Introduction
The Sociology
Department offers a full range of
courses and programs. Our major and
minor programs are strong and diverse.
They serve students who have a wide
range of academic and career goals.
Moreover, emphases are now available in
several key areas of specialization. We
host a Community Research Center and the
Center for the Study of the Small City,
which offers the minor in Small City
Analysis.
High School Preparation
While it would be
useful to have the experience of high school courses in
Sociology and Psychology, we suggest that students
concentrate their efforts on mastering the basic areas
necessary for college admission. Regardless of major,
successful applicants will need a background in English,
Math, Science and History. Frequently, courses in
Foreign Language are also helpful.
Department Features
A 34-credit
major and an 18-credit minor in Sociology, a 31-credit
minor in Native American and Rural Social Work, a
24-credit interdisciplinary minor in Gerontology, a
24-credit interdisciplinary Social Science in Health
minor, and a 15-credit concentration in Adult Life and
Aging are available to students. Teacher certification
is possible in Sociology, as well as through the
Broadfield Social Science major.
Our Faculty
All faculty
members in the Department of Sociology have done
post-graduate study beyond the master's degree level,
and over half hold the Ph.D. degree. The principal
fields and many specializations are represented among
our faculty. Collectively, our faculty has a remarkable
variety in origins, education, and experience which
encompasses all parts of the United States. In our
department, the average faculty member has over ten
years of teaching experience.
Employment Opportunities
Professional
employment in sociology usually requires graduate
preparation at the master's or Ph.D. level. Entry-level
positions for bachelor's degree majors in sociology are
most numerous in the public sector and may involve case
work, program planning, development and evaluation,
agency-based or outreach services, survey research and
statistical analysis. Employment opportunities are
sensitive to changes in public funding and graduates may
find narrow choice of location. Students planning to
teach at the secondary level frequently find it helpful
to obtain certification in additional teaching areas.
Sociology is also used as a liberal arts foundation in
combination with other specialties in such diverse
fields as advertising, business, counseling,
engineering, journalism, law and criminal justice,
medicine, planning, public affairs, radio-TV, religion,
and social services.
Graduates
For many
years, students preparing for careers in community and
human service, law enforcement and criminal justice,
public service, teaching, social work, general business,
and management have chosen our major and minor programs
as part of their undergraduate preparation. Every year
an increasing number of our graduates are continuing
their education with advanced degree studies in graduate
and professional schools. Because UWSP is a fully
accredited university, your degree will be recognized
wherever you go.
Sample Program of Study for the Sociology Major
A major
in Sociology consists of 34 credits; Sociology 101, 350,
351, and 352 are required. At least 18 credits
(including Sociology 350, 351, and 352) must be earned
in courses numbered 300 and above.
|
Bachelor of Science - Freshman Year
|
|
First
Semester |
Credits |
Second
Semester |
Credits |
|
Sociology 101 |
3 |
English 102 |
3 |
|
English 101 |
3 |
Humanities
Elective |
3 |
|
*Math |
3-4 |
*Math or
Natural Science |
3-4 |
|
Natural
Science |
3-5 |
Phy. Ed.
|
1-2 |
|
Phys. Ed. |
1-2 |
Elective |
3 |
|
Total
|
13-17 |
Total |
13-15 |
|
Sophomore
Year
|
|
Sociology
Elective |
3 |
Sociology
Elective |
3 |
|
Natural
Science |
3-5 |
History |
3 |
|
Humanities
Elective |
3 |
Communication
101 |
2 |
|
Elective
|
3 |
Humanities
Elective |
3 |
|
Phys. Ed.
|
1-2 |
Elective |
3 |
|
Total
|
13-16 |
Total
|
14 |
|
Bachelor of Arts - Freshman Year
|
|
First
Semester |
Credits |
Second
Semester |
Credits |
|
Sociology 101 |
3 |
English 102 |
3 |
|
English 101 |
3 |
Humanities
Elective |
3 |
|
History |
3 |
Phy. Ed. |
1-2 |
|
Humanities
Elective |
3 |
*Foreign
Language |
4 |
|
*Foreign
Language |
4 |
*Math |
3 |
|
Total
|
16 |
Total |
14-15 |
|
Sophomore
Year
|
|
Sociology
Elective |
3 |
Sociology
Elective |
3 |
|
Natural
Science |
3-4 |
*Math or
Natural Science |
3 |
|
Humanities
Elective |
3 |
History
|
3 |
|
History
|
3 |
Elective |
3 |
|
Phys. Ed.
|
1-2 |
Elective |
3 |
|
|
|
Phys. Ed. |
1-2 |
|
Total
|
13-15 |
Total
|
16-17 |
*Contingent on scores on
Math and Foreign Language placement tests
