Mar 28, 2024  
2023-24 Western Washington University Catalog 
    
2023-24 Western Washington University Catalog

Sociology — Elementary, BAE

Location(s): WWU - Bellingham


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study

Department of Sociology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

50 credits

Introduction

Sociologists examine topics encompassing a vast array of human behavior: crime and punishment, the formation and dissolution of families, bureaucracy in organizations, conflicts between classes, and global inequalities. Sociology is distinctive in its focus on the way individuals’ lives are embedded within multiple social contexts that facilitate and constrain the range of possible actions. These contexts include generation, occupation, gender, religion, sexual orientation, family, health, nation, race and ethnicity, and many others.

This major satisfies the academic major requirement for teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in elementary education. See the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Multilingual Education  section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.

Why Consider a Sociology-Elementary Major?

Sociology students develop an aptitude for critical thinking, improve their writing ability, and gain competence with statistical computing that will enhance their future career options. Sociology students also have the opportunity to participate in faculty-led study abroad programs.

A specialization in Sociology-Elementary major provides an excellent base of knowledge for individuals interested in becoming elementary level educators.

 Contact Information

Department Program
Coordinator

Andrea Osborn
Arntzen Hall 513
360-650-4882
Andrea.Osborn@wwu.edu

Department email
Sociology@wwu.edu

Elementary Education
Professional Program Information

Miller Hall 300
360-650-3336
wce.wwu.edu/eled/
elementary-education

Teacher Education Admission
Miller Hall 254F
360-650-6161
wce.wwu.edu/admissions/contact

 Sample Careers

Elementary Teacher

 Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

The number of students admitted to the major is limited as a result of the structure of the sociology curriculum and departmental staffing capabilities.

All students wishing to become Sociology majors should meet the following criteria:

  • Completion of at least 45 college-level credits
  • Completion of at least 5 credits in Sociology with a grade of C- or better
  • If the preceding criteria are met, students should complete the Sociology Major Admission form. The Sociology Department supports Western’s mission to bring together individuals of diverse backgrounds and perspectives in an inclusive, student-centered community. There are two paths to becoming a Sociology major.
  • Path 1 (Immediate Declaration): Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.85 or higher may submit their admission form at any time to the Sociology Program Coordinator for approval and admission to the major.
  • Path 2 (Application Review): Students with a cumulative GPA lower than 2.85 should submit their admission form to the Sociology Program Coordinator on or before Friday of the 2nd week of fall, winter or spring quarter. These applications will be reviewed and admission to the major will be based on a combination of overall GPA, Sociology GPA, and space available in the program. Students will receive notification regarding their admission status during the fourth week of classes.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- (1.7) or better is required for all courses applying to the non-Elementary Education Professional Program requirements. A grade of C (2.0) or better is required for courses in the Elementary Education Professional Program.

Requirements


Sociology Course Requirements (50 credits)


Additional Requirements


Elementary Education Professional Program Requirements


Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Multilingual Education, Woodring College of Education

100 credits

Introduction

This program centers an anti-bias, anti-racist, social justice philosophy and leads to a recommendation to the state of Washington for a teaching certificate with an Elementary Education endorsement. Students seeking a bachelor’s degree with teacher certification and an endorsement in elementary education must complete the GURs, an approved academic major, and the professional education course work listed below.

Admission and Declaration Process

See the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Multilingual Education  section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.

Grade Requirements

Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the elementary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.

Professional Field Experiences & Methods Courses (38 credits)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study