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Bachelor of Science-Sociology
Texas A&M University-Texarkana offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. Sociology is an illuminating and rewarding field of study that analyzes and explains important matters in our personal lives, our communities, and the world we live in. At the personal level, sociology investigates the social causes and consequences of such things as romantic love, racial, ethnic and gender identity, marriage and family relationships, deviant behaviors, health and wellness, aging and dying, inter-personal violence, religious beliefs and practices, etc. At the societal level, sociology examines and explains matters such as crime and punishment, law and law enforcement, wealth and poverty, prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination, educational institutions, business organizations, urban community, social movements, social stratification and inequality, etc. At the global level, sociology studies such phenomena as population growth, immigration, globalization, terrorism, war and peace, global poverty, human rights and freedoms, economic development, etc.
Career Opportunities in Sociology:
Knowledge gained from these diverse areas of interest can serve as a broad base for careers in professions such as law, education, medicine, social work, social services, criminal justice, human services, law enforcement, journalism, politics, public service, business, or the criminal justice system. As a student, you will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty and participate in various experiential learning opportunities through an internship program.
Bachelor of Science
Students should refer to their DegreeWorks degree audit in their Web for Students account for more information regarding their degree requirements.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| General Education Requirements | 42 | |
| SOCI 1301 | Introduction to Sociology 6 | 3 |
| SOC 310 | Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC 323 | Social Stratification | 3 |
| SOC 354 | Research Methods and Ethics | 3 |
| SOC 380 | Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in America | 3 |
| SOC 490 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| SOC 495 | Sociology Internship (EL) | 3 |
| Select 15 semester credit hours from the following: | 15 | |
| Marriage and Family | ||
| Introduction to Social Work | ||
| Contemporary Social Issues and Concerns | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Law and Society | ||
| Deviance and Deviant Behavior | ||
| Crime and Delinquency | ||
| Institutional Corrections, Theory and Practice | ||
| Globalization and Social Change | ||
| Religion and Society | ||
| Media and Society | ||
| Sociology of Crime and Justice | ||
| Medical Sociology | ||
| Minor | 18 | |
| Select minimum of 18 semester credit hours from Minors listed in catalog | ||
| Electives (as needed to satisfy degree requirements, including 45 semester credit hours of Upper Division course work) | ||
| Minimum Hours for Degree | 120 | |
- 6
Satisfies core curriculum
Note: A minimum of 45 upper division hours are required for this degree. Resident credit totaling 25% of the hours is required for the degree.
Bachelor of Science- Sociology 4 Year Plan
First Year
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Semester Credit Hours | |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I requires minimum grade of 'C', Satisfies Core Curriculum | 3 |
| Mathematics Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 | |
| HIST 1301 | United States History I Satisfies Core Curriculum | 3 |
| Creative Arts Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 | |
| SOCI 1301 | Introduction to Sociology Satisfies Core Curriculum | 3 |
| IS 1100 | University Foundations mandatory for FTIC students only | 1 |
| Fall Total Semester Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | Semester Credit Hours | |
| ENGL 1302 | Composition II Satisfies Core Curriculum | 3 |
| or ENGL 2311 | Technical Writing & Communication | |
| HIST 1302 | United States History II | 3 |
| Language, Philosophy and Culture Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 | |
| COMM 1307 | Introduction to Mass Communication Satisfies Core Curriculum | 3 |
| or SPCH 1315 | Public Speaking | |
| Component Area Option B of the Core Curriculum | 3 | |
| Spring Total Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total First Year Semester Credit Hours | 31 | |
| Note: The following courses are included in the major GPA calculation: SOCI 1301 | ||
Second Year
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Semester Credit Hours | |
| Life and Physical Sciences Core Curriculum Requirement | 3-4 | |
| PSCI 2301 | American Government I: Federal & Texas Constitutions Satisfies Core Curriculum | 3 |
| SOC 310 | Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC 380 | Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in America | 3 |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Fall Total Semester Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring | Semester Credit Hours | |
| Life and Physical Sciences Core Curriculum Requirement | 3-4 | |
| PSCI 2302 | American Government II: Federal & Texas Political Behavior Satisfies Core Curriculum | 3 |
| SOC 323 | Social Stratification | 3 |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Spring Total Semester Credit Hours | 15-16 | |
| Total Second Year Semester Credit Hours | 30-32 | |
| Note: The following courses are included in the major GPA calculation: SOC 310, 380, SOC 323 | ||
Third Year
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Semester Credit Hours | |
| SOC 354 | Research Methods and Ethics | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Marriage and Family | ||
| Introduction to Social Work | ||
| Contemporary Social Issues and Concerns | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Law and Society | ||
| Deviance and Deviant Behavior | ||
| Crime and Delinquency | ||
| Institutional Corrections, Theory and Practice | ||
| Globalization and Social Change | ||
| Religion and Society | ||
| Media and Society | ||
| Sociology of Crime and Justice | ||
| Medical Sociology | ||
| Minor Required Course Minimum 18 semester credit hours from minor listed in catalog | 3 | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Fall Total Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | Semester Credit Hours | |
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| Marriage and Family | ||
| Introduction to Social Work | ||
| Contemporary Social Issues and Concerns | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Law and Society | ||
| Deviance and Deviant Behavior | ||
| Crime and Delinquency | ||
| Institutional Corrections, Theory and Practice | ||
| Globalization and Social Change | ||
| Religion and Society | ||
| Media and Society | ||
| Sociology of Crime and Justice | ||
| Medical Sociology | ||
| Minor Required Course Minimum 18 semester credit hours from minor listed in catalog | 3 | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Spring Total Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Third Year Semester Credit Hours | 30 | |
| Note: The following courses are included in the major GPA calculation: SOC 354, 314, 315, 320, 325, 330, 385, 485,SOCI 2301, 2350, 2370, 335, 345, 355 | ||
Fourth Year
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Semester Credit Hours | |
| SOC 495 | Sociology Internship (EL) | 3 |
| Minor Required Course Minimum 18 semester credit hours from minor listed in catalog | 3 | |
| Minor Required Course Minimum 18 semester credit hours from minor listed in catalog | 3 | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Fall Total Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | Semester Credit Hours | |
| SOC 490 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Minor Required Course Minimum 18 semester credit hours from minor listed in catalog | 3 | |
| Minor Required Course Minimum 18 semester credit hours from minor listed in catalog | 3 | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Elective - Upper or Lower Division as needed to meet upper division and overall requirement | 3 | |
| Spring Total Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Fourth Year Semester Credit Hours | 30 | |
| Minimum Hours for Degree | 120 | |
| Note: The following courses are included in the major GPA calculation: SOC 495, 490 | ||
NOTE: A minimum of 45 upper division hours are required for this degree. Resident credit totally 25% of the total hours is required for the degree.
Social Work
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 2350 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| SOCW 360 | Working with Diverse Populations | 3 |
| SOCW 365 | Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SOCW 370 | Social Welfare Policy | 3 |
| SOC 495 | Sociology Internship (EL) | 3 |
| 3sch Upper Division Elective | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Sociology
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 1301 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 310 | Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOC 380 | Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in America | 3 |
| Upper-division approved Sociology elective | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Undergraduate Courses in Sociology
SOC 310. Sociological Theory. 3 Hours.
This course is an overview of the development of the field of sociology and sociological theories. Course contents will include a discussion of the major schools of thought in sociology as well as classical and contemporary sociological theorists.
SOC 314. Social Psychology. 3 Hours.
This course explores the manner in which the personality, perceptions, attitudes, motivations, and behaviors of the individual influence and are influenced by social groups. The course investigates the nature and causes of individual behavior in the context of society.
SOC 315. Law and Society. 3 Hours.
This course is an examination of the nature, functions, and limitations of law as an instrument of social control. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the situational and systemic demands within which actors in the legal system operate and perform their roles and in developing a perspective which views law as a practical resource and as a mechanism for handling the widest range of unspecified social issues, problems, and conflicts. This course is cross listed with CJ 315.
SOC 320. Deviance and Deviant Behavior. 3 Hours.
This course is an introduction to the general phenomena of social deviance with primary emphasis given to non-criminal deviance and victimless crimes, including mental disorders, drug use, prostitution, sexual deviance, and pornography. The course is cross listed with CJ 320.
SOC 323. Social Stratification. 3 Hours.
This course is an overview of the relative social positions of people in a given social group, category, geographic region, or other social units with particular emphasis on socioeconomic status based on factors such as wealth, income, social status, occupation, and power. Course contents also include a discussion of the three major divisions of social class (upper class, middle class, and lower class) used in contemporary Western societies to rank categories of people in a hierarchy.
SOC 325. Crime and Delinquency. 3 Hours.
This course is a study of the meaning, nature, and extent of crime and delinquency, including analysis and evaluation of preventive and treatment methods. Emphasis will be on theories of crime and delinquency causation. This course is cross listed with CJ 325.
SOC 330. Institutional Corrections, Theory and Practice. 3 Hours.
This course examines the historical development of corrections including concepts on punishment and rehabilitation. Emphasis is placed on institutional corrections from conviction to release. This course is cross listed with CJ 330.
