Sociology (B.A.)
The Sociology program offers students knowledge and resources to search systematically for answers to questions about society. Sociology students develop a sociological imagination, which is the ability to grasp the close relationship between personal experiences and the larger social world. Our majors study social and cultural forces that shape individual and group behavior using a variety of scientific methods such as surveys, interviews, observation, and content analysis. By studying and critically assessing sociological theories, sociology students also describe, interpret, and explain how the world works.
Core courses provide excellent training in sociological concepts, theories, and methods. Electives focus on topics like the environment, popular culture, families, inequalities, race and ethnicity, crime and deviance, anthropology, and global society. Sociology majors may also engage in community research, service-learning projects, internships, and travel through coursework. Students with a bachelor's degree in sociology are well prepared for graduate and professional studies and careers using their interpersonal skills and specialized knowledge in the areas of education, social services, human rights, health and wellness, justice, advocacy, and research.
Integrative Studies Requirements
40 credits minimum
To receive a degree in Sociology, a student must earn a grade C or better in the following core courses: ISSOC-125 Introduction to Sociology ISSOC-125 Introduction to Sociology,ISANTH-110 Cultural Anthropologyor ISANTH-111 Archaeology & Biological Anth ISANTH-111 Archaeology & Biological Anth, SOC-301 Sociological Research Meth SOC-301 Sociological Research Meth, SOC-303 Soc Quant Analysis SOC-303 Soc Quant Analysis, and SOC-305 Sociological Theory SOC-305 Sociological Theory. Courses may be retaken once to meet this requirement. If, after taking the course a second time, a student has not achieved the required grade, the student should meet with the student’s academic faculty advisor to discuss implications. If a student needs to take a course more than twice to progress in their major, the student must receive written permission from the department responsible for the major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements (40 Credits) | ||
| Core Courses (24 Credits) | ||
| ISSOC-125 | Introduction to Sociology (must earn a C or better) * | 4 |
| SOC-301 | Sociological Research Meth (must earn a C or better) * | 4 |
| SOC-303 | Soc Quant Analysis (must earn a C or better) * | 4 |
| SOC-305 | Sociological Theory (must earn a C or better) * | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Cultural Anthropology (must earn a C or better) * | ||
| Archaeology & Biological Anth (must earn a C or better) * | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Ethnographic Research Meth | ||
| White-Collar Crime | ||
| Terrorism | ||
| Women and Crime | ||
| Race & Crime in Media | ||
| Advanced Topics in CJS | ||
| Special Populations & the CJS | ||
| Social Inequalities | ||
| Adv Topics in Sociology | ||
| Elective Courses (16 Credits) | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
*Courses for the specialization that also fulfill requirements for the sociology major are not counted twice for overall college credit.
Social Work Specialization
In Lieu of 16 credits in Sociology electives, Sociology majors may choose the Social Work specialization by completing the following two courses (8 credits) plus 12 electives credits in the following manner.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work Specialization (20 Credits) | ||
| Social Work Core Courses (8 Credits) | ||
| SOC-234 | Intro to Social Work | 4 |
| ISSOC-310 | Social Problems | 4 |
| Social Work Elective Courses (12 Credits) | 12 | |
| Women, Gender & Society | ||
| Sociology of Families | ||
| Global Ethnic Relations | ||
| Homeless in NH & US | ||
| Race, State, & Justice | ||
| Social Inequalities | ||
| Total Credits | 20 | |
Certification as a Social Studies Teacher
Sociology is an approved major for students seeking a Secondary Social Studies Licensure. Students will need to take the following additional licensure requirements:
Major in Education
- Secondary Education
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements for Certification (40 Credits) | ||
| IHHIST-161 | American Encounters to 1877 | 4 |
| IHHIST-162 | American Encounters From 1877 | 4 |
| IHHIST-111 | Ancient & Medieval World | 4 |
| IHHIST-112 | The Modern World | 4 |
| ISECON-104 | Intro to Macroeconomics | 4 |
| ISENST-203 | Globalization Culture & Place | 4 |
| ISPSYC-101 | General Psychology | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| ISPOSC-210 | United States Politics | 4 |
| or ISPOSC-220 | International Relations | |
| ISPOSC-220 | International Relations | 4 |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Honors Program
Motivated sociology students may participate in an advanced program of research culminating in graduation with Honors in Sociology. Students electing to participate in this program complete all requirements for the Sociology major plus 8 credits of SOC-499 Senior Honor Thesis during the two semesters of the senior year.
Admission to the Honors Program is based on:
- Self-nomination after completion of 80 credits with an overall and major GPA of 3.50 or above.
- Support of an Honors Committee consisting of a faculty sponsor and two other faculty members, one of whom may be from a department other than Sociology. The Honors Committee will interview the student prior to enrollment in SOC-499 Senior Honor Thesis and notify successful applicants of their admission prior to enrollment.
- Completion of, or enrollment in, at least five sociology courses, including SOC-301 Sociological Research Meth, SOC-303 Soc Quant Analysis, and SOC-305 Sociological Theory. Final admission requires successful completion of those Sociology courses enrolled in at the time of application for admission to the Honors Program.
At the end of the senior year, each participant:
- Submits a final written report on the Honors work for approval by the student's Honors Committee.
- Presents the results of their work and responds to questions about the project and its relationship to the larger body of sociological knowledge, in a colloquium open to the public.
- The student's Honors Committee votes on whether or not to accept the Honors project.
Students successfully completing all facets of the Honors Program and having an overall and major GPA of 3.50 or above will graduate with Honors in Sociology.
Electives
Select courses to reach a total of 120 credits for the degree.
Degree Requirements
120 credits
40 credits at the upper-level
Upon completion of the Sociology B.A. degree, students will be able to:
- Think sociologically
- Read and understand literature on complex social issues.
- Apply a comparative and international perspective to the study of social phenomena.
- Collect and analyze sociological data using appropriate research methods.
- Write a substantial research paper analyzing an important sociological issue.
- Critically assess, discuss, and write essays drawing on theoretical perspectives.
- Use sociological knowledge and abilities to contribute to their community and society.