Bachelor of Science with a Major in Sociology
Sociology is the scientific study of society and human behavior. Through the use of both research and theories, sociologists develop understandings of complex forms of human behavior. Students in the BS degree program in Sociology have key opportunities to engage in high-impact practices like diversity and global learning courses, internships, study abroad, collaborative assignments, and conducting research with professors. Such experiences equip students with top job skills desired by today’s employers, including data literacy, critical thinking, effective oral and written communication, cultural intelligence, and empathy. Upon graduation, students are prepared for advanced graduate and professional school education and for entrance into the job market in business, government, non-profit organizations, and social services work.
For more information, please see the Academic Catalog. A program map, which provides a guide for students to plan their course of study, is available for download in the Courses tab below.
The Sociology BS program provides students with mastery of basic academic subject matter along with the skills necessary for enrichment and continued success in academic and workplace environments following graduation. Sociology majors graduate with a working knowledge of sociological theory and research methodologies along with a grasp of contemporary social issues and social problems.
Students who have completed Core Areas A-E, can satisfy the degree requirements in as little as six semesters. More information is available at the Sociology Website.
Minor in SociologyMinimum of 15 hours. Select 12-15 hours of Upper level sociology courses as well as SOCI 1101 (3 hours - mandatory).
Program Location
Carrollton Campus
Method of Delivery
Coursework is 100% online or available on campus.
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Credit and transfer
Total semester hours required: 120
Maximum Hours Transferable into program: 90
A transfer credit evaluation will be completed by the UWG Transfer Team (transfer@westga.edu). Course application to a program is subject to review by the department.
This program may be earned entirely online, entirely face-to-face, or anything in between.
Save money.
UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited university of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen. In addition, online courses and programs can mean a cost-savings in many non-evident ways: No more high gas charges. No childcare needed. The flexibility can allow one to maintain a job while attending school. Regardless of state residency, out-of-state non-resident students are not charged non-resident tuition for online course credit hours.
Details
- Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
- The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
- Face-to-Face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
- Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
- Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
- One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, they will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
- For the cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website
There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.
Downloads
General
A survey of the discipline of sociology. Topics will include sociological theory, methods and selected substantive areas.
An overview of sociological approaches to the study of recent and more enduring social problems. Topics include an analysis on global inequality, the environment, race, class, gender, and generational antagonisms, with a focus on crises experienced in economic, family, community, political, educational, criminal, health/mental health care and delivery systems and institutional areas.
Provides practice in fundamental perspectives, skills and habits necessary to succeed in sociology. Communication skills will be emphasized, especially writing skills. For beginning sociology majors only.
Examines the impact of globalization on cultural identity, assesses how economic globalization has influenced the autonomy of the nation-state, and surveys the institutional innovations that have emerged in response to increasing global interdependency.
A sociological analysis of the family as a social institution. Considers key concerns for contemporary families such as communication and power, household labor, marriage and cohabitation, parenthood, and domestic violence. Addresses the role of social institutions and social inequality in shaping family norms and constraints on family behavior.
Social Inequality provides an in-depth analysis of inequality in its many dimensions. Included in this course will be an analysis of classic and modern theories of social inequality and the impact of inequality on individual behavior.
Focuses on sociology's contributions to the development of social psychology as they relate to identity, emotion, face-to-face interaction and group dynamics.
This course requires an exploration into the emotional and sociological aspects of loss, grief, dying and death--from the perspectives of the individual, the society, and the culture. This is done through lectures, guest speakers, exercises, and writing daily in a personal journal.
An introduction to the logic and procedures of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Focuses on research design, use of computer and statistical packages, data interpretation, the relation of research and theory, and the writing of scientific research reports.
Introduction to statistical methods used in the analysis of quantitative social science data. This course focuses on applying common statistical techniques to real-world problems. Students will also gain experience explaining statistical analysis to both technical and non-technical audiences. Pre-requisite: SOCI 1101
Examines the contributions of major classical and contemporary sociological thinkers and schools of thought and the contexts in which they developed, with a special emphasis on applying their ideas to the analysis of various social issues. Course begins with selected classical thinkers but emphasizes current perspectives and developments.
