Sociology Major
B.A. and B.S. degreesSociology Advisors
Brigitte Bechtold
Anspach 142
(989) 774-3160
becht1bh@cmich.edu
Katherine Rosier
Anspach 011
(989) 774-1786
rosier1kb@cmich.edu
I. Required Courses (18 hours):
- SOC 100 (3) Introductory Sociology
- SOC 200 (3) Introduction to Social Research and Analysis
- SOC 201 (3) Social Psychology
- SOC 221 (3) Social Problems
- SOC 302 (3) Social Inequality
- SOC 301 (3) Sociological Theory OR
- SOC 501 (3) Development of Sociological Theory
- SOC 350 (3) Social Research Methodologies
II. Electives (15 hours):
Group A: Inequalities (at least three hours)
- SOC 302 (3) Social Inequality
- SOC 317 (3) Sociology of Sex and Gender
- SOC 323 (3) Racism and Inequality
- SOC 326 (3) Inequalities & Justice Processes: Race, Class and Gender
- SOC 502 (3) Theories of Race Relations in Sociology
Group B: Institutions (at least three hours)
- SOC 210 (3) Sociology of Science and Technology
- SOC 311 (3) Sociology of Education
- SOC 312 (3) Sociology of Health and Illness
- SOC 403 (3) Political Sociology
- SOC 411 (3) The Family
- SOC 413 (3) Work and Careers in America
- SOC 512 (3) Industrial Sociology
- SOC 524 (3) Sociology of Law
Group C: Advanced Coursework with Theory and Methods as Prerequisites (3 hours):
- SOC 304 (3) Collective Behavior
- SOC 403 (3) Political Sociology
- SOC 413 (3) Work and Careers in America
- SOC 422 (3) Youth Welfare
- SOC 423 (3) Society and Mental Illness
- SOC 502 (3) Theories of Race Relations in Sociology
- SOC 507 (3) Class and Poverty in America
- SOC 512 (3) Industrial Sociology
- SOC 515 (3) Custodial Institutions
- SOC 523 (3) Community Corrections and Alternative Sentencing
- SOC 524 (3) Sociology of Law
- SOC 526 (3) Police and Community Relations
- SOC 527 (3) Alternative Dispute Resolution in Justice Systems
Courses that appear in both Group A and Group C or in both Group B and Group C may be counted as satisfying requirements in both groups. Students may complete the 15 hours in electives by taking more than the minimum number of hours from Group A, Group B, and/or Group C or by taking other courses with a SOC, ANT, or SWK designator. Note the limitation on the number of hours of ANT or SWK courses found under admissions standards that can be taken as part of the sociology major.
Total: 33 semester hours
SOC 300 and SOC 301 cannot be taken on a Credit/No Credit basis. A grade of C (2.0) or better must be earned in SOC 300 and in SOC 301. No more than three hours of course work can be taken on a Credit/No Credit basis for the major, not including courses that are only offered with this grading option. No more than 15 hours of coursework can transfer to the sociology major from another institution. Up to three hours of course work with an ANT or SWK designator may be taken as part of the sociology major.
NOTE: Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in SOC 200 in order to continue with SOC 350.
Cognate Areas of Study
Students considering careers or graduate study in sociology are encouraged to consult with a Sociology advisor about minors, University Program courses, and other cognate areas of study. Sociology majors are especially encouraged to develop skills in writing, computer science, and statistics.
Recommended Minors
Anthropology, Economics, Family Life and Human Sexuality, History, Journalism, Marketing, Political Science, Psychology, American Indian Studies, American Ethnic Studies, Latin American Studies, Youth Studies, and Women's Studies.
Careers in Sociology
Graduates of the sociology program at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Juvenile Court Worker
- Research Analyst for business, foundations, or government
- Probation and Parole Officer
- Prison Counselor
- Industrial Relations Consultant
- Medical Sociologist
- Community Dispute Mediator
- Community Corrections Officer
- Social Services Specialist
- Urban Planner
- Demographer
- College Teacher