Sociology
College of Social and Behavioral Science
36
Average
Class Size
444
Declared
Majors
Bennion
Center
Courses
Getting Started
- Take SOC 1010 - Intro to Sociology & SOC 2015 - Doing Sociology
- Experience Sociology's real life applications via courses such as SOC 3381 -Exploring Inequality through Music & Film and SOC 3041 - Sociology of Rock & Roll
Making Progress
- Check your progress towards graduation in DARS
- Explore for-credit internships; visit csbs.utah.edu to book an appointment with the internship coordinator
- Explore electives that support your interests
- Complete required courses such as SOC 3111 - Research Methods, SOC 3112 -Social Statistics, & SOC 3140 - Social Theory
Finishing Up
- Apply for graduation
- Complete the requirements for academic designations - Community Engaged Scholar or Undergraduate Research Scholar
- Consider completing a certificate program - Diversity Certificate or Criminology Certificate
Community
Getting Started
- Consider enrolling in LEAP or DiscoverU learning communities
- Attend the Get Involved Fair to check out student organizations & connect with students who share your interests
Making Progress
- Consider participating in student government; volunteer for leadership positions or run for office
- Attend learning abroad information sessions
- Plan (& attend) events in the Department of Sociology like movie screenings or panel discussions
- Participate in Bennion Center events
Enroll in Community Engaged Learning classes through the Department of Sociology:
- SOC 3480 - Environmental Sociology
- SOC 3769 - Disparities in Health
Finishing Up
- Get involved with the Alumni Association
- Apply for leadership within ASUU or campus clubs
- Participate in the AASA High School Conference
Knowledge & Skills
Getting Started
- Familiarize yourself with the Knowledge Commons in the Marriott Library
Consider Gen Ed courses like:
- POLS 1100 - US National Government
- ECON 1740 - US Economic History
- CL CV 1550 - Classical Mythology
- GNDR 3690 - Gender & Contemporary Issues
Making Progress
- Gain teaching experience by becoming a sociology peer advisor or teaching assistant for a sociology class
- Gain research experience through an independent study and/or working with a faculty member
- Identify certification programs that complement your interests such the Criminology Certificate, the Diversity Certificate, or the Quantitative Analysis Certificate
Finishing Up
- Complete the requirements to become a Community Engaged Scholar or receive the Undergraduate Research Scholar designation
Transformation
Getting Started
- Meet with a peer advisor or a sociology advisor
- Use your Arts Pass; follow @uofuartspass on Instagram
- Take a course outside the discipline, like art or business, to expand your perspectives
Making Progress
- Identify which of the specialties interest you most
- Go to office hours for at least 2 of your classes
- Attend a social or cultural event you have never experienced before - sports event, museum, concert, play, ballet, etc.
- Learn another language (programming, statistics, or spoken, your choice!)
Finishing Up
- Participate in commencement ceremonies
- Create an ePortfolio
- Explore & apply for graduate programs
Impact
Getting Started
- Meet with a Student Success Coach
- Create a timeline to graduate
- Explore volunteer opportunities at the Bennion Center & other community partners
Making Progress
- Become a CSBS Ambassador
- Complete a service project with the Bennion Center or volunteer with local non-profits, community and social services, or other organizations that align with your interests
- Go on an Alternative Spring/Fall break
- Study abroad, consider programs like Exploring Social & Political Culture in Ghana or Social Justice & Health in the Dominican Republic
Finishing Up
- Present or publish research (independently or with a faculty mentor)
- Write a senior or honors thesis based on your community engaged learning, service, or internship experiences.
Careers
Getting Started
- Meet with a Career Coach to identify your strengths, interests, personality, & values
- Expand your network with LinkedIn, Alumni Search, Forever Utah, & informational interviews
- Familiarize yourself with the services offered by the CPDC on campus
Making Progress
- Create a resume and have it reviewed by a Career Coach at the CPDC
- Attend a career fair or expo
- Take a CSBS Career Exploration Course
- Complete a for-credit internship in a community organization or with a potential employer
- Establish relationships with faculty so they can effectively serve as references or write letters of recommendation in the future
Finishing Up
- Meet with a Career Coach for practice interviewing
- Refine your resume/application materials
- Attend Career Fairs/CPDC Events
- Apply for jobs
Start Your Career Journey
Find support at the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC)
About the Major
Sociology is the study of how human behavior shapes and is shaped by larger cultural and social contexts. At the U, we offer a versatile Sociology major that introduces you to a variety of social issues and processes and enables you to connect with other departments and the community. This program covers a variety of domains including deviance, criminology, and the law; globalization, environment, and politics; population and health; and diversity and inequality. This means you have the opportunity to take classes based on your interests, passions, and goals. Whether you're passionate about criminal justice reform, involved in sustainability and other worldwide issues, invested in important public health issues, or committed to pursuing equity across diverse populations, Sociology at the U has something for you.
With these well-rounded studies, you will learn how to be a critical observer, participant, and actor in the social world. You will develop the skills you need to analyze, understand, and explain important matters in your personal life, your communities, and the world.
With these well-rounded studies, you will learn how to be a critical observer, participant, and actor in the social world. You will develop the skills you need to analyze, understand, and explain important matters in your personal life, your communities, and the world.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand sociology as a social science discipline.
- Utilize sociological theories to guide research and improve understanding of social phenomenon and human behavior.
- Learn to use a variety of research methods as a means of understanding the social world and human interaction.
- Apply sociological and social science perspectives to real world problems or topics such as issues of diversity, health, globalization, sustainability, and crime & law.
- Communicate effectively about sociological issues and learn to make well-organized arguments supported by relevant evidence.
Plan & Prepare
At the U, we plan for our students to have an exceptional Educational Experience identified by four broad categories we call the Learning Framework: Community, Knowledge & Skills, Transformation, and Impact. This major map will help you envision, explore, design, and plan your personalized Exceptional Education Experience with the Learning Framework at the core. In addition to assisting you in planning your coursework and navigating the requirements of your major, this map will help you incorporate other kinds of experiences to expand your knowledge, support your development, and prepare you for the future you want.