The University of St. Thomas

Major in Sociology

Major in Sociology open book View Catalog Entry

Department Description:

Sociology & Criminal Justice at St. Thomas

Sociology is the scientific study of human behavior whose unique contribution is understanding the influence of external social forces beyond the control of individuals as manifested in groups, organizations, and social processes such as inequality and socialization or how we come to know the ways of society.  A major in sociology enables students to observe and analyze social life. Sociology provides knowledge and skills applicable to a variety of careers, as well as everyday life.

Auguste Comte coined the term sociology in the 1800's and was motivated, in part, to understand the upheaval of the French revolution. Today, sociology is a broad discipline with a variety of sub fields including criminology, sexuality, family, gender, politics, social movements, social psychology, education, social inequality, deviance, and aging to name just a few. In fact, the American Sociological Association lists over 44 current sections reflecting a wide range of teaching and research interests.

Here at St. Thomas, dedicated faculty are actively involved in engaging students both inside and outside the classroom with problem-based learning, research opportunities, and an active sociology and criminal justice student club.

 

Description of Major

Major in Sociology

  • SOCI 100 Introduction to Sociology (4 credits)
  • SOCI 210 Research Methods in Sociology (4 credits)
  • SOCI 220 Sociological Analysis (4 credits)
  • SOCI 350 Social Inequality: Privilege and Power (4 credits)
  • SOCI 370 Sociological Theory (4 credits)
  • SOCI 474 Seminar in Sociology (4 credits)

    Plus four credits from the following:
  • SOCI 365 Social Psychology (4 credits)
  • SOCI 366 Self and Society (4 credits)

    Plus:
  • Twelve additional credits in Sociology (eight of which must be 300-level or higher)

    Strongly recommended:
  • MATH 101 Finite Mathematics (4 credits)

In addition, it is recommended that students take the following courses in this order:

  1. MATH 101 Finite Mathematics (4 credits) (or adequate substitute) in the first year
  2. SOCI 210 Research Methods in Sociology (4 credits)
  3. SOCI 220 Sociological Analysis (4 credits)

Finally, we recommend that students begin the SOCI 210/220 sequence during their sophomore year. This sequence must be completed by the end of the junior year. Students who have a double major in sociology and psychology and complete SOCI 210, PSYC 212, and STAT 220 do not need to take SOCI 220.

 

Study Abroad Opportunities:

Study Abroad Opportunities

Students majoring in Sociology or Criminal have opportunities to spend a semester or year abroad. Because sociology courses are offered at virtually every university, students studying abroad can usually satisfy some of their major requirements. See International Education for more information on study abroad opportunities.

Research Opportunities:
There are opportunities for students to do independent research in colloboration with a faculty member and to present findings at a professional meeting such as the Midwest Sociological Society. See a faculty member if interested.
Typical Careers:

Jobs, Internships, & Career Information

Job Star

Career Choices for Sociology Majors: Allyn & Bacon

Career Information for CJ Majors

Career Choices and Graduate School: What are UST SOC Graduates Doing?

Career Resources for Sociology Majors

UST Career Development Center

What Can I Do with This Major?

 

Contact Information:

Contact Us

Department Address

    University of St. Thomas
    Department of Sociology
    Mail # 5021
    2115 Summit Ave.
    St. Paul, MN 55105-1096

Department Location

    University of St. Thomas
    St. Paul Campus   (campus maps)
    O'Shaughnessy Educational Center
    4th Floor, room 431

Contact Information

   Email: sociologycj@stthomas.edu   
   Office: (651) 962-5630
    Fax:  (651) 962-5682

Stacy Janke is the Administrative Assistant for the Sociology and Economics Departments. The office is open from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm during the academic year with modified office hours during the summer.

Email: sljanke@stthomas.edu

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