Sociology, as one of the social sciences, seeks to discover the basic structure of human society, to identify those factors which hold groups together or which change and weaken them, and to know what conditions transform social life. The study of sociology is broadly interested in linkages among individuals, groups, institutions and society. Like any other basic science, sociology is characterized by a systematic search for fundamental knowledge of the nature of its subject matter. Sociology is a profession which applies its knowledge and techniques to practical problems in the every day world of individuals, groups, organizations and government. Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees are offered.
Refer to graduation requirements listed previously in the catalog. See index.
To earn a degree in sociology the student must successfully complete a minimum of 34 credits in the major. No more than 47 sociology credits may be applied toward graduation.
The major includes required core and distribution requirements designed to insure broad exposure to the field of sociology. All majors must complete the following courses:
Sociology 110S is a prerequisite for most courses numbered 200 and above. Additional prerequisites are listed in course descriptions. Students who have not completed specified prerequisites may enroll only with the instructor's consent. All courses to be applied toward the 34-credit major must be taken for a letter grade. Majors are expected to earn a "C" or better in all core courses.
Criminology Emphasis. Completion of a degree in sociology with an emphasis in criminology provides a sound educational background for work in public and private criminal justice agencies, as well as graduate study in criminology, criminal justice and law. In addition to courses required of all sociology majors, students concentrating in criminology must complete the following:
The Sociology Department offers a variety of internships in the criminal justice system to qualified students. These internships are awarded on a competitive basis and require junior standing, a GPA of a least 2.75, and successful completion of all criminology and sociology core courses except Soc 455. Depending on the nature of the internship, additional prerequisites may be required. Students may receive up to 12 credits by enrolling in Soc 490 for one or more semesters.
Sociology Honors Program. Sociology majors enrolled in the University Honors Program are expected to meet these additional requirements:
Major Teaching Field of Sociology: For an endorsement in the major teaching field of Sociology, a student must complete the requirements for the B.A. degree with a major in Sociology and C&I 428. Students also must gain admission to Teacher Education and Student Teaching and meet the requirements for certification as a secondary teacher (see the School of Education section of this catalog).
Students are advised that the demand in Montana high schools for teaching of courses in this field is limited. Students should complete the required second endorsement (major or minor) in a field other than Drama, Economics, Geography, Journalism or Psychology.
Minor Teaching Field of Sociology: For an endorsement in the minor teaching field of Sociology, a student must complete Soc 110S, 201, 220S, and 230S or 330S and 9 elective credits in Sociology courses 200 and above. Students also must complete C&I 428, gain admission to Teacher Education and Student Teaching and meet the requirements for certification as a secondary teacher. (See the School of Education section of this catalog.)
To earn 130 credits in four years, students must average 32.5 credit per year, or just over 16 credits per semester. Requirements for general sociology majors allow considerable flexibility in choosing courses. However, requirements for the criminology concentration are more stringent. Criminology students must plan their college careers carefully if they expect to graduate in four years.
First Year
Second Year
First Year
Second Year
To earn a minor in sociology the student must complete a minimum of 20 credits in sociology with at least 10 of these credits at the upper-division level. Students must take Soc 110S, 201, one course from the Social Institutions area, and either Soc 210S or 320.