Sociology within the General Studies Major

Students may seek a minor or a general studies major focused on sociology. The description and objectives of the major in general studies may be found in General Studies.

Intended Program Outcomes

The student who graduates with a focus in sociology should be able to

  • Analyze social interactions and organizations from a behavioral science perspective and use theory and data to address social issues.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing with individuals and with groups to convey ideas and knowledge and to establish professional competency.
  • Develop skills and competencies required for sustainable professional success.
  • Use appropriate resources to research and critically analyze real world situations.
  • Cultivate an awareness of one's changing relationship to diverse social, historical, and cultural contexts.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in general studies and a focus in sociology requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework including 30 credits for the major (indicated by Required by major); 41 credits in general education requirements (GERs); and 49 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Requirements for Sociology within the General Studies Major

Coursework for a major in general studies with a focus in sociology includes the following:

  • Required foundation course (3 credits): SOCY 100
  • Required statistics course (3 credits): STAT200, STAT225, or STAT230
  • Core courses (21 credits): Any upper-level SOCYcourses
  • Supplemental major course (3 credits): Additional courses related to the discipline (contact an academic advisor for a list of approved related courses)

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all of the requirements for the BS in general studies with a focus in sociology. Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an academic advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues) may be found in the General Education Requirements.

Minor in Sociology

The sociology minor complements the skills the student gains in his or her major discipline by providing a study of contemporary sociological theory and research and applying it to social issues, including globalization, social inequality, diversity, health care, education, family, work, and religion.

Requirements for the Minor

A minor in sociology requires the completion of 15 credits in sociology (any SOCY course). Students should take SOCY‚ÄØ100 for the first course unless already applied elsewhere in the degree.

At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, students should refer to their major and pp. 64-66.

Sociology within the General Studies Major Major Courses

First Courses

(to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for certain math and writing courses.

LIBS 150 Introduction to Research (1)

WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)

or WRTG 101S Introduction to Writing

MATH 103 College Mathematics (3)

or MATH 107 College Algebra
or a higher-level math course

Introductory Courses

(to be taken within the first 30 credits)

PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)

or HUMN 100 Introduction to Humanities
or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, literature, or foreign language course to fulfill the first general education requirement in arts and humanities

BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)

and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)

or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology
or other course(s) to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences with related laboratory

WRTG 293 Introduction to Professional Writing (3)
or other communication/writing course

GVPT 170 American Government (3)

or BEHS 103 Technology in Contemporary Society
or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to fulfill the first general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences

IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of Information Technology (3)

or CMST 301 Digital Media and Society course to fulfill the first general education requirement in computing

Foundation Courses

(to be taken within the first 60 credits)

PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences
(discipline must differ from first)

SOCY 100Required by major Introduction to Sociology (3)

STAT 200 Introduction to Statistics (3)
or other suitable statistics course

NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)

or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences

HIST 141 Western Civilization I (3)

or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865
or other ARTH or HIST course to fulfill the general education requirement in arts and humanities for the historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)

IFSM 300 Information Systems in Organizations (3)

or CMIS 111 Social Networking and Cybersecurity Best Practices
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in computing

SPCH 100 Foundations of Oral Communication (3)

or SPCH 101 Introduction to Public Speaking

or COMM 202 Media and Society
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/ writing or speech

Additional Required Courses (see Requirements for the Major)

(to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

WRTG 391 Advanced Research Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the upper-level advanced writing requirement

SOCY 300Required by major American Society (3)
or other core course

SOCY 313Required by major The Individual and Society (3)
or other core course

SOCY 325Required by major The Sociology of Gender (3)
or other core course

SOCY 423Required by major Minorities in the United States (3)
or other core course

SOCY 427Required by major Sociology of Deviant Behavior (3)
or other core course

SOCY 443Required by major The Family and Society (3)
or other core course

SOCY 462Required by major Women in the Military (3)
or other core course

ANTH 344Required by major Culture and Language (3)
or other related course

Minor and/or Elective Courses

(to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) 49

Total credits for BS in general studies 120


UMUC Europe Undergraduate Catalog


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Last updated: 25 July 2012