The field of Sociology emerged as a scientific enterprise focused on a comprehensive understanding of the modem world, its origins, basic components. and central tendencies. As a member of this tradition, the Sociology Program at EKU provides students with an advanced understanding of the modem social structure and its institutions (politics, economics, religion, mass media, the family, labor markets), human group dynamics, social inequalities of class, gender, race, and sexuality, forms of human interaction, and social deviance (crime, juvenile delinquency). Sociologists also study regional issues such as social change in Appalachia and environmental concerns. Sociology faculty are skilled in teaching the theoretical foundations of sociology and methods of social research, while they teach students to think critically.

Students who major in Sociology can pursue one of two concentrations. The General Sociology concentration gives students a broad knowledge base within the field, emphasizing electives in a variety of areas of the students’ own choosing. Combined with basic skills in research methods and analysis, the General Sociology widens students’ job opportunities in a rapidly changing economy where specialized jobs often become outdated. Students who major in sociology are taught to think critically, communicate effectively, and respond constructively to the challenges and opportunities they will encounter. A concentration in General Sociology provides a gateway to many different professions.

The Diversity in Society Concentration equips students with a sociological understanding of social diversity through a variety of lenses including, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality, as well as the intersections of these identities. Students who pursue this concentration will also gain a broad knowledge base and research and data analysis training through required courses in the major. Their additional coursework will focus more specifically on gaining knowledge and competencies related to issues of diversity and equity. This concentration allows students to signal desirable skills to future employers such as cultural competency and the ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

Many sociology graduates move into careers in the following areas: social services, social media, data mining and analysis, human relations, Law and legal services, policy analysis, teaching, and health fields. Others find employment in management and administrative careers in government agencies as well as in a wide range of private sector firms. Still others work to achieve their goals in less traditional careers such as grassroots activism or private entrepreneurship.

Program Requirements

CIP Code: 45.1101

Summary Checklist for General Education

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Element 1
A: Written Communication		3
B: Written Communication		3
C: Oral Communication		3
Element 2
Quantitative Reasoning		3
Element 3
A: Arts		3
B: Humanities		3
Element 4
Natural Sciences		6
Element 5
A: Historical Science		3
B: Social Behavioral Science		3
Element 6
Diversity of Perspectives Experiences		6
Total Hours		36

Students are expected to complete Elements 1 and 2 within their first 60 hours of college credit.

Major

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
University Graduation Requirements
General Education		36
Student Success Seminar
Student Success Seminar (waived for transfers with 30+ hrs.)		1
Upper division courses (42 hrs. distributed throughout Major/Supporting/Gen Ed/Free Electives categories)
Major Requirements
Core Courses
SOC 131	Introductory Sociology	3
SOC 232	Social Statistics	3
SOC 301	Immersion in Sociological Thought	3
SOC 395	Research Methods in Sociology	3
SOC 470	Capstone Seminar in Sociology	3
Choose from one of the following:		3
SOC 205	Sexualities and Social Issues
SOC 235	Social Problems
SOC 245W
Upper-division Sociology electives		3
Concentrations
Students must select one of the following Concentrations:
Diversity in Society		12
General
Free Electives
Choose from 50 hours of free electives		50
Total Hours		120

 Concentration

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Choose from two of the following:		6
SOC 135	Living in a Diverse World
SOC 205	Sexualities and Social Issues
SOC 399	Gender and Society
SOC 400	Race and Ethnicity
6 additional hours from the following		6
SOC 135	Living in a Diverse World
SOC 205	Sexualities and Social Issues
SOC 330S	Sociology of Migration
SOC 399	Gender and Society
SOC 400	Race and Ethnicity
SOC 425	Social Inequality
Total Hours		12