Sociology Major

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology provides broad training in the theories and methods that sociologists use to understand contemporary social issues and problems.  Students are encouraged to think critically as they examine issues ranging from small group behavior to global social movements. 

What courses do I need for a Sociology Major?

Sociology Majors at Kent State University must complete a total of 34 hours of course work in Sociology – 13 hours of required courses and 21 hours of elective courses – in addition to university requirements as specified in the Kent State University Undergraduate Catalog.

Required Sociology Courses

Credit Hours

SOC 12050- Introduction to Sociology 3
SOC 32210- Researching Society 3
SOC 32220- Data Analysis 3
SOC 32221- Data Analysis Laboratory 1
SOC 42126- Sociological Theories 3

Subtotal

13

Elective Sociology Courses

Credit Hours

15+ Must be Upper-Division Sociology Courses 15
6 May be Lower-Division Sociology Courses 6

Subtotal

21

Total

34

Upper Division Elective Courses in Sociology

The Department of Sociology offers many courses related to topics in social inequality, social psychology, health and health care, and the life course. We also offer courses on classical sociological topics such as deviance, religion, and families. Below is a list of our current offerings. Some courses are offered every semester, others are offered once a year. 

Sociology majors at Kent State University may take any upper-division elective course once they have completed Introduction to Sociology and have junior standing. Majors are encouraged to follow their interests when selecting elective courses from the following topic areas:

Social Inequality

Course Number

Gays/Lesbians 32565
Minorities in America 32569
Inequality in Societies 32570
Race and Ethnic Studies 42568
Wealth, Poverty, and Power 42558
Changing Gender Roles 42315

Social Psychology

Course Number

Individual and Society 32400
Self and Identity 42400
Social Structure and Individual Lives 43200

Health and Health Policy

Course Number

Sociology of Mental Illness 42095
Health and Health Care 42563

Life Course

Course Number

Death and Dying 42010
Childhood in Society 42421
Adolescence in Society 42478
Aging in Society 42879

Other Courses

Course Number

Sociology of Families 32560
Urban Processes and Lifestyles 32673
Deviant Behavior 32762
Religion 42561
Bureaucratic Organizations 42564
Family Violence 42577

 

Sociology majors are encouraged to meet with the Undergraduate Coordinator to develop a course plan which combines course diversity and substantive depth in ways that reflect the student’s career objectives.