SOC 354. Research Methods and Ethics. 3 Hours.
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts and techniques used in conducting social science research. The course emphasizes the steps involved in conducting academic research, the various methods used in conducting such research along with the merits, and the limitations of each method. Course materials will include a research proposal reflecting the research process. Prerequisite: Senior standing or instructor permission.
SOC 380. Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in America. 3 Hours.
This course reviews the originalities and experiences of the various national, ethnic, cultural, religious, and social groups that make up what is known today as the United States of America. Attention is also paid to how such originalities and/or experiences impact or influence contemporary realities for each group. Cross listed with CJ 380.
SOC 385. Globalization and Social Change. 3 Hours.
This course provides students with the ability to apply social science concepts and approaches to better understand the ways in which globalization impacts societies and individuals. The course will also highlight the ways in which sociological theory applies to contemporary forms of social interaction at the global level, international travel and migration, global business, and relationships between countries. Students will also learn how globalization has impacted marriage and family arrangements, educational institutions, work environments, and perceptions of human rights related to race, class, gender, and sexuality.
SOC 485. Religion and Society. 3 Hours.
Course is an overview of the cultural, social, economic, and political contexts of the concept of religion. Course contents include both classical and contemporary sociological thoughts on the concept of religion, religious consciousness, religious practice, the meaning and significance of religion, and social expressions of religion.
SOC 489. Individual Study. 3 Hours.
This course provides individual instruction designed for exigent circumstances.
SOC 490. Senior Seminar. 3 Hours.
Designed as a capstone experience for students of sociology, this course will both unify and synthesize knowledge gained throughout their undergraduate years by exploring connections between people and society. In addition to a general review of the theories, methods, and substantive areas covered in core sociology courses, the class will investigate various career options available to sociologists. Prerequisite: Major in sociology and senior standing or instructor permission.
SOC 495. Sociology Internship (EL). 3 Hours.
This course provides an opportunity for sociology majors or minors to be exposed to real world situations where they can apply their sociological knowledge and be in a position to see and appreciate where and how theory and practice meet in a variety of supervised work environments. Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission of instructor.
SOC 497. Special Topics. 3-6 Hours.
Instructors will provide an organized class designed to cover areas of specific interest. Students may repeat the course when topics vary.
SOCI 1301. Introduction to Sociology. 3 Hours.
This course will introduce students to the basics of sociological thinking. It will help them better understand the social world in which they live, as well as the social forces that shape human behavior. It provides an overview of major sociological concepts and principles including theory and method, culture and socialization, social structure and institutions, social stratification of race, gender and class, and deviance and social control.
SOCI 2301. Marriage and Family. 3 Hours.
Using a sociological perspective, this course examines the institution of marriage and identifies family structures through an overview of the current topics affecting family and a discussion of sex, marriage, and family in historical and cross-cultural context. It covers topics including changing gender roles, kinship ties, family types, family problems, and aging.
SOCI 2350. Introduction to Social Work. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to introduce students to the field of social work and the concept of social welfare along with the values and ethics that guide the social work profession and the setting in which social workers are employed. The historical roots of the field of social work and the profession's commitment to diverse and at-risk populations and social/economic justice are highlighted.
SOCI 2370. Contemporary Social Issues and Concerns. 3 Hours.
This course involves the study of current issues of concern to Americans and people around the world. Issues relating to terrorism, crime and punishment, inequality, poverty, human rights and freedoms, immigration, health and healthcare, and global warming are explored along with their causes, consequences, and possible solutions.
SOCI 289. Independent Study. 3 Hours.
This course provides individual instruction. Students may repeat the course when topics vary.
SOCI 335. Media and Society. 3 Hours.
The course provides students with the ability to apply social science concepts and approaches to better understand the ways in which people use and consume various forms of media. It will also highlight the ways in which sociological theory applies to contemporary forms of social interaction, including online social networks, political and social movement media campaigns, and the online social construction of race, class, gender, and sexuality.
SOCI 345. Sociology of Crime and Justice. 3 Hours.
Students are provided with the ability to apply social science concepts and approaches to better understand and analyze the relationships between law, crime, criminal behavior, politics, public policy, justice, and punishment from a sociological perspective. The course will also highlight the factors that influence such relationships.
SOCI 355. Medical Sociology. 3 Hours.
This course provides students with the ability to apply social science concepts and approaches to understand the ways in which members of a culture diagnose and respond to illness. Sections reviewed in the course include doctor-patient interaction, the social construction of health and illness, the history of medical sociology, the health care system in contemporary society, alternative medical practices, and differential health outcomes by race, class, gender, sexuality, and geographical location.
