Bachelor of Arts Program
The General Sociology Major
Students whose primary interest is in a general sociology major are urged to develop a plan of study with their advisor; they must take three electives in addition to the core courses and major content requirements listed above. Any sociology course, including courses from any of the three options may be included in your study plan. The general sociology major prepares students for positions which require a bachelor's degree in one of the social science disciplines, including employment in a variety of government and private-sector agencies, or for graduate school in sociology. It also provides valuable preparation for related fields such as law, social work, education, counseling, politics, and public administration.
Criminology Option
Criminology has been an area of study within sociology since the inception of the discipline at the turn of the twentieth century. Contemporary criminology examines the making of laws, the nature and extent of crime, the causes of crime, and society's efforts to control crime through the juvenile and criminal justice systems. The option builds upon the required course work in sociology and allows students to pursue extended study of crime and the criminal justice system. In addition, the option provides opportunity for practical experience in the juvenile and criminal justice systems through internship placement. The criminology option prepares students for employment in public and private criminal justice agencies, as well as graduate study in sociology, criminal justice, and law.
Inequality and Social Justice Option
Inequality is the core of most sociological inquires. The option in inequality and social justice examines the causes and consequences of inequalities based on class, gender, race/ethnicity, disability, age, and sexual orientation. Social inequalities at the local, national, and global levels are studied, as are the political, legal, and social processes that contribute to or reduce inequalities. Ethical elements of social justice are considered with regard to inequality. An option in inequality and social justice prepares students for employment in a variety of government and private-sector agencies, especially in social services, or for graduate school in Sociology. It also provides valuable preparation for related fields such as law, social work, education, counseling, politics, and public administration.
Rural and Environmental Change Option
Rural regions are facing rapid social, economic, demographic, and environmental change. This option develops analytical and practical skills for understanding rural and environmental change globally and in the American West, and the policy implications of such change in areas including international development, rural health and poverty, rural restructuring, community development, native peoples, and natural resource management. An option in rural and environmental change prepares students for employment with a government, private, or non-profit organization concerned with the above topics or for pursuing an advanced degree in sociology.
Sociology Scholarship Information
- Blumenthal Scholarship Award of $300
- Eloise Baird Boldt Scholarship Award of $3,000
- Kain/McKay Scholarships Awards of $1,248