Undergraduate Program
sociology
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Contacts
- 617-552-4130
- www.bc.edu/sociology
- sociolog@bc.edu
Undergraduate Program Description
The undergraduate program in Sociology is designed to satisfy the intellectual, career, and civic interests of students who are concerned about what is happening in their society and in their daily personal interactions. The program prepares students for graduate study in sociology, social work, law, urban affairs, governmental administration, criminal justice, industrial organization, education, etc. The sociological perspective and the technical knowledge and skills developed in this program contribute to personal growth and are useful in a broad range of occupations.
Courses numbered SC 001 through SC 099 are part of the University Core. These courses address a wide range of important sociological themes ranging from the study of major social institutions, such as the family, religion, education, mass media, the workplace, and justice system, to the analysis of global social processes including culture, identity formation, war and peace, deviance and social control, aging, social movements, and inequalities in the areas of race, class, and gender.
Information about Core Courses
Sociology courses numbered from SC 001 through SC 099 provide Social Science Core credit. Sociology Cultural Diversity courses numbered above SC 099 do not satisfy the Social Science Core requirement.
Major Requirements
Sociology majors are required to take a minimum of 30 credits (generally ten courses) in Sociology. These courses must include the following:
- Introductory Sociology (SC 001), preferably the section designed for Sociology majors (SC 001.01).
- Statistics (SC 200), Social Theory (SC 215), and Research Methods (SC 210) are also required.
- Six electives numbered SC 002 or above. Of these six electives, at least three must be upper level courses (SC 299 or higher).
Minor Requirements
Sociology minors are required to take a minimum of 18 credits (generally six courses). These courses must include the following:
- Introductory Sociology (SC 001), preferably the section designed for Sociology majors (SC 001.01).
- Statistics (SC 200), Social Theory (SC 215), and Research Methods (SC 210) are also required.
- Two electives, at least one of which must be numbered SC 299 or above.
Honors Program
The undergraduate Honors Program in Sociology is designed to give eligible Sociology majors (3.50 GPA, 3.50 in Sociology) the experience of doing original sociological research that leads to a Senior Honors Thesis. The program includes a three-course Honors sequence that allows students to work closely with their faculty and other students in the Program. The courses include reading the most engaging classics of sociological research, designing an original project, and, in the last semester of senior year, gathering and analyzing the data, then writing the thesis. For details, consult Professor Juliet Schor.
Information for Majors and Non-Majors
Sociology majors are required to take a minimum of 30 credits (generally ten courses). SC 001 Introductory Sociology is required for majors (preferably SC 001.01).
For non-majors, courses from SC 001 through SC 099 provide Social Science Core credit. Sociology Cultural Diversity courses numbered above SC 099 do not satisfy the Social Science Core requirement.
Information for Study Abroad
Although the Sociology Department designates no particular prerequisites, it strongly recommends that students have completed at least five courses in Sociology, including all of the required courses (Statistics, Methods, and Theory), prior to going abroad.
Courses taken overseas in a department of Sociology or Anthropology of a BC-approved program will almost always be accepted for credit towards the Sociology major. The department recommends not more than two Sociology courses in any one semester or five Sociology courses in a full year. Courses taken in other departments will not be considered for Sociology credit unless a syllabus and reading list are submitted. All Sociology majors should consult with Professor Gustavo Morello, McGuinn 422, when planning their study abroad program. The Sociology Department does not accept overseas courses for Social Science Core credit.
Internship
The department offers internship placements in court probation offices and other legal settings, and in settings designed for students who wish to acquire practical work experience in human services, political or social research, or social policy agencies. Most take positions in government or non-profit organizations, but some get placements in various business settings. Students typically take these courses in their junior or senior year as a way to find out more about what it is like to work in one of the many settings where Sociology majors may find employment after graduation. For details, consult Professor John B. Williamson.
Five Year Master's Degrees with a Sociology Major
Majors in Sociology have the opportunity to earn two degrees over a period of five consecutive years. There are two separate programs:
B.A./M.A. Program Admission
Application normally takes place early in the second semester of the junior year. The usual deadline each year is February 1. The applicant must submit the same admissions materials as are required of all graduate degree applicants. Apply online at www.bc.edu/schools/gsas/admissions.html.
Undergraduates must understand that the admissions requirements are strict. Normally, a student must have an overall GPA, after five semesters, of at least 3.50 with at least a 3.50 GPA in Sociology courses. For details, consult Professor Juliet Schor.
B.A./M.S.W. Program
The choice of this program will provide the Sociology major with an undergraduate B.A. degree in Sociology and with the professional degree of Master of Social Work. The B.A. degree will be awarded with the student's undergraduate class. The Master's degree will be awarded one year later. The choice of this program should be made by Sociology majors in their sophomore year so that the required course sequence and degree requirements can be fulfilled. For details, consult Professor Sara Moorman.