Sociology (B.A.)
Sociology is a social science discipline that enables us to understand how society is organized and how the organization of society affects human lives and behaviors. Sociologists examine the ways in which social categories (such as class, race, gender, age, nationality, or sexuality), and various social institutions (such as kinship, the economy, and political systems) affect human attitudes, actions, and opportunities. By locating the causes of social and individual problems in social organization, sociologists look beyond the individual to understand and find solutions for social problems such as poverty, health disparities, and racial inequality. Sociology offers a unique perspective on social life and is a key part of a liberal arts education.
In the Department of Sociology at Wayne State, we offer a wide array of courses including courses in the study of health and illness, race and gender inequality, and global transnational and comparative sociology. Students majoring in sociology develop broad substantive knowledge in social policy and social issues, along with transferable skills in critical thinking, quantitative literacy, and intercultural awareness that are valuable part of preparation for a variety of careers.
Admission requirements for this program are satisfied by the general requirements for undergraduate admission to the University.
Candidates must complete 120 credits in course work including satisfaction of the University General Education Requirements and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Group Requirements, as well as the Departmental major requirements cited below. All course work must be completed in accordance with the regulations of the University and the College governing undergraduate scholarship and degrees. It is expected that Group Requirements will be fulfilled during the freshman and sophomore years. Language Group Requirements should normally be fulfilled before election of the major.
Major Requirements
Students majoring in sociology are required to elect a minimum of thirty-three credits in the field of sociology, including seven required courses:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 1010 | Understanding Human Society | 3 |
| SOC 2200 | Sociology as a Vocation I | 2 |
| SOC 3200 | Methods of Social Research | 3 |
| SOC 3220 | Introduction to Social Statistics | 3 |
| SOC 3050 | Basic Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC 4010 | Sociology as a Vocation II | 1 |
| SOC 4996 | Sociology Capstone | 3 |
| Electives (at least 6 credits at the 4000/5000 level) | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
For SOC 4996, students are required to complete SOC 1010, SOC 2200, SOC 3200, and one sociology course at the 3000/4000 level with passing grades prior to enrollment. SOC 4996 also must also be completed with a grade of D- or better. In addition to required courses, all sociology majors are required to take at least fifteen credits in sociology elective courses. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA within the major.
Sociology Honors Program
The honors designation is available to sociology students who fulfill all requirements for the major and who maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.3 and at least 3.3 in sociology courses. Students must also complete an Honors thesis as part of SOC 4996 or SOC 4999. The Sociology Honors Program is at least twelve credits and leads to a degree designation "with Honors in Sociology."
Requirements for the Honors Degree are:
- satisfaction of all requirements for a major in sociology;
- completion of Honors section of SOC 3200, SOC 3220, or SOC 3050 with grade of C or better (3 credit min);
- completion of Honors Section of SOC 4996 or SOC 4999 with a grade of C or better (3 credits);
- complete of Honors Option of one SOC 4000 or SOC 5000 level course with a grade of C or better (3 credits min.)
- at least one 4200-level Honors seminar (HON 4200-HON4280) with a C or better offered through the Honors Program of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
AGRADE Program (Accelerated Graduate Enrollment)
The Department of Sociology permits high achieving students to participate in the College’s AGRADE Program. AGRADE procedures enable qualified students to enroll simultaneously in the undergraduate and graduate programs of the College and apply a maximum of sixteen credits towards both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in the major field. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 and final approval from their major department. They must also have completed 90 credits of their undergraduate degree in order to join AGRADE.
For more details about the AGRADE Program, contact the Undergraduate advisor in Sociology (313-577-2930), or the Graduate Office of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (313-577-2690).