Sociology (B.A., B.S.)

Departmental Requirement (30 hours)

• SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology (C) [SGR #3, HSDC]
• SOC 211 - Social Science Writing [SGR #1, HSDC]
• SOC 281 - Socio Cultural Theory
• SOC 309 - Statistical Research Methods
• SOC 410 - Methods of Social Research (C)
• SOC 490 - Seminar (C)
• Electives  in SOC 12 cr¹

¹ At least 6 elective credits must be at 300-level or above.

Double Major (Psychology and Sociology)

Note: Students double-majoring in Psychology and Sociology may use PSYC 241/SOC 241 Social Psychology in both majors and may use either statistics course, SOC 309 Social Science Statistics or PSYC 371 Statistics in Psychological Research, and either methods course, SOC 410 Methods of Social Research or PSYC 373 Research Methods in Experimental Psychology (NOT PSYC 275), to fulfill requirements for both majors.

Four-Year Program Guides and Costs

USD encourages students to take 15 credits per semester or 30 credits within the year in order to graduate in 4 years. To help students complete their academic degree program in four years, we provide a sample academic plan. Please work with your academic advisor to confirm your plan. 

• Sociology, B.A. 4-year plan guide  
• Community College for Sioux Falls Sociology, B.A. 4-year plan guide   
• Sociology, B.S. 4-year plan guide  
• Community College for Sioux Falls Sociology, B.S. 4-year plan guide   

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will understand how statistics can be used to reach solid sociological results/statements.
2. Students will understand the major theoretical schools that have shaped Sociology.
3. Students will intentionally engage with diversity in ways that increase awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication, and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within systems and institutions leading to opportunities for equal access to participation in educational and community programs for all members of society.
4. Students will be able to demonstrate cognitive, effective, and behavioral skills that support effective and appropriate interaction in a variety of cultural contexts.
5. Students will recognize when there is a need for information and identify, locate, evaluate and effectively and responsibly use and convey that information to address the need or problem at hand.
6. Students will comprehensively explore issues, ideas, artifacts and events before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion, and combine or synthesize existing ideas, images or expertise in original ways reflecting a high degree of innovation, divergent thinking, and risk taking.
7. Students will be able to systematically explore issues, objects or works through the collection and analysis of evidence that results in informed conclusions or judgments, and break down complex topics or issues into parts to gain a better understanding of them.

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference the State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization