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Catalog Home | Sociology Course
Descriptions
Sociology
- Department of Social Relations and Services
- College of Social and Natural Sciences
- Hagg-Sauer Hall 218-755-2880
Faculty
Dr. Debra Peterson (Coordinator; dpeterson@bemidjistate.edu), Dr. Karen Branden,
Dr. Colleen Greer
Areas of Study
Sociology is the study of “social life, social change, and the social causes
and consequences of human behavior” (Bettina Huber). This examination of
human behavior takes place at the small group, organizational, institutional,
and societal levels and includes a wide range of topics such as relationships
within small groups; among racial/ethnic groups, social classes, and cultures;
and between men and women. Broadly speaking, sociologists seek to understand how
individuals influence society and how societies influence individuals.
Sociology majors acquire a broad knowledge of how social worlds function and develop
a range of research skills enabling them to better “understand social inequality,
patterns of behavior, forces for social change and resistance, and how social
systems work” (Bettina Huber). Some of the skills they learn include analyzing
and interpreting information, collecting and organizing detailed research notes
into a logical presentation, communicating findings both orally and in writing,
and using a computer for data processing and analysis.
The skills acquired and the knowledge learned provide sociology majors with
excellent preparation for a wide variety of entry-level positions in the business,
social service, nonprofit, and government worlds. Employers look for people
with the skills that the undergraduate sociology degree provides. Students find
the undergraduate sociology degree an important foundation for careers in law,
education, medicine, policy analysis, research analysis, management, program
directors, journalism, public relations, sales, and social work.
Preparation
See Section II, Enrollment
for required high school preparation.
Recommended High School Courses
- Psychology
- Social Research
- Sociology
Second Majors and Minors
Students are encouraged to discuss with their advisor the option
of a second major or minor that might strengthen or complement their
major.
Career Directions
- Social Services
- Business
- Personnel Work
- Insurance Industry
- Retail Sales
- Management
- Social Research
- Administration
- Law School
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Government Agencies
- Graduate Study
Credit Requirement
Transfer Students: At least one-third of the credits to be
included in the major must be successfully completed at Bemidji State
University.
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