Sociology

Sociology Major

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Studying sociology at SBU will teach you to understand social institutions, group life, and the influence of environmental factors upon the individual and society, equipping you with interpersonal and professional skills for a wide variety of career opportunities.

The sociology bachelor's degree program is a very applied field of study and can be used as a springboard for graduate school study or for careers in the private, government, nonprofit or education sectors.

The Sociology degree is offered through SBU's College of Education and Social Sciences.

RESOURCES

MAJOR MAP

DEGREE PLAN

the sbu advantage

Thrive within the small class environment which allows for individual advisement and leads to lifelong friendships.
Broaden your education by adding a minor to your sociology major in counseling, gerontology, psychology, psychology with sports performance, or a certificate in child care work.
Engage in hands-on learning through completing an internship during your junior and/or senior years for a local community agency.

Faith Integration

The integration of Christian faith with the academic discipline of sociology distinguishes SBU's program. When studying sociology at SBU you will analyze all theories but will be encouraged to incorporate, rather than abandon, faith perspective while doing so and will be challenged to consider how Christianity has influenced history and society.

While all courses inherently integrate the Christian faith, the department of behavioral sciences also offers special classes specifically focused on faith integration, such as Psychology of Religion, Sociology of Religion, and Agape Love and Altruism.

The department has adopted 2 Peter 1:5-7 as its department verse: "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love."

Careers

A bachelor's degree in sociology opens up a wide variety of career paths. SBU sociology alumni have pursued careers such as:

Activity director for senior adult residential care facility
Child care director
Counselor
Foster care case manager
Mental health counselor
Missionary
Occupational therapist
Pregnancy crisis center manager
Professor
Social worker
YMCA director
Youth care specialist

Internships

SBU sociology students have the opportunity to complete a variety of internships. Recent examples include:

Alpha House (crisis pregnancy resource center)
House of Hope (domestic violence shelter)
Parkview Healthcare Facility
Polk County Health Center
Polk County Senior Center
Ronald McDonald House

Full-Time Faculty

Debbie Gamble, Instructor

Dr. Shelley Kilpatrick, Department Chair

Dr. Philip Truscott, Associate Professor

Clubs and Organizations

Behavioral Sciences Club

As a behavioral sciences student you are encouraged to join SBU's Behavioral Science Club, which unites all students interested in and studying the behavioral sciences, including criminal justice, psychology, social work and sociology. Club members meet regularly to encourage each other and participate in various service projects.

Sociology and Criminal Justice Society (SCJS)

Join SBU's chapter of Sociology and Criminal Justice Society (SCJS), an honor society for behavioral sciences students studying sociology and criminal justice.

SOCIOLOGY Four-Year Plan

Freshman

Fall Semester

ENG 1113	English Composition I	3
SOC 1103	Introductory Sociology	3
BIB 1013	Old Testament History	3
CIS 1103	Computer and Information Management	3
MAT 1143	College Algebra	3
UNI 1111	University Seminar	1
Total hours		16

Spring Semester

ENG 2213	English Composition II	3
PSY 1013	General Psychology	3
BIB 1023	New Testament History	3
FAR 10_3	Intro. to Art, Fine Arts, Music or Theatre	3
HIS 2213/2223	U.S. History I or II	3
UNI 1121	Critical Thinking	1
Total hours		16

Sophomore

Fall Semester

SOC 2003	Social Problems	3
BEH 2001	Writing for the Behavioral Sciences	1
COM 1103	Fundamentals of Speech Communication	3
BIO 1004	Principles of Biology	4
KIN 1162	Foundations of Physical Fitness/Wellness	2
POL 1113	American Government and Politics	3
Total hours		16

Spring Semester

	Physical Science or Earth Science	4
SPF 2012	Introduction to Spiritual Formation	2
ECO 2003	LIFE Economics	3
BEH 2233	Introduction to Research	3
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
Total hours		15

Junior

Fall Semester

SOC 2012	Human Diversity	2
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
Total hours		17

Spring Semester

BEH 3243	Elementary Statistics	3
BEH 3001	Career Exploration and Preparation	1
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
Total hours		16

Senior

Fall Semester

BEH 4001	Professional Ethics in the Behavioral Sciences	1
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
Total hours		16

Spring Semester

SOC 4063	Sociological Theory	3
	Elective/Internship	3
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
	Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course	3
Total hours		18

This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements. Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation. The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

The B.A. degree in Sociology requires: (1) Two semesters of a foreign language (6-8 hours), and (2) Thirty-three hours in Sociology. The B.S. degree in Sociology requires the completion of 33 hours in Sociology (as listed in the B.A. degree section) and completion of one of the following three options: (1) 8-9 hours of upper level psychology, or 8-9 hours of upper level natural science; OR (2) Complete the requirements for a minor within the department; OR (3) Complete the requirements for a second major as listed in the catalog. Note: The approved second major from this department would be either Psychology, Social Work or Criminal Justice.

Download in PDF format:
Sociology Plan