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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements (40-44 credits) | ||
| Core Requirements | ||
| ISSOC-125 | Introduction to Sociology (must earn a C or better) * | 4 |
| SOC-301 | Sociological Research Methods (must earn a C or better) * | 4 |
| SOC-303 | Sociological Quantitative 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 and Physical Anthropology (must earn a C or better) * | ||
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. 1 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Ethnographic Research Methods | ||
| White-Collar Crime | ||
| Terrorism | ||
| The Sociology of Punishment | ||
| Women and Crime | ||
| Race & Crime in the Media | ||
| Advanced Topics in Criminal Justice Stud | ||
| Rwandan Society and Genocide | ||
| Special Populations & the CJS | ||
| State Crimes | ||
| Social Stratification | ||
| Advanced Topics in Sociology | ||
| Select one of the following: | 16-20 | |
| Sociology electives (16 credits) | ||
| Select 16 credits in SOC/ISSOC/ANTH/ISANTH/CJS. 12 credits must be at the 300-level or higher. Only 8 credits from ANTH/ISNATH or CJS may be used toward major electives. ISSOC-125 does not apply. | ||
Students may not combine a Sociology major with Anthropology/Sociology as a second major/dual major. Sociology majors who wish to do more advanced study in Anthropology should add an Anthropology minor, or complete only the Anthropology/Sociology major. | ||
| or Social Work Specialization (20 credits) | ||
| Sociology majors may choose this specialization by completing their 16 credit elective credits plus one additional course (4 credits) in the following manner. | ||
| Introduction to Social Work | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select three of the following: | ||
| Women, Gender & Society | ||
| Social Policy | ||
| Sociology of Families | ||
| Global Ethnic Relations | ||
| Homeless in NH & US | ||
| Law and Justice in Society | ||
| Sociology & Social Justice | ||
| Race, State, & Justice | ||
| Social Stratification | ||
| Total Credits | 40-44 | |
*Courses for the specialization that also fulfill requirements for the sociology major are not counted twice for overall college credit.
Certification as a Social Studies Teacher
Sociology is an approved major for students seeking Secondary Social Studies Certification. Students will need to take the following additional certification requirements:
Major in Education
- Secondary Education
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements for Certification | ||
| IHHIST-161 | American Encounters to 1877 | 4 |
| IHHIST-162 | American Encounters From 1877 | 4 |
| IHHIST-111 | The Ancient and Medieval World | 4 |
| IHHIST-112 | The Modern World | 4 |
| ISECON-104 | Introduction to Macroeconomics | 4 |
| ISPSYC-101 | General Psychology | 4 |
| Environmental Studies course | 4 | |
| ISPOSC-210 | United States Politics | 4 |
| or ISPOSC-220 | International Relations | |
| Total Credits | 32 | |
Electives
Select courses to reach a total of 120 credits for the degree.
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 Methods, SOC-303 Sociological Quantitative 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.
Degree Requirements
120 credits
40 credits at the upper-level
Upon completion of the Sociology major 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.