Sociology Concentrations
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology
Concentrating in Criminology
Criminology focuses on the nature and causes of crime. A sociology major with a concentration in criminology prepares students for careers in law, law enforcement, probation, corrections, youth counseling, substance abuse counseling or other areas related to criminal justice and human services.
This is not a degree in criminal justice, which is an applied field of study that is more focused on the criminal justice system itself. The BA in sociology with a concentration in criminology is more theoretically-oriented and can enhance prospects for long-term career advancement more readily than applied training can. Completion of requirements for the concentration in criminology is certified on graduation transcripts.
Requirements for the Major in Sociology with a Concentration in Criminology
In addition to the college’s General Education and foreign language requirements for the BA degree (consult college catalog for an explanation of each), a total of 36 credit hours in sociology are required for the major in sociology with a concentration in criminology.
Required Courses: 21 credits
- SOC 150: Introduction to Sociology
- SOC 373: Deviant Behavior
- SOC 463: Criminology
- SOC 464: Corrections
- SOC 492: Sociological Theory
- SOC 493: Methods of Social Research I
- SOC 494: Methods of Social Research II
Criminology Elective: 3 credits
One of the following:
- SOC 333: The Police
- SOC 365: Sociology of Violence
- SOC 375: Sociology of Law
- SOC 380: White-collar Crime
- SOC 383: Race, Class, Gender and Crime
- SOC 462: Juvenile Delinquency
- SOC 485: Capital Punishment
Sociology Electives: 12 credits
To fulfill these credits, students must take at least one course from each of three sociology categories (A, B, C). Other options include courses from the list of Criminology electives above, any other sociology course, 3 credits of CPV 400 (Cooperative Education Internship), or one 300- or 400-level anthropology course (excluding ANT 300).
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology
Concentrating in Social Gerontology
Students who major in sociology may choose a concentration in social gerontology. This concentration introduces students to the theoretical, research, policy, and practical issues relevant to careers that involve working with the aged, developing or administering government programs aimed at older people, creating social policy on aging, and acting as a gerontological consultant in the business and public sectors.
Students declaring the social gerontology concentration are introduced to the theoretical, conceptual and applied issues in the field of aging. They gain a solid understanding of the adult life span, problems of the aged, the aging network of services and programs, aging in other societies, and issues related to working with and understanding older people. Gerontology is a growing area for careers in the public and private sectors.The concentration in social gerontology is open only to sociology majors. Non-sociology majors may declare a minor in social gerontology . Completion of all requirements for the concentration in social gerontology is certified on graduation transcripts.
Requirements for the Major in Sociology with a Concentration in Social Gerontology
In addition to the college’s General Education and language requirements for the BA degree, (consult college catalog for an explanation of each), a total of 36 credit hours are required for the sociology major with a concentration in social gerontology.
Required Courses: 24 credits
- SOC 150: Introduction to Sociology
- SOC 220: Introduction to Social Gerontology
- SOC 425: Sociology of Aging and the Life Course
- SOC 430: Social Welfare Institutions
- SOC 492: Sociological Theory
- SOC 493: Methods of Social Research I
- SOC 494: Methods of Social Research II
- PSY 334: Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
Sociology Electives: 12 credits
To fulfill these credits, students must take at least one course from sociology category B and one course from sociology category D. Other options include any other sociology courses, one 300- or 400-level anthropology course (excluding ANT 300), or CPV 400 (Cooperative Education Internship).