Sociology

Sociology is the discipline at the heart of understanding the human condition. The Sociology Department at Salem State University empowers students with the perspective and insights of sociology, enabling them to understand the dynamics of the social context and its profound effect on the individual. The department also provides insight into behavior in the cultural framework and teaches essential methodological skills such as critical thinking and problem solving.

The sociology major provides excellent preparation for graduate school and professional training. It also builds the necessary skills for advanced study or careers in public policy (M.P.P., M.P.A.), law (J.D.), human and organizational relations (M.B.A.), education (M.Ed.), social service (M.S.W.), criminal justice, and a variety of entrepreneurial activities.

Academic Advising

Sociology majors are encouraged to keep in regular contact with their department advisors. A list of names of advisors and advisees is posted in the department office (MH335). Students are encouraged in consultation with their advisors, to maintain an updated flow sheet, and to declare a minor or select an Option of study by the end of their Sophomore year (Junior transfers by the end of their first semester).

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

This program offers students flexibility in the choice of courses and is particularly appropriate for students who wish to pursue graduate studies. Thirty-six (36) hours are required which consist of 21 hours in sociology core courses plus 15 hours in sociology electives. Beyond the requirement of a foreign language (completion of a college level intermediate year), a minor of 15-18 hours is selected. Among the possibilities for a choice of a minor are African-American Studies, political science, psychology, economics, a foreign language, history, interdisciplinary studies, etc. All minors should be developed in conjunction with advisors and with the permission of the departments involved.

Options within the B.A. Degree

Students who are interested in emphasizing a particular course theme within the B.A. Degree should be aware of the existence of options which can be developed in consultation with the Department Chairperson. A program of sociology electives can be chosen, forming a coherent sequence of related courses. The two following options are suggestions; students are free to devise their own, provided the Department Chairperson’s consent is obtained.

I. Minorities & Ethnic Cultures

For the student who wants to gain a deeper understanding of groups that are different from the mainstream of American society, such as society in other parts of the world, or racial, ethnic and other minorities in our own society:

Social Inequality
Hispanic Groups
Cultures of the Frontier
Women, Globalization & Development
African-American Studies Courses
Peoples of India
Black Family

II. Life Styles

For the student who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the variety of ways men and women choose to live and interact with one another.

Various lifestyles will be considered within the cultural and social context of contemporary society:

Stratification
Social Deviance
Sociology of the American Family
Gender & Society
Sociology of Aging

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

This program is particularly appropriate for students who are considering the job market upon graduation; it combines a solid liberal arts and science curriculum with courses that compliment specific career goals.

Various options of study are offered - see descriptions on following page. Also, a minor in a related area of study can be approved. Therefore, the Bachelor of Science Degree gives students the flexibility to pursue their individual career needs and desires.

Each option requires 42 hours in sociology including core sociology courses plus sociology electives. In addition, courses in related fields that support the chosen study option are required. The culmination of the program is a senior year internship (an on-the-job placement) that gives students the opportunity to put into practice the skills they have acquired through their course work and to gain valuable work experience. There is no foreign language requirement.

Options

Child Studies Option

The Child Studies Option offers students in-depth study in child and family studies including and introductory course in child studies, Violence and children, Seminar: Issues in the sociology of Children, and Sociology of the American Family. This option prepares students for continued study in graduate school and provides them with viable skills for child-centered jobs in the community.

Criminal Justice Option

Prepares students for a number of positions such as police officers, probation and parole officers, court administrators, federal law enforcement agents, etc. Students take sociology electives such as Criminology, Juvenile Delinquency, Social Deviance and Social Problems as well as courses in criminal justice and courses in related areas such as psychology, political science and computer science.

Cultural Diversity Option

Provides a range of study in various world and American cultures. This option will enable students to develop in-depth knowledge of ethnicity and gender subjects. It will build foundations for those seeking careers in culturally diverse settings in a pluralistic society. It will provide an excellent background for public service, graduate education or law school.

Gerontology Option

Prepares students for careers as nursing home and hospital administrators, program directors, counselors, etc. Students take sociology electives including Urban Sociology, Sociology of the Family, Death and Dying, Sociology of Aging, Medical Sociology. In addition, courses in psychology, political science and social work are taken.

Human Behavior in Organizations Option

Prepares students for a variety of career options dealing with the human relations aspects of business, industry and government, e.g. personnel work, counseling, administrative positions, etc. Students elect appropriate courses in sociology, including Sociology of Organizations, and in related fields such as business psychology and computer science.

Research Option

The Research Option prepares students for continued study in graduate school and for positions that utilize various kinds of research skills such as market research, social program evaluation, political polling, etc. Analytical skills are taught in courses such as Fundamentals of Statistical Analysis, Research Methods in Social Science, and Data Analysis.

A Minor Area of Study Option

Students in the B.S. Sociology programs may also select a minor which provides flexibility in meeting career goals. See related minors under B.A. Sociology.

Special Programs

Sociology Club

The Sociology Club at Salem State University is a student-organized body composed of Sociology majors and those with a serious interest in Sociology. It is designed to provide an informal atmosphere for discussion within the academic as well as social arenas. Guest speakers, career workshops, field trips, and pertinent social issues will be a most important area of interest for the Club.

The Sociology Club is governed and directed by Sociology students with election of officers to be held in the spring of each year. A faculty advisor will also be selected at that time by the Club Membership.

It is hoped that ALL Sociology students will take an active role as the Club’s success and direction depends upon student participation.

Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD)

Salem State University hosts the Kappa of Massachusetts Chapter of AKD, the international sociology honor society. Sociology majors or minors who are juniors, who have completed at least four sociology courses, who have a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher in Sociology and who have an overall G.P.A. or 3.0 or higher are eligible for induction into AKD. The Sociology Department reviews student records to identify and notify eligible students each year. The department holds the AKD induction ceremony annually at the end of the spring semester. sites.google.com/site/alphakappadeltainternational/

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