Sociology
Preparing students to flourish in a wide variety of career fields across the nonprofit, business, government, and social service sectors.
About Our Sociology Degrees
Sociology at Valparaiso University is a dynamic major that allows students to explore the social world in which they live. Students receive a broad education that combines the best of the liberal arts tradition with the practicalities of job-related skills. Our students take courses in both social theory and research design, and they learn to analyze social problems using critical thinking skills. The sociology and criminology department offers a general sociology major and the option to concentrate in criminology.
General Information
B.A. students in sociology at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the B.A. This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical thinking skills while introducing the student to global cultures and traditions.
The following lists the courses required for majors matriculating in Fall 2019 and after.
The sociology major is intended for students interested in understanding society and social behavior.
The sociology concentration can lead to careers in administration in a variety of community, government, and social service agencies, market research, or other vocations that require an understanding of the dynamics of human relationships in a multicultural society.
The concentration also prepares students for graduate study in sociology and/or law. Students who seek careers involving agency administration should consider the fundamentals of business minor.
Required Courses
| Common Core | 21 credits | |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 102 | Introductory Professional Development in Sociology | 1.5 credits |
| SOC 110 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 credits |
| SOC 275 | Inequality in America | 3 credits |
| SOC 302 | Advanced Professional Development in Sociology | 1.5 credits |
| SOC 310 | Development of Sociological Theory | 3 credits |
| SOC 319 | Research Methods I: Quantitative Survey Analysis | 3 credits |
| SOC 320 | Research Methods II: Data Analysis | 3 credits |
| SOC 493 | Senior Seminar | 3 credits |
| Sociology Concentration | 12 credits | |
| Two additional 200-level sociology courses | 6 credits | |
| Two additional 300 or 400-level sociology courses | 6 credits | |
| TOTAL | 33 credits | |
At Valpo, students are encouraged think critically about crime, law, and justice.
“The criminology program offered a lot of hands on experience, teaching us that human struggle cannot just be learned in the classroom and rather we have to listen to those experiencing this injustice.”
–Recent Graduate
Students with a criminology concentration will complete coursework in subjects such as juvenile delinquency, criminological theory, policing and society, and the sociology of law. Students must complete at least one internship during their junior or senior year.
Required Courses
| Common Core | 21 credits | |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 102 | Introductory Professional Development in Sociology | 1.5 credits |
| SOC 110 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 credits |
| SOC 275 | Inequality in America | 3 credits |
| SOC 302 | Advanced Professional Development in Sociology | 1.5 credits |
| SOC 310 | Development of Sociological Theory | 3 credits |
| SOC 319 | Research Methods I: Quantitative Survey Analysis | 3 credits |
| SOC 320 | Research Methods II: Data Analysis | 3 credits |
| SOC 493 | Senior Seminar | 3 credits |
| Criminology Concentration | 15 credits | |
| SOC 130 | ||
| SOC 311 | ||
| SOC 386 | ||
| One course from the following options: – SOC 270 Juvenile Delinquency – SOC 280 Media and Crime – SOC 350 Police in Society – SOC 360 Penology – SOC 370 Sociology of Law – SOC 391 Issues in Criminology | ||
| One additional sociology course at 200-level or higher | 3 credits | |
| TOTAL | 36 credits | |
| SOC 110 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 credits | |
| SOC 275 | Inequality in America | 3 credits | |
| SOC 310 | Development of Sociological Theory | 3 credits | |
| Two 200- or 300-level sociology courses | 6 credits | ||
| One 300- or 400-level sociology course | 3 credits | ||
| TOTAL | 18 credits | ||
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