Sociology, Applied

Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Applied Sociology

Sociology is the study of human relationships in societies. It emphasizes the study of social organization, culture, change, and social problems which develop within societies. Students studying sociology learn how people are influenced by the social world and how people act as creators of this world. The curriculum is challenging, but it’s exciting to the student who wants to learn more about the influence of others on one’s self, and the influence one can have on others, in recreation, religious, familial, political, educational, or economic groups.

Students majoring in applied sociology receive a broad general education that assists them in their efforts to help others. The emphasis on application means that students are prepared to work within human services and related fields. Opportunities for internships exist in off-campus government agencies, voluntary associations, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. Students who major in applied sociology find careers in many fields, including education, government, civil rights, politics, community development, human services, and human resources work in business. Applied sociologists can make a contribution to any organization which needs people who can identify and analyze problems and thus contribute to their resolution. Many graduates seek advanced degrees in sociology, journalism, law, criminology, social work, business, or theology.

A student majoring in applied sociology must choose a concentration in either social work or community and leadership development. Minors and double majors in related or complementary fields are encouraged—for example, youth development, political science, psychology, or criminal justice.

For more information about the Applied Sociology major, contact Dr. Laurel R. Davis-Delano of the Social Science Department at (413) 748-3645 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Download an Applied Sociology Program Checksheet

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

I. General Education Program (41 s.h. in addition to courses taken for the major)

To integrate the humanics philosophy into their lives, Springfield College students engage in the search for knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of values through a variety of courses in the sciences and humanities. In addition to those General Education courses, students must complete 6 s.h. of Writing-Across-the-Curriculum (WAC) courses. For more information see the General Education Program and WAC courses. In the major requirements listed below, selected courses which fulfill General Education categories are marked with an asterisk; selected WAC courses are marked with a “W”.

II. Core Requirements (42 s.h.)

ANTH 250* - Cultural Anthropology Credits: 3 s.h
or
GEOG 210* - Cultural Geography Credits: 3 s.h.
POSC 110* - Introduction to American Government Credits: 3 s.h
POSC 210 - Public and Human Services Administration Credits: 3 s.h
SOCI 101* - Introduction to Sociology Credits: 3 s.h
SOCI 210* - Social Problems Credits: 3 s.h.
SOCI 312* - Women and Society Credits: 3 s.h.
SOCI 322* - Racial and Ethnic Relations Credits: 3 s.h.
SOCI 347 - Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare Credits: 3 s.h.
SOCI 375 - Cities and Communities Credits: 3 s.h
SOCI 410* - Poverty and Wealth: Class in Society Credits: 3 s.h.
SOCI 450 - Social Change Credits: 3 s.h
SOCI 486 - Internship in Applied Sociology Credits: 3-9 s.h
(must be taken for 6 s.h. as part of core requirement)
SOCI 492W - Social Research and Program Evaluation Credits: 3 s.h.

III. Required Concentration (18 s.h.)

Select one of the following concentrations:

A. Social Work (18 s.h.)

POSC 340W - Public Policy Credits: 3 s.h
PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3 s.h
SOCI 220W - Families in Society Credits: 3 s.h.
SOCI 341 - Group Work Credits: 3 s.h
SOCI 355W - Theories and Methods of Case Management Credits: 3 s.h.
SOCI 461 - The Community Development Process Credits: 3 s.h

B. Community Leadership and Development (18 s.h.)

POSC 130 - Introduction into International Relations Credits: 3 s.h
POSC 330 - State and Local Politics Credits: 3 s.h
POSC 340W - Public Policy Credits: 3 s.h
POSC 360 - Social Movement Organizations Credits: 3 s.h
SOCI 420 - Media and Society Credits: 3 s.h.
SOCI 461 - The Community Development Process Credits: 3 s.h

IV. Electives (29 s.h. to complete 130)

Students are encouraged to consult with their advisor when choosing electives. Courses in a wide variety of disciplines may be selected, including criminal justice, sociology, recreation, health, political science, psychology, youth development, economics, history, religion, art therapy, and rehabilitation and disability studies.

V. Sample Program By Year

The program listed below is a sample—courses are not guaranteed to be offered during the semester or year listed. It is the student’s responsibility to insure that all requirements are met on a timely basis and that needed prerequisites courses are completed before taking upper-level requirements; therefore they should consult carefully with an advisor when planning their program. Students must average 16.25 s.h. a semester to complete this program in four years.

In addition to the courses identified below, the following General Education categories need to be fulfilled for this major: Natural Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physical Education, Health, Literature, Second Language/Culture, Visual and Performing Arts, History, Philosophy, and Religion.

Courses marked with an * fulfill or partially fulfill a General Education category. Courses marked with a W may fulfill a WAC requirement, depending on the year taken.

A. Sample First Year

General Education courses Credits: 18-21 s.h.

ENGL 113* - College Writing I Credits: 3 s.h
ENGL 114* - College Writing II Credits: 3 s.h
POSC 110* - Introduction to American Government Credits: 3 s.h
SOCI 101* - Introduction to Sociology Credits: 3 s.h
SOCI 210* - Social Problems Credits: 3 s.h.

B. Sample Second Year

Concentration Requirements Credits: 6 s.h.
General Education courses and/or electives Credits: 15-18 s.h.

ANTH 250* - Cultural Anthropology Credits: 3 s.h
or
GEOG 210* - Cultural Geography Credits: 3 s.h.
POSC 210 - Public and Human Services Administration Credits: 3 s.h
SOCI 312* - Women and Society Credits: 3 s.h.
SOCI 322* - Racial and Ethnic Relations Credits: 3 s.h.

C. Sample Third Year

Concentration Requirements Credits: 6 s.h.
General Education courses and/or electives Credits: 15-18 s.h.

SOCI 347 - Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare Credits: 3 s.h.
SOCI 375 - Cities and Communities Credits: 3 s.h
SOCI 410* - Poverty and Wealth: Class in Society Credits: 3 s.h.
SOCI 450 - Social Change Credits: 3 s.h

D. Sample Fourth Year

Concentration Requirements Credits: 6 s.h.
Any uncompleted General Education courses and/or electives to total 130 s.h.

SOCI 486 - Internship in Applied Sociology Credits: 3-9 s.h
(must be taken for 6 s.h. as part of core requirement)
SOCI 492W - Social Research and Program Evaluation Credits: 3 s.h.

Academic Catalog