Program: Sociology (A.S.) - South Dakota State University

2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog

Apr 05, 2025

Program Coordinator/Contact

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

Program Information

Sociology involves the study of social institutions, organizations and issues. The Sociology program will provide an associate-level credential to prepare graduates to serve in entry-level positions in human services, human resources, office and management assistance, and criminal justice/law enforcement. Students can choose to take courses specific to working in the helping professions. Completion of the A.S. in Sociology will allow students to transfer 60 credits of coursework towards the bachelor’s degree in Sociology .

Student Learning Outcomes

In the Sociology major, students will:

Apply sociological theories to understand social phenomena. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity)
Critically evaluate explanations of human behavior and social phenomena. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creating Thinking)
Apply scientific principles to understand the social world. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
Evaluate the quality of social scientific methods and data.
Rigorously analyze social scientific data. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
Use sociological knowledge to inform policy debates and promote public understanding. (Cross-curricular Skill: Civic Knowledge and Engagement)

Academic Requirements

A minimum GPA of 2.2.
A Grade of C or better in all major courses.

Course Delivery Format

The coursework for the program is provided online, on campus, and at attendance centers around the state.

Requirements for Sociology Major: 60 Credits

Associate of Science in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

System General Education Requirements

Goal #1 Written Communication: SGR #1 Electives Credits: 6
Goal #2 Oral Communication: SGR #2 Elective Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences/Diversity: SGR #3 Electives Credits: 6
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities/Diversity: SGR #4 Elective Credits: 3
Goal #5 Mathematics: SGR #5 Elective Credits: 3
Goal #6 Natural Sciences: SGR #6 Elective Credits: 3

Major Requirements

SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology (COM) [SGR #3] Credits: 3
SOC 283 - Working with Diverse Populations Credits: 3
SOC 284 - Investigating the Social World Credits: 3

Select from the following

Select 18 credits from the following. Credits: 18

SOC 150 - Social Problems (COM) [SGR #3] Credits: 3
SOC 240 - The Sociology of Rural America (COM) [SGR #3] Credits: 3
SOC 245 - Environment and Society Credits: 3
SOC 250 - Courtship and Marriage (COM) [SGR #3] Credits: 3
SOC 270 - Introduction to Social Work (COM) Credits: 3
SOC 271 - Social Work Skills and Methods I Credits: 3
SOC 282 - Youth and Community Credits: 3
SOC 286 - Service Learning Credits: 1-3
SOC 294 - Internship (COM) Credits: 1-12

Electives

Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 60

Summary of Program Requirements

Associate of Science in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
System General Education Requirements	24 Credit Hours
Major Requirements	27 Credit Hours
Electives**	9 Credit Hours

**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet

The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.

Sociology (A.S.)