Sociology Pathway Guide

Preparation for Transfer as a Sociology Major

The following sequences are suggested courses to take in your semesters prior to transferring to SMU as a sociology major. For students attending a Texas public community college or university, Texas Common Course Numbers (TCCNS) are listed.  If you are transferring from a college or university outside of Texas, click on the SMU course for a course description which may be used to select/compare courses at your current institution.

UC listings refer to SMU’s University Curriculum, which all undergraduates are required to complete. Refer to the University Curriculum Transfer Guide for a list of courses satisfying UC components. Interactive equivalency guides organized by transfer institution are available on the Transfer and Transition Services’ website.

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The Department of Sociology

The Department of Sociology  focuses exclusively on undergraduate education, offering a B.A. and B.S. in Sociology as well as an interdisciplinary Markets and Culture, B.A.   Coursework covers topics ranging from nonprofit organizations to urban life to contemporary issues in the southwest.

Sociological Research

Faculty and students maintain active research agendas, including the West Dallas Community Research Project, which studies the availability of food in the community of West Dallas.  Using sociological research methods and appropriate data (including archives, newspapers, photography, interviews, digital mapping and participant observation), students study all food sources in the community, including food available from retail outlets, in restaurants, through public and social service programs, and food that is produced and/or processed by heavy industry.  The data is used to consider sociological issues such as inequality and economic development.

Majoring in Sociology

The Sociology Department offers three majors:

• B.A. in Sociology (33 credit hrs)  
• B.S. in Sociology (36 credit hrs)  
• B.A. in Markets and Culture (42 credit hrs)  

The curriculum for the B.A. in Sociology  includes courses on research design, data analysis, and social theory. In addition, elective courses focus on developing an understanding of what explains current domestic and international social conditions. The B.A. in Sociology  gives majors a competitive advantage in fields that rely heavily upon an understanding of group differences and analytic thinking and writing.

The curriculum for the B.S. in Sociology  requires students to complete additional courses in social theory, statistics and advanced research methods. The B.S. in Sociology  gives majors a competitive advantage in fields that rely heavily upon social research.

The curriculum for the B.A. in Markets and Culture  provides students with an opportunity to learn about the world’s marketplaces from an interdisciplinary vantage point. Students take core courses in the innovative field of economic sociology and learn basic skills in accounting, data base management, and business writing. In addition, students focus their elective courses in one of three tracks comprised of classes from a variety of disciplines: management and organizations, political economy and development, and consumers and markets in cultural contexts. More information on the major can be found in the Markets and Culture Pathway Guide .

Minoring in Sociology

Students may obtain a Minor in Sociology  by completing a total of 15 credit hours in upper division sociology courses.

Preparing for a Smooth Transfer

A seamless transfer to SMU and the Sociology program requires planning. This guide is designed to assist you in planning your transition.  Taking the time to prepare for your move lays the best foundation for success. The following are a few important points to remember:

• The second language requirement of the University Curriculum may be satisfied by 1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, 2) placing out of four terms of world language by taking an SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or 3) being literate in a native language other than English.
• SMU accepts AP scores of 4 or 5.
• Work on the University Curriculum prior to transfer is highly encouraged.
• Compare Course Descriptions found in SMU’s University Catalog to course descriptions at your current institution to maximize your awarded transfer credits.
• For additional information on the Sociology major, visit the department homepage or call 214-768-4937.
• For more information about transferring to SMU, click here or call 214-768-3417.

SMU Degree

A degree from SMU is typically comprised of a minimum of 122 hours, 60 of which must be completed through SMU, 42 of which must be in courses at the 3000 and higher levels. Components of the degree include:

• Courses in your major.
• Courses required for the University Curriculum (UC).  
• Elective courses.  These electives may be used to add a second major or minor.

The University Curriculum (UC)

The University Curriculum is required of all undergraduate students and consists of three main components: 

1. Foundations - 6 hours of Discernment and Discourse courses, 3 hours of Quantitative Foundation courses, 2 hours of Personal Responsibility and Wellness courses, proficiency in a second language and 3 hours of a Ways of Knowing course (offered only at SMU)
2. Breadth and Depth - 7 Breadth and 3 Depth courses which may double count with majors and minors
3. Proficiencies and Experiences - 6 Proficiencies and Experiences requirements, met through Breadth and Depth coursework or approved, noncredit activities.

Apply Now!

Click here for more information about transferring to SMU.