Description
Sociology explores how our lives, behaviors, and identities are shaped by our ties to others, from intimate spheres to global ones. Completing the Sociology major gives you insight into many facets of social life and equips you with the tools to gather, analyze, and comprehend social data. Sociology courses at Brockport include topics as diverse as sport, health, race & ethnicity, food, gender, education, and human rights.
At the core of sociology is “The Sociological Imagination”, or the ability to see how "personal troubles and concerns" (e.g., someone loses a job or experiences bullying) often stem from "social issues and problems" (e.g., massive economic dislocation or social inequalities) that merit thorough investigation and public dialogue (C. Wright Mills, The Sociological Imagination, 1959: 186). Systematic research methods coupled with rigorous conceptual frameworks guide sociological investigation.
Both scientific and humanistic, sociology is a classic, liberal-arts discipline. Its inclusive approach enables students to understand today’s changing, diverse social world. Students gain significant insights into social dynamics, but most importantly, they learn more about themselves and others. Research and statistical skills, combined with a traditional, liberal-arts emphasis on effective speaking, writing, and critical thinking, prepare sociology students for success in graduate school or careers in social service, nonprofit, public-sector, and business fields. Sociology majors are encouraged to apply their learning in internships and research experiences to discover exciting career fields.
What can I do with a Sociology major?
Admission to the Program
Any undergraduate student can declare this major.
Program Requirements
Students in the sociology major pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, and must complete its requirements. The sociology major requires students to earn 33 credits in sociology. All majors must complete the required courses listed below, plus at least 18 credits hours of electives. Electives should be chosen based on student interest and career goals, in consultation with your sociology advisor.
General Education Requirements (32-38 credits)
Major Program Requirements (33 credits)
Required Coursework (15 credits)
- SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology*
- SOC 200 Social Statistics**
- SOC 300 Sociological Theory
- SOC 310 Methods of Sociological Research (Prerequisite: SOC 200)
- ONE of the following courses, which must be met at Brockport:
- SOC 210 Social Problems*
- SOC 220 Social Psychology*
- SOC 230 Social Institutions*
- SOC 240 Social Inequalities*
- 18 credits of electives in undergraduate sociology courses
** NOTE: Students who substitute another statistics course for SOC 200 Social Statistics must take 21 credits of sociology electives.
Total Number of Credits: 33
*Denotes courses that meet both major and general education requirements
Electives (49-55 credits)
Total Credits (120 credits)
Additional Degree Requirements
- Students must earn a "C" or higher grade in SOC 200, SOC 300, and SOC 310.
- A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 in all required major courses (Major Departmental Requirements).
- Completion of all college-wide degree requirements
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Apply sociological theories to understand social phenomena
- Explain how culture and social structure shape individual experiences and opportunities
- Rigorously analyze social science data
- Effectively communicate sociological concepts and empirical findings