Sociology, B.A.

Tori Barnes-Brus, Erin Davis (chair), Mary Olson

Sociology is the study of human societies and the interactions we engage in. Sociologists “pull back the layers” of society to understand the complexity of the social world in which we live. Looking at the world through the lens of sociology allows us to move beyond an individual understanding of the world to explore the patterns that emerge when we unveil the connections between individual experiences and the larger social context.

Students at Cornell learn sociology through hands-on practice. OCAAT courses provide the flexibility to do community-based research, take field-trips and learn from experts in a variety of fields, while seminar-style discussion courses give students and faculty the opportunity to investigate social inequalities such as gender, sexuality, race, and class and explore complex social issues such as homelessness, environmental justice, healthcare, and the criminal justice system.

Students develop advanced and transferable skills such as critical thinking, analysis, reading, writing, quantitative reasoning and oral communication applicable to all careers. A sociology major is an invaluable preparation for law school, social welfare and human services, criminal justice careers, non-profit work, government service, research, and work in business and high-tech sectors.

Sociology courses contribute to the following interdisciplinary programs: Environmental Justice and Sustainability; Civic Engagement; Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies; Race, Ethnicity and Social Justice

Requirements

A minimum of eleven course credits which include

SOC 101 - Sociological Thinking (1) OR SOC 102 - Topics in Sociological Thinking (1)
SOC 383 - Sociological Theory (1)
SOC 384 - Research Design and Data Analysis (1)
SOC 487 - SOC/SAN/ANT Senior Seminar (1)
Six additional sociology courses or five additional sociology courses and ANT 484 Qualitative Research Methods and Fieldwork . A minimum of three of these sociology courses must be at the 300 level.
One anthropology course to be determined in consultation with the student’s advisor

One course credit in individualized research (SOC 290/390/490 or SOC 485) and one course credit in internship (SOC 280/380) may count toward the major.

Students planning to attend graduate school are strongly encouraged to take STA 201 and include an individual research project in their major

SOC 290 - Independent Study (1) OR SOC 390 - Independent Study (1) OR SOC 485 - Readings/Research in Sociology (1/2-1)

Students planning careers in human services are encouraged to take STA 201 and include an internship in their major

Teaching Certification:

Students who are interested in pursuing K-12 certification to teach social studies should seek admission to the Teacher Education Program. See the Education department section for application and certification information.