Sociology Minor

Program Coordinator/Contact

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

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.