SOCIOLOGY

Francis Marion's Sociology program prepares students to learn to think critically, to communicate effectively, to appreciate individual and cultural diversity and to develop their skills in computer applications. The bachelor’s degree in sociology provides students with an understanding of sociology as the scientific study of human social life.

Sociology at Francis Marion University

The bachelor’s degree in sociology requires at least 37 hours in sociology. All sociology majors take core courses that include Principles of Sociology, a three-course sequence in research methods and data analysis, social theory, and a capstone course. Students have a variety of topical courses to choose from for the major, including social problems, minorities, sex and gender, economic inequality, work, health & medicine, sport, families, death & dying, and disasters, to name a few.

The department also offers two 18-hour concentrations/tracks: Criminal Justice and Health. Those in either concentration take the same core courses required for the major. The focus of elective courses, however, varies based on the track. The Criminal Justice concentration focuses on a combination of crime and deviance classes in sociology and political science, including courses such as criminology, deviance, violence, crime & organizations, alcohol & drugs, and hate crimes & terrorism. The Health concentration focuses on sociology courses that discuss topics related to and impacting one’s health, such as health & medicine, mental health & illness, aging, death & dying, violence, and alcohol & drugs. For a detailed breakdown of courses within each concentration, please visit the page for the specific track of interest.

Sociology majors develop both quantitative and qualitative analysis skills, using print and electronic information as well as original data. Majors are encouraged to take an internship, either to provide practical experience in an applied setting, such as local community service agencies, or to gain additional research experience.

Students are encouraged to take a range of courses outside the department. Electives in history, political science, psychology, English or foreign languages provide the student with a solid liberal arts background. A minimum of 120 semester hours is required for a bachelor’s degree. A minor requires 18 hours and a collateral requires 12 hours in sociology courses. Minors and collaterals must include Principles of Sociology and cannot have more than six credit hours earned from courses below the 300 level.

SOCIOLOGY MISSION:

The Department of Sociology offers a major, minor, and collateral in sociology. The program operates in accord with the general purpose of Francis Marion University by providing an educational program within the liberal arts tradition by presenting a balance of theoretical views and varied analytical orientations. The bachelor’s degree in sociology provides students with an understanding of sociology as the scientific study of human social life. The degree focuses on applying objective and systematic methods of investigation to identify patterns of social life and to understand the processes by which these patterns are established and changed. The program prepares students to learn to think critically, to communicate effectively, to appreciate individual and cultural diversity, and to develop their skills in computer applications. The program also provides student with opportunities for internships in applied settings. A major in sociology provides students with skills that will prepare them for graduate school or careers that require investigative methods, critical observation, and attention to diversity.

Top View of Founders Hall, the Breezeway and CEMC

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