Sociology, BA

Location(s): WWU - Bellingham

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Department of Sociology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

65 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.

Why Consider a Sociology 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. Many Sociology graduates enter professions such as law, education, social services and criminal justice work.

Contact Information

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

Department email
Sociology@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

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- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

Requirements

❑ Any ONE of the following introductory courses:
SOC 221 - Introduction to Population Issues Credits: 5
SOC 234 - Special Topics in Sociology Credits: 5
SOC 251 - Sociology of Deviant Behavior Credits: 5
SOC 255 - Social Organization of Criminal Justice Credits: 5
SOC 260 - The Family in Society Credits: 5
SOC 268 - Gender and Society Credits: 5
SOC 269 - Race and Ethnic Relations Credits: 5
SOC 271 - Immigration Credits: 5
❑ Core requirements:
SOC 302 - Classical Sociological Theory Credits: 5
SOC 304 - Statistics for Sociology Credits: 5
SOC 306 - Sociological Research Methods Credits: 5
❑ One course from the following list of capstone seminars:
SOC 422 - Global Social Problem Solving Credits: 5
SOC 426 - Advanced Topics in Demography Credits: 5
SOC 430 - Field Research Methods Credits: 5
SOC 435 - Population Health Advocacy Credits: 5
SOC 436 - Sociology of Children’s Health Credits: 5
SOC 438 - Health and Illness in Society Credits: 5
SOC 440 - Globalization Credits: 5
SOC 450 - Sociology of Law Credits: 5
SOC 452 - Advanced Criminology Credits: 5
SOC 456 - Seminar in Policing Credits: 5
SOC 460 - Advanced Topics in Family Credits: 5
SOC 461 - Special Topics in Education Credits: 5
SOC 466 - Sociological Analysis of Modern African States Credits: 5
SOC 469 - Advanced Topics in Race and Ethnicity Credits: 5
SOC 492 - Senior Thesis Credits: 5
❑ Electives under departmental advisement to bring the total to a minimum of 65 credits; select from any 200-level introductory course or from any 300/400-level courses in sociology.
A maximum of 10 credits of 100-level or 200-level sociology coursework may be applied to the major.

A maximum of 10 credits combined from SOC 371, SOC 400, SOC 481 may be applied to the 65 credits required for the major.

Note: SOC 480 (TA) may not be applied toward the major; however SOC 480 applies as a university elective toward the total 180 credits required for graduation.

University Graduation Requirements

General University Requirements 2023-24
Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
180 Minimum Total Credits
60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
Residency Requirement
Minimum Grade Requirements
Final Quarter Requirement