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.