Sociology (B.A.)

The sociology program at Marymount fosters critical reflection on global issues of diversity, inequality, and social justice. The curriculum challenges students by taking an analytical approach to understand social life. Through coursework, research, and community-based learning, students develop career skills as well as an appreciation for the importance of community engagement.

Students gain analytical skills in the practical application of social theory and research design and learn to apply these skills to address social injustice locally and globally. Applied theory and research methods are woven throughout the coursework. The culminating senior experience provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in real-world settings.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology at Marymount University will provide students with a global perspective and cultural competence, preparing them for a wide range of career paths. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to

• apply a sociological perspective to global issues through effective writing;
• apply relevant research methods to analyze a sociological issue;
• demonstrate an understanding of the value of diverse perspectives for achieving social justice when working in community engagement settings such as the internship; and
• demonstrate effective presentation skills within the discipline.

A minor in sociology is also available.  Please see the School of Social and Behavioral  Sciences minors section for details.

Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C- is required for all courses in the major.

Residency Requirement: Transfer students must complete at least 18 credits in Marymount sociology courses, including SOC 251, SOC 350, SOC 351, SOC 495 and SOC 400 or SOC 497.

Internship Prerequisites: Most students complete SOC 400 Internship. For SOC 400, the student is placed for 120 hours (three credits) in their internship. Prerequisites for this course are: 1) a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, 2) a grade of C- or higher in all other required courses for the major, 3) a minimum of 18 credits earned at Marymount, and 4) permission from the internship coordinator.

Degree Requirements — Sociology

This degree requires a total of 120 credits.

Major Requirements

Required Courses

To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with an advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core and/or University Requirements.

SOC 121	Principles of Sociology *	3
	OR
SOC 131	Principles of Sociology in Global Perspective *	3
SOC 141	The Global Village *	3
SOC 251	Working for Justice, Working for Change *	3
SOC 350	Social Justice *	3
SOC 351	Addressing Injustice: Research Methods *	3
SOC 495	Senior Practicum	3
SOC 400	Internship	3
	OR
SOC 497	Community Engagement Experience	3

Required Electives

Five (5) electives from the following:

SOC 151	Cultural Diversity *	3
SOC 200	Law and Society in Global Perspective *	3
SOC 222	Race and Ethnic Diversity *	3
SOC 306	Poverty, Wealth, and Inequality *	3
SOC 325	Latinx Migration and Transnational Connections *	3
SOC 361	Through the Sociological Lens *
SOC 365	Gender Inequality in Global Perspective *	3
SOC 375	Topics in Human Rights *	3
SOC 385	Global Inequality and Community Development *	3
SOC 395	Cities in the 21st Century *	3
SOC 421	Project	1
SOC 433	Research	1

Liberal Arts Core Requirements

See the Liberal Arts Core requirements for details. 

Sample Degree Plan — Sociology

Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.

Year One - Fall

EN 101	Composition I *	3
SOC 131	Principles of Sociology in Global Perspective *	3
	Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) core course *
	Two (2) electives	6

Year One - Spring

EN 102	Composition II *	3
SOC 141	The Global Village *	3
TRS 100	Theological Inquiry *	3
	Two (2) electives	6

Year Two - Fall

SOC 251	Working for Justice, Working for Change *	3
HI	History (HI) core course *	3
MA	Mathematics (MT) core course *	3-4
	Two (2) electives	6

Year Two - Spring

	Philosophy (PH) core course
	One (1) major elective	3
	One (1) elective (Global classroom recommended)
	Two (2) electives	6

Major elective: See Major Requirements above for course selections.

Year Three - Fall

SOC 350	Social Justice *	3
EN	Literature (LT) core course *	3
	Natural Science (NS) core course with lab *	4
	Two (2) electives	6

Year Three - Spring

SOC 351	Addressing Injustice: Research Methods *	3
	One (1) major elective
	Depth in Faith and Reason core course	3
	Depth in Humanities core course	3
	One (1) elective (Global classroom recommended)

Major elective: See Major Requirements above for course selections.

Year Four- Fall

SOC 495	Senior Practicum *	3
	Two (2) major electives
	Two (2) electives	6

Major elective: See Major Requirements above for course selections.

Year Four - Spring

SOC 400	Internship *	3
	OR
SOC 497	Community Engagement Experience	3
	One (1) major elective	3
	Two (2) electives	6
	One (1) elective (Global classroom recommended)

Major elective: See Major Requirements above for course selections.

* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core Requirements. See the Liberal Arts Core and Course Descriptions for further information.