Frequently Asked Questions: Undergraduate

How would you explain this major to students who have no previous knowledge of it? Sociology is the study of people in social groups and institutions. Sociologists study city life, crime and deviance, gender and sexuality, health care systems and legal institutions, culture and the media, and diversity and disparities among social groups. Sociologists are curious about all aspects of society and have developed many methods for learning more about human behavior in groups. The faculty of the DePaul sociology department has diverse interests and offers a wide range of topics in contemporary sociology. The city itself provides exciting opportunities for research and service learning.

What are the required courses in the Sociology Major?
Students begin with a 100-level course (Soc 101 Introduction to Sociology or Soc 105: Social Problems - not both ). There are four additional required core courses: Soc 331 (Sociological Theory); Soc 279 (Introductory Statistics for the Social Sciences); Soc 380 (Research Methods I), and Soc 381 (Research Methods II). These theory and methods courses are usually taken in the junior and senior years. Finally, there is a liberal studies requirement of a senior capstone course in the major (Soc 395).

In addition to the required courses, the major requires eight electives in the department, five of them at the 300-level.

Does this major have concentrations? If so, what are they and what are the differences?
The department of sociology offers majors several options for organizing their electives in the department. Many students choose to take the Standard Concentration which allows them to sample many different areas of sociology.

Students with more focused interests may elect to take our Law and Society concentration if they are interested in legal institutions or a pre-law program. Students with an interest in crime and delinquency or the problems of youth, may take our Juvenile Justice concentration. The concentration in Health and Health Services focuses on health care systems, public health issues, and health care organizations. The Evolving City and Race, Class, and Gender in the City are two concentrations that examine aspects of the urban community, such as disparities in the city, metropolitan region growth, and urban cultures. The Cultural Studies concentration focuses on culture and society, including topics such as the media, popular culture, and sexuality. A new concentration in Community Practice examines community problems and initiatives to solve them, with an emphasis on experiential learning.

Many of these concentrations include internships and/or service-learning courses to provide students with field experiences in communities and social service organizations.

What careers are available to students who major in this area?
There are numerous careers for which a major in sociology is excellent preparation. Sociology majors pursue careers in social work, law, education, law enforcement, youth services, counseling, organizational research, health care delivery, sales representative, urban planner and many other careers where knowledge of human behavior, social organization, and human relationships are needed. There are many opportunities in public and private organizations that serve the needs of people. A large number of our graduates go on to graduate and professional schools (such as law or social work) for their continuing education.

Is it important for prospective majors to begin with certain classes their first quarter? If so, which classes?
Most majors begin with Sociology 101 - Introduction to Sociology. Another popular first course in the sociology major is Sociology 105: Social Problems. Students may only receive major credit for either SOC 101 or SOC 105 (but not both). If students have already received college credit for either 100-level course, they should enroll in a 200 level course.

Must students meet certain prerequisites before registering for classes in this major? If so, what are those prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites for the 100-level courses. Many 200 and 300 level courses do not have prerequisites, but the statistics and methods courses do, as noted in the next section.

Is there any information that should be added?
Prerequisites and sequencing : Quantitative Reasoning (ISP 120) or a higher-level math class is the prerequisite for Introductory Statistics for the Social Sciences (SOC 279). Introductory Statistics for the Social Sciences (SOC 279) needs to be taken before or concurrently with Soc 380 (Research Methods I). Research Methods I and II (Soc 380 and Soc 381) are taken in two consecutive terms of the same academic year from the same instructor. The department recommends that students take the Statistics and Research Methods courses in their junior year.

The Sociology Minor : The minor consists of one of the 100-level courses (Soc 101 or 105) and any additional four courses at either the 200 or the 300-level.

Internships : Many students enroll in the internship program during their junior or senior year. This provides valuable experience as well as course credit (SOC 398).

Five-year B.A./M.A. Program : The department offers a five-year program that leads to an MA in sociology as well as the BA.

Honors in Sociology : The department has a chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, the international sociology honorary society.

What is the process for requsting updated credit evaluations, and declaring or changing majors?
Fill out the online form on the LAS website undergraduate forms page. Chose "Declaration of Major, Minor and Concentration."