Sociology

Program Information

Sociology is the study of human relationships in societies. It emphasizes the study of social organization, culture, change, inequality 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 leisure, religious, family, political, educational, health care, media or economic settings.

Students majoring in sociology receive a broad general education that assists them in their efforts to help others. 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 sociology find careers in many fields, including education, government, civil rights, politics, community development, social work, human services, and human resources work in business. Sociologists can make contributions to organizations that need people who can identify and analyze problems and thus contribute to their resolution, and to organizational success. Many graduates seek advanced degrees in sociology, journalism, law, criminology, social work, business, theology, psychology, public policy, and political science.

A student majoring in sociology has an option to pursue a concentration in Social Work. Minors and double majors in related or complementary fields are encouraged-for example, political science, psychology, or criminal justice.

For more information on the Sociology major and the Social Sciences Department, click here.

Degree Information

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

(120 credit hours) Requirements are subject to change.

Contact Information

Are you interested in a law school degree? Pre-law advising is available to any student interested in pursuing a law school degree. Contact Professor Thomas Carty, pre-law advisor, at (413) 748-3254. Click here to learn more.

5-year Combined Masters in Social Work / B.S. Program - Qualified students at Springfield College who are majoring in Sociology may be eligible for the 5-year combined B.S./M.S.W. dual degree program. Students, in consultation with their undergraduate advisor, will structure their coursework early in their undergraduate career so that a required 18 semester hours of Social Work foundation coursework may be taken in the senior year. Click here to learn more.

For more information about the 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.

Curricular Requirements

General Education Program (40 - 46 credits)

The General Education program at Springfield College is informed by its century-old Humanics tradition of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership in service to humanity. These requirements have the goal of developing literate, thoughtful, socially responsible students, and instilling in them a spirit of inquiry into the nature of humankind and the universe. Towards those ends, the requirements emphasize and encourage: the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and competency essential for the improvement of the human condition in a diverse society; a search for personal and spiritual values; and the development of an understanding and appreciation of physical well-being.

For specific requirements, see the General Education Program (40 - 46 credits) section.

II. Major Requirements

A. Core Requirements (15 credits)

SOCI 101 - Introduction to Sociology Credits: 3
SOCI 210 - Social Problems Credits: 3
SOCI 486 - Fieldwork in Sociology Credits: 2-12
Note: SOCI 486 must be taken for 6 credits to satisfy major requirements.
- Students approved for a double major in Sociology and Psychology may take 3 credits of PSYC 386 in place of 3 credits of SOCI 486. In this case, the other 3 credits of fieldwork must be SOCI 486.
SOCI 492 - Social Research and Program Evaluation Credits: 3
Note: Students approved for a double major in Sociology and Psychology, and Sociology majors with minors in Psychology, may fulfill this requirement by taking either SOCI 492 or PSYC 301.

B. Additional Requirements

From the eight courses listed below, at least one course that you select must be a 400 level course.

Social Inequality requirement (6 credits):

Select two courses from the following:

SOCI 312 - Women and Society Credits: 3
SOCI 322 - Racial and Ethnic Relations Credits: 3
SOCI 410 - Poverty and Wealth: Class in Society Credits: 3

Social Contexts and Institutions requirement (12 credits)

Select four courses from the following:

SOCI 220 - Families in Society Credits: 3
SOCI 240 - Global Social Issues Credits: 3
SOCI 265 - Environment and Society Credits: 3
SOCI 375 - Cities and Communities Credits: 3
SOCI 420 - Media and Society Credits: 3
TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE SOCIOLOGY MAJOR = 33

III. Optional Concentration: Social Work (14 credits)

Note: This concentration is recommended, but not required, for those interested in the 5-year Sociology BS-MSW Program (although the two credits of SOCI 190 is required for the 5-year program). Students in the Social Work Concentration are encouraged to minor in Psychology.

PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3
PSYC 422 - Interviewing and Counseling Credits: 3
or
SOCI 341 - Group Work Credits: 3
SOCI 190 - Community Service Credits: 1-2
(must be taken for a minimum of two credits to meet concentration requirements)
PSYC 109 - Human Development Credits: 3
or
SOCI 250 - Youth in Society Credits: 3
SOCI 347 - Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare Credits: 3

Academic Catalog