Undergraduate Program in Sociology

On this page you will find:

• BA/BS in Sociology Information
• Minor in Sociology Information
• Advising Information
• Request Information

The Department of Sociology offers a wide range of undergraduate experiences including courses, internships, directed readings, and fieldwork. Faculty teach courses and conduct research across a broad range of topics including: medical sociology, criminology, education, globalization, and minority studies. The Sociology Department emphasizes the application of sociological theories and thinking on problems of the real world. Our department is focused on understanding PSU's diverse cultural, ethnic, gender, and life-experiences in our research and teaching.

BA/BS in Sociology

Requirements for Major: In addition to meeting the general University degree requirements, the major in sociology must meet the following departmental requirements:

Up to 10 credits taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) in 200- or 300 level elective sociology courses can be applied toward fulfilling departmental major requirements. Differentiated grades of C or above are required for all other sociology courses and for Stat 243. A student must pass SOC 300 with a grade of C or better before taking other required courses as a sociology major.

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Minor in Sociology

To earn a minor in sociology, a student must complete 28 credits (at least 16 of which must be taken in residence at PSU, and 16 of which must be upper division) to include the following:

Up to 10 credits taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) can be applied toward fulfilling departmental minor requirements.

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Advising Information

Advising Philosophy:

The Sociology department recognizes that our students seek a broad range of skills and experiences within the field. Accordingly, we aim to provide a general understanding of the discipline of sociology and to offer more advanced courses that teach intellectual tools useful for future study, satisfying careers, and informed citizenship.

New Student Orientation
New and transfer students are strongly encouraged to attend the New Student Orientation offered through the university. The orientation gives an overview of university and major requirements and introduces many of the opportunities and resources available on campus.

Undergraduate Advising and Support Center (UASC)
PSU believes that academic advising should be a part of your entire academic career. All new students should see an adviser at UASC during their first two terms (or 24 credits if part-time).

Undergraduate Advisor
During the time you are working toward your sociology degree, you should plan to meet with the Sociology Undergraduate Advisor at least twice (once during your freshman/sophomore years and another during your junior/senior years). The purpose of these sessions is to review your progress toward meeting degree requirements as well as to assist with course planning. Bring a copy of your DARS form. There are both drop-in hours and scheduled sessions available.

Faculty
Faculty have regular office hours to provide information about courses and to discuss options for meeting your academic and career goals. Please review faculty interests and office hours before making your appointment in order for you to make the most of your meeting. (Please remember that these meetings are geared for exploration of your future, not to review your DARS).

Workshops
There are various workshops and presentations offered throughout the year. Some of these are offered through the Sociology Department, others are through various departments in the university such as UASC, the Career Center, and the Writing Center. Become familiar with these resources, they are of great assistance to our students.

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