Oct 05, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Sociology BA


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“Challenge the status quo.” 

“Think outside the norm.” 

“Make a social impact.” 

These are just a few of the reasons why our recent sociology students chose this major. So, is it right for you? Yes, if you want to use science to understand people, study social life, and dig into critical issues like health, poverty and race. It’s a great choice for someone who’s ready to tackle tough questions and examine not only the choices that society makes, but the context around those choices.

Visit the Sociology academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.

Visit the Sociology department page  for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.

Admission Criteria


Current UB students seeking admission to the Sociology BA will be added to the major upon request by completing the College of Arts and Sciences Major/Minor Change Request Form.

Course Requirements


Eight SOC Electives (24 credits)


Seven of the eight electives must be at the 300/400 level.***

Notes


*May substitute PSY 350  or SSC 213  with the addition of 3 credit hours of sociology electives

**May substitute CEP 207 ECO 380 NSG 295 PSC 408 PSY 207 , or STA 119  and STA 119  with the addition of 3 credit hours of sociology electives

***May count SOC 495  once, for 3 credits, as an elective course

Total Credits Required for Major: 37


Additional Degree Requirements Include:


  • Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
  • Elective courses as needed to complete the 120 credit hour total

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 120


Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Academic Requirements


Minimum GPA of 2.000 overall.

Minimum grade of C required in all Core courses SOC 101 SOC 293 SOC 294 SOC 349 , or approved substitutes.

Joint majors are possible only with other majors that offer the BA degree. Students must complete SOC 101 SOC 293 SOC 294  and SOC 349  with a minimum grade of C in each course, and four additional sociology courses.

Transfer Credit Policy 

The department accepts up to 5 transferred classes or up to 16 credit hours (whichever limit is reached first) of appropriate sociology courses toward the major requirements. Course descriptions and syllabi may need to be provided.

Program Honors


Students eligible to enroll in Program Honors have junior or senior standing, achieve a department and overall GPA of at least 3.25 and complete six (6) honors credits in the department, normally over two semesters. Students must also meet the remaining criteria outlined in the Academic Honors policy. Students who successfully complete the honors program and meet the criteria will have the appropriate notation on their official transcript.

Curricular Plan


A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

First Year Fall


Total Credits: 15 or 16


First Year Spring


  • 200-Level SOC Elective Credits: 3
  • Pathway Credits: 3
  • Credits: 4 OR Pathway Credits: 3
  • Scientific Literacy and Inquiry 2 Credits: 3
  • Scientific Literacy and Inquiry Lab Credits: 1

Total Credits: 13 or 14


Second Year Fall


Total Credits: 15


Second Year Spring


Total Credits: 15


Third Year Fall


Total Credits: 15


Third Year Spring


  • SOC Elective Credits: 3
  • SOC Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 4
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 16


Fourth Year Fall


  • SOC Elective Credits: 3
  • SOC Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Fourth Year Spring


  • SOC Elective Credits: 3
  • SOC Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective Credits: 3

Total Credits: 15


Total Credits Required: 120


Note: Some classes may count toward both a major and UB Curriculum requirement.

Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will:

  • Be able to identify the major research methods used by sociologists, compare and contrast the utility and relevance of a range of methods to the study of different social issues, and apply some basic research methods to the analysis of social issues
  • Obtain knowledge of basic social science statistical methods and be able to conduct basic statistical analysis
  • Be able to describe the significance of social theory to society, compare and contrast basic theoretical orientations, and apply some basic theories to social issues
  • Be able to critically examine the social factors-i.e., social institutions, policies, practices, norms, and beliefs-that shape major realms of human life.  The specific realms examined (e.g., family, criminal justice, health, etc.) may differ based on student interest, but regardless of substantive area, students should be able to examine society through a sociological lens.

 

(HEGIS: 22.08 SOCIOLOGY, CIP45.1101 Sociology)

 

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