Comparative study of racial and ethnic groups in America. The disciplinary base of this approach is sociological, but observations and interpretations from different perspectives will be examined. Special attention will be given to the nature of prejudice, discrimination, and equality as related to historical, cultural and structural patterns in American society. Topics include: ethnocentrism and racism; interracial violence; theories of prejudice and discrimination; immigration and immigrant experiences; the origins and nature of racial/ethnic stratification; ideologies and programs to assist or resist change. African American experiences are emphasized and contrasted with those of other racial/ethnic groups.
The demography, ecology, and social organization of American cities and sociological aspects of urban planning and development. Problems of contemporary American and Global cities.
Analysis and evaluation of sociological conceptions and research on deviant and unconventional thought and action. Focuses on contemporary, multicultural society.
Examines the ways in which feelings and emotions are socially and culturally produced, defined, and learned, the ways they are embedded in and emblematic of society, and the consequences of the social construction of emotions for self identity, gender, race and ethnicity, aging, health and illness, inequality, power, work, deviance, ethics, law, etc.
This course provides an opportunity for seniors majoring in sociology to integrate their learning experiences. Two aspects of these learning outcomes will be demonstrated through (1) career-oriented learning applications and (2) academic learning applications.
Pam Hunt Kirk, Ph.D.
Professor of Sociology
Emily McKendry-Smith, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology & Head of Sociology Graduate Studies
Neema Noori, Ph.D.
Professor of Sociology
Tiffany A. Parsons, Ph.D.
Director of Prison Education Programs and Lecturer of Sociology
Jennifer Beggs Weber, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Program Coordinator of Sociology, Director of Women's Studies
Viviene Wood, M.A.
Senior Lecturer of Sociology
Guidelines for Admittance
Each UWG online degree program has specific requirements that you must meet in order to enroll.
- Complete online application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
- Official transcripts from all schools attended. Official transcripts are sent from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
- Verify specific requirements associated with specific populations identified here: Freshman Adult Learners Transfer International Home School Joint / Dual Enrollment Transient Auditor Post-Baccalaureate Non-Degree Seeking Readmission
Application Deadlines
General admissions deadlines are typically:
- Fall - June 1
- Spring - Nov 15
- Summer - May 15
* Application, app fee, and document deadline; Dates may vary for Readmit, Transfer, and Transient students.
Specific dates for Admissions (Undergraduate Only), Financial Aid, Fee Payment, Registration, Start/End of Term Dates, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP.
Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School
Admission Process Checklist
- Review Admission Requirements for the different programs and guides for specific populations (non-traditional, transfer, transient, home school, joint enrollment students, etc).
- Review important deadlines:
- Fall semester: June 1 (undergrads)
- Spring semester: November 15 (undergrads)
- Summer semester: May 15 (undergrads)
See program specific calendars here
- Complete online application
Undergraduate Admissions Guide
Undergraduate Application
Undergraduate International Application - Submit $40 non-refundable application fee
- Submit official documents
Request all official transcripts and test scores be sent directly to UWG from all colleges or universities attended. If a transcript is mailed to you, it cannot be treated as official if it has been opened. Save time by requesting transcripts be sent electronically.
Undergraduate & Graduate Applicants should send all official transcripts to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Murphy Building
University of West Georgia
1601 Maple Street
Carrollton, GA 30118-4160 - Submit a Certificate of Immunization, if required. If you will not ever be traveling to a UWG campus or site, you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.
- Check the status of your application
Contact
For more information on the Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology or advising information, contact the Interim Chair of the Sociology Department, Dr. Amber Smallwood at amksmall@westga.edu.
Specific dates for Admissions (Undergraduate only), Financial Aid, Fee Payments, Registration, Start/End of term, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP.
Students completing the B.S. degree with a major in Sociology should:
- Be able to communicate (orally and in writing) how sociology contributes to an understanding of social reality.
- Understand theoretical and methodological approaches to description and interpretation.
- Understand basic concepts, perspectives, and their interpretive applications.
- Understand the reciprocal relationship between the individual and society.
- Understand the diversity of American society.
- Demonstrate an ability to think critically.