2025-2026 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Sociology
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to global communities; from our workplaces to our religious institutions; and from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture.
Sociology helps students understand the society in which we live while teaching the analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that employers value. Our graduates achieve success working in government and non-profit agencies, in large and small businesses, in healthcare and education, and as university professors and researchers.
Requirements for a Major in Sociology
Students majoring in sociology are required to complete at least 36 credit hours for a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or 30 credit hours for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.
- The B.S. degree requires 18 hours of core credit and 18 hours of electives chosen from courses in the sociology department including the following courses:
- The B.A. degree requires 12 hours in the core, 18 hours of electives chosen from courses in the sociology department, and third-semester proficiency in a language (12 hours).
Requirements for B.S. Degree
Core Courses
Requires 18 core credits, including:
- SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology (3 credits) OR SOC 105 - Social Problems (3 credits)
- SOC 301 - Sociological Theory (3 credits)
- SOC 304 - Quantitative Methods in Sociology (3 credits)
- SOC 305 - Qualitative Methods in Sociology (3 credits)
- SOC 495 - Senior Seminar in Sociology (Capstone) (3 credits)
- STA 215 - Introductory Applied Statistics (3 credits)
Elective Courses
Requires 18 credits; any six additional courses in sociology.
Whichever of the following that was not taken for the core can also count as electives:
Requirements for B.A. Degree
Core Courses
Requires 12 credits, including:
- SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology (3 credits) OR SOC 105 - Social Problems (3 credits)
- SOC 301 - Sociological Theory (3 credits)
- SOC 305 - Qualitative Methods in Sociology (3 credits)
- SOC 495 - Senior Seminar in Sociology (Capstone) (3 credits)
Elective Courses
Requires 18 credits: six additional courses in sociology.
At least one elective must be among these High Impact Practice courses:
- SOC 222 - Humans in West Michigan Watersheds (3 credits)
- SOC 288 - Sociology of Food (3 credits)
- SOC 304 - Quantitative Methods in Sociology (3 credits)
- SOC 355 - Sociology of Work and Employment (3 credits)
- SOC 490 - Practicum: Career-Service (1 to 9 credits)
- SOC 499 - Independent Study and Research (1 to 3 credits)
- Study Abroad
Whichever of the following that was not taken for the core can also count as electives:
B.A. Requirement
- Third-semester proficiency in a foreign language
Suggested Order of Coursework for a Major in Sociology
B.S. Degree
Most Sociology Majors declare their major in their sophomore or junior year. This timeline can be easily condensed.
Year One
Year Two
- SOC 301 - Sociological Theory (3 credits)
- SOC 304 - Quantitative Methods in Sociology (3 credits) OR SOC 305 - Qualitative Methods in Sociology (3 credits)
- STA 215 - Introductory Applied Statistics (3 credits)
Year Three
- SOC 304 - Quantitative Methods in Sociology (3 credits) OR SOC 305 - Qualitative Methods in Sociology (3 credits)
- Sociology elective
- Sociology elective
- Sociology elective
Year Four
- Sociology elective
- Sociology elective
- Sociology elective
- SOC 495 - Senior Seminar in Sociology (Capstone) (3 credits)
B.A. Degree
Most Sociology Majors declare their major in their sophomore or junior year. This timeline can be easily condensed.
Year One
- SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology (3 credits) OR SOC 105 - Social Problems (3 credits)
- Language 101
- Language 102
Year Two
- SOC 301 - Sociological Theory (3 credits)
- Language 201
Year Three
- SOC 305 - Qualitative Methods in Sociology (3 credits)
- Sociology elective
- Sociology elective
- Sociology elective
Year Four
- Sociology elective
- Sociology elective
- Sociology elective
- SOC 495 - Senior Seminar in Sociology (Capstone) (3 credits)