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BSU 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. Colleen Greer, Dr. Michael Skladany

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

Business
Community Services and Development
Education Administration
Evaluation Research
Gerontology
Government Agencies
Health Care
Human Resources
International Relations
 
Law
Management
Policy Analysis
Program Administration or Management
Program Development
Public Opinion/Survey Research
Public Relations
Research Analysis
Sales
Also: 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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