School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences
Sociology (BA)
Sociology offers a scientific approach to examining social groups, human interactions, and social change. Sociologists are interested in a wide range of topics and issues related to social life. Some examples of sociological questions include: Why do some groups have more resources and power than others in society and what explains these inequalities? What factors influence marriage and divorce rates? How do families, schools, churches, and corporations affect social control? What are the functions of welfare programs? How do cities grow and transform to reflect changing technologies and population trends? How does law interact with society and social institutions? What are the causes and consequences of crime and deviant behavior?
The mission of the BA in Sociology is to provide undergraduate students (both majors and non-majors) with broad knowledge of the theoretical concepts, empirical research findings, and methodological approaches of the discipline of sociology, with an emphasis on theory and research related to social inequality. As part of this program, sociology majors should gain mastery of these concepts, findings, and approaches central to sociology, as well as develop basic skills in empirical analysis and professional communication.
At UT Dallas, sociology majors are encouraged to go beyond scholarly study to explore ways that sociology can be utilized in corporations, government agencies, or voluntary organizations. Sociology graduates of the University have pursued careers or graduate study in a variety of areas including policy research, social services, business, law, education, law enforcement, and other social sciences.
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Degree Requirements (120 semester credit hours)1
Faculty
Professor: Richard K. Scotch
Associate Professors: Bobby C. Alexander, Sarah Maxwell, Sheryl L. Skaggs
Assistant Professor: Nicholas Vargas
I. Core Curriculum Requirements: 42 semester credit hours2
Communication: 6 semester credit hours
COMM 1311 Survey of Oral and Technology-based Communication
RHET 1302 Rhetoric
Mathematics: 3 semester credit hours
Choose one course from the following:
MATH 1306 College Algebra for the Non-Scientist
MATH 1314 College Algebra
Life and Physical Sciences: 6 semester credit hours
Select any 6 semester credit hours from Life and Physical Sciences core courses (see advisor)
Language, Philosophy and Culture: 3 semester credit hours
Choose one course from the following:
HUMA 1301 Exploration of the Humanities
LIT 2331 Masterpieces of World Literature
PHIL 1301 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 2316 History of Philosophy I
PHIL 2317 History of Philosophy II
Creative Arts: 3 semester credit hours
ARTS 1301 Exploration of the Arts
American History: 6 semester credit hours
HIST 1301 U.S. History Survey to Civil War
HIST 1302 U.S. History Survey from Civil War
Government / Political Science: 6 semester credit hours
GOVT 2305 American National Government
GOVT 2306 State and Local Government
Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 semester credit hours
SOC 1301 Introduction to Sociology3, 4
Component Area Option: 6 semester credit hours
EPPS 2301 Research Design in the Social and Policy Sciences3, 4
And choose one course from the following:
EPPS 2302 Methods of Quantitative Analysis in the Social and Policy Sciences3, 4
EPPS 2303 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics for the Social and Policy Sciences3, 4
II. Major Requirements: 48 semester credit hours
Major Preparatory Courses: 3 semester credit hours beyond Core Curriculum
ECON 2301 Principles of Macroeconomics
or ECON 2302 Principles of Microeconomics
EPPS 2301 Research Design in the Social and Policy Sciences3, 4
EPPS 2302 Methods of Quantitative Analysis in the Social and Policy Sciences3, 4
or EPPS 2303 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics for the Social and Policy Sciences3, 4
SOC 1301 Introduction to Sociology3, 4
Major Core Courses: 18 semester credit hours
SOC 3303 Classical Social Theory
SOC 3305 Applied Data Analysis
SOC 3381 Field Research Methods
SOC 4302 Class, Status, and Power
SOC 4306 Advanced Sociological Research
Choose one course from the following:
SOC 3333 Religion in Society
SOC 4385 Health and Illness in Global and Cross-national Perspective
SOC 4387 Religion in International Development
Major Related Courses: 27 semester credit hours
18 semester credit hours of upper-division Sociology courses
9 semester credit hours Major and Related electives5
III. Elective Requirements: 30 semester credit hours
This requirement may be satisfied with lower- and upper-division courses from any field of study. Students must complete at least 51 semester credit hours of upper-division courses to qualify for graduation.
1. Incoming freshmen must enroll and complete requirements of UNIV 1010 and the corresponding school-related freshman seminar course. Students, including transfer students, who complete their core curriculum at UT Dallas must take UNIV 2020.
2. Curriculum Requirements can be fulfilled by other approved courses from institutions of higher education. The courses listed are recommended as the most efficient way to satisfy both Core Curriculum and Major Requirements at UT Dallas.
3. A Major requirement that also fulfills a Core Curriculum requirement. Semester credit hours are counted in Core Curriculum.
4. Prerequisite course to upper-division SOC courses.
5. Most students take upper-division SOC courses. However, subject to advisor approval, courses from other disciplines may be used to satisfy this requirement.