specialization

Program Coordinator/Contact

Mary Emery, Department Head
Department of Sociology and Rural Studies
Hansen Hall 004
605-688-4132

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 grade of “C” or better is required in SPCM 101 , ENGL 101 , PSYC 101 , and MATH 102  or higher (if these courses are in your plan of study), and all courses for the major (classes with department/program prefix).
• An overall GPA of 2.5 is required to enroll in any education courses.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Accreditation

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs
South Dakota Department of Education

Certification and Licensure

• Completion of an approved bachelor’s Secondary preparation program.
• Completion of an approved Indian Studies course.
• Pass the state designated content knowledge test or 2.7 GPA in content major coursework.
• Pass the state designated pedagogy test.
• Completion of a Suicide Awareness and Prevention training, available free online through the South Dakota Department of Education.
• Apply online with the South Dakota Department of Education.
• Written recommendation from institution of higher education (SDSU) verifying program completion.

Course Delivery Format

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