2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Sociology
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www.smu.edu/sociology
Associate Professor Matthew R. Keller, Interim Department Chair
Associate Professors: Matthew R. Keller, Sheri Kunovich, Anne E. Lincoln
Assistant Professor: Lucas Kirkpatrick
Senior Lecturer: Debra Branch
Lecturers: Nancy Campbell-Jeffrey, Leslie DeArman
General Information
The sociology curriculum includes courses on research design, data analysis and social theory, as well courses on developing an understanding of domestic and international social conditions. In today’s information society, these skills give sociology majors a competitive advantage in fields that rely heavily upon social research.
Sociology majors entering the business world often work in marketing research, human resources, personnel management, industrial relations, public relations or sales, while sociology majors entering human services often work in nonprofits focused on addressing social problems and helping individuals solve problems related to economic insecurity, substance abuse or housing insecurity. In the government sector, sociology majors often work in policy analysis, program evaluation or urban planning. A sociology degree also provides a strong foundation for careers in law, government, community organizing, health care and education.
The Department of Sociology offers three majors and one minor. Students are not permitted to pursue both a B.A. and B.S. in sociology but may pursue the combination of a markets and culture major and either the B.A. or B.S. in sociology. Students who combine a markets and culture major with the B.A. or B.S. in sociology may double count up to 15 hours of course credit between these programs. SOCI 3311 , SOCI 3312 will automatically be included, as well as three additional courses as determined by the department.
Departmental Distinction
The department offers graduation with distinction to majors of high academic achievement. Interested students with a minimum 3.000 overall GPA and a 3.500 GPA in the major may consult with the director of undergraduate study for admission to the distinction track. If the director determines that the student has satisfied the requirements, the student may then contact a departmental faculty member to request direction of the distinction paper. The candidate’s distinction paper must be a substantial piece of independent and original research. The research will be presented and evaluated by a distinction committee comprised of at least two faculty members. Upon positive recommendation from this committee, the student will be awarded graduation with distinction. Criteria for graduating with departmental distinction include the following:
- A minimum 3.000 overall GPA at graduation.
- A minimum 3.500 GPA in required courses for the major.
- A minimum grade of A- in SOCI 4396 .
ProgramsMajor(s)Minor(s)CoursesSociology
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