School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences
Sociology offers a scientific approach to examining social groups, human interactions and social change. Sociologists are interested in a wide range of topics and issues related to social life. Some examples of sociological questions include: Why do some groups have more resources and power than others in society and what explains these inequalities? What factors influence marriage and divorce