Sociology: Social Work

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for B.A. in Sociology with a Concentration in Social Work

Six sociology core courses

• SOC1101 Introduction to Sociology: Analysis of Society in Global Perspective (SA) (SS)
• SOC2103 Qualitative Methods
• SOC2104 Quantitative Methods (SS)
• SOC3101 Theories of Society (WI)
• SOC4194 Internship in Sociology
• SOC4999 Seminar in Sociology OR SOC4988 Community Action Research (SJ)

In addition to the following requirements for concentration:

• SOC1111 Introduction to Social Work (SJ)
• SOC2201 The Practice of Social Policy (SA)(SS)

Three electives must be chosen from the following (one of which must be 3000-level):

• CCJ3207 Juvenile Delinquency and Youth at Risk
• SOC2105 Race, Ethnicity and Group Relations (SA) (SS) (DM) OR PSYCH2211 Race, Gender and Sexuality:Intersections of Privilege and Oppression
• SOC2115 Family and Gender Roles (DM)
• SOC2123 Health Care: Systems, Structures and Cultures
• SOC2127 Social Class and Inequality (SA) (SS)
• SOC2200 Drugs and Society 
• SOC3201 Worlds in Motion: Causes and Consequences of Migration
• SOC3210 Family Violence

Recommended Courses:

• PHIL1205 Health Care Ethics (M) (ER)
• PSYCH3601 Counseling Theories and Techniques

At the completion of the Sociology major, the student will:

• Demonstrate an appreciation of the sociological perspective and the sociological imagination in our understanding of social reality.
• Demonstrate an understanding of sociological theories, paradigms, and concepts.
• Demonstrate an understanding of sociological research methods.
• Acquire intellectual and professional skills. 
• Apply sociological concepts to micro and macro issues of inequality, diversity, and globalization.
• Develop an appreciation of social justice concerns.

A degree in social work can prepare you for a variety of careers that involve helping people in need. Here are some potential career paths:

• Social work: With a degree in human services, you can work as a social worker, providing direct services to individuals and families in need. This might include helping people access food and housing, providing counseling services, or working with children in the foster care system.
• Counseling: A degree in human services can also prepare you for a career in counseling. You can work as a mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, or substance abuse counselor, among other roles.
• Non-profit work: Many non-profit organizations focus on providing services to vulnerable populations, such as the homeless, victims of domestic violence, or people with disabilities. With a degree in human services, you can work for these organizations in a variety of roles, including program development, advocacy, and fundraising.
• Healthcare: Human services graduates can also work in healthcare settings, providing patient care and support. This might include working as a healthcare assistant, patient advocate, or healthcare administrator.
• Education: A degree in human services can be a good foundation for a career in education. You can work as a teacher, counselor, or administrator in schools and other educational settings.
• Government agencies: Federal, state, and local government agencies often hire human services graduates to work in areas such as public health, social services, and community development.