Why study sociology?
The study of sociology provides valuable insights into the social institutions and processes that shape human behaviors, histories, and opportunities. Sociologists focus on the actions, beliefs, values, norms, organizations, institutions, and other social forces that characterize a society and shape people's lives. It directs attention to how the parts of society fit together as well as the causes and consequences of social change. The insight gained from the study of sociology leads to a greater understanding of how formal and informal rules of society contribute to different opportunities and constraints for different groups of individuals, and how these change over time. As a scientific discipline, sociology teaches students how to use empirical data to understand current social realities and act effectively on the central issues of our time. Few academic disciplines have such a broad scope and relevance.
Requirements for the B.A. or B.G.S. Major
Course List Code | Title | Hours |
| |
| 3 |
| Elements of Sociology | |
| Elements of Sociology, Honors | |
| Principles of Sociology | |
| |
SOC 280 | Introduction to Social Research | 3 |
| |
SOC 380 | Elementary Statistics and Data Analysis | 3 |
| |
SOC 480 | Sociological Theory | 3 |
| 21 |
| |
| |
Major Hours & Major GPA
While completing all required courses, majors must also meet each of the following hour and grade-point average minimum standards:
Major Hours
Satisfied by 33 hours of major courses.
Major Hours in Residence
Satisfied by a minimum of 15 hours of KU resident credit in the major. At least 15 credit hours at the 300+ level, including SOC 280, SOC 380, and SOC 480, must be taken at KU.
Major Junior/Senior Hours
Satisfied by a minimum of 21 hours from junior/senior courses (300+) in the major.
Major Junior/Senior Graduation GPA
Satisfied by a minimum of a 2.0 KU GPA in junior/senior courses (300+) in the major. GPA calculations include all junior/senior courses in the field of study including F’s and repeated courses. See the Semester/Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Graduation Plan
With careful planning and commitment to a full-time course load, you can graduate in 4 years. Download a sample 4-year plan for sociology.
Double Majors
Sociology majors may want to consider a second major in philosophy; history; women’s studies; area studies; or one of the natural or social sciences; or a second degree in journalism or other professional disciplines.
A sample 4-year plan for a BA degree in Sociology can be found here: Sociology, or by using the left-side navigation.
A sample 4-year plan for the BGS degree in Sociology can be found here: Sociology, or by using the left-side navigation.
Departmental Honors
Working under the supervision of a faculty mentor, the undergraduate student must complete 6 hours of work in SOC 499 culminating in a superior thesis. The thesis must be certified by 3 members of the College faculty, at least 2 of whom must be from sociology, nominated by the candidate and approved by the departmental honors coordinator. The student also must achieve a grade-point average of at least 3.5 in sociology.