Sociology is an analytic discipline concerned with understanding people as creators of, and participants in, society. The field is broadly concerned with the study of modern society and its social organizations, institutions, groups, and social roles. Sociologists study social influences on human behavior, such as sexuality, ethnic identity, and religious belief, and how individuals become members of families and communities. The field is also concerned with social problems, especially all forms of prejudice, discrimination, and inequality, and with poverty, crime, violence, and the threatened environment. Sociologists emphasize sources of social problems in the organization of society, public policies for their alleviation, and today’s questions of social justice. Finally, they study how individuals, both alone and working in groups, can change the society in which they live. A major in sociology opens many doors for careers and is excellent background for advanced training in a variety of other fields.

A minor in Sociology is described in the “Minors” section.

Location

• Hartford Campus
• Stamford Campus
• Storrs Campus

Modality

• In Person

Requirements

At least 24 credits of SOCI courses at the 2000 level or above are required:

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
SOCI 3201	Methods of Social Research 1	3
SOCI 3211Q	Quantitative Methods in Social Research 1	4
SOCI 3251	Sociological Theory 1	3
15 additional credits (usually five courses) must be taken from any 2000-level or above courses offered by the department 2		15

¹

Students must take SOCI 1001 Introduction to Sociology, SOCI 1251 Social Problems, SOCI 1501 Race, Class, and Gender or SOCI 1701 Society in Global Perspective prior to taking this course.

²

No more than three credits of SOCI 3990 Internship: Field Experience can apply to the major.

Passing SOCI 3201 Methods of Social Research satisfies the information literacy competency. The writing in the major requirement can be satisfied by passing any 2000 or 3000-level W course in Sociology.

A maximum of eleven 2000-level or above transfer credits in sociology may count toward the major with department approval.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand how broader societal forces shape individual behavior and choices, using examples from everyday life, current events, and media.
2. Define key terms, theories, and concepts in sociology and its various subfields.
3. Analyze how race, class, gender, and other social categories serve as structures that shape social life and contribute to the reproduction of inequality.
4. Critically evaluate sociological scholarship and/or conduct original sociological analyses through clear and effective written and verbal communication.

Sociology MA (Accelerated)

Up to 12 credits of required graduate coursework taken while the student is an undergraduate may be used toward both the B.A. and M.A. Plans of Study. Undergraduate students enrolled in Sociology must apply for the accelerated track at the end of their junior year and then apply to the M.A. program during their senior year.