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 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 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."
A sociology degree opens up a wide variety of career paths. SBU sociology alumni have pursued careers such as:
SBU sociology students have the opportunity to complete a variety of internships. Recent examples include:
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.
Join SBU's chapter of Sociology and Criminal Justice Society (SCJS), an honor society for behavioral sciences students studying sociology and criminal justice.
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| SOC 2003 | Social Problems | 3 |
| PSY/SOC 2001 | Sophomore Seminar | 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 | |
| Physical Science or Earth Science | 4 | |
| SPF 2012 | Introduction to Spiritual Formation | 2 |
| ECO 2003 | LIFE Economics | 3 |
| PSY/SOC 2233 | Introduction to Research | 3 |
| Elective/Extended Core/Upper Level Course | 3 | |
| Total hours | 15 | |
| 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 | |
| PSY/SOC 3243 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| PSY/SOC 3001 | Junior Seminar | 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 | |
| PSY/SOC 4001 | Senior Seminar | 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 | |
| 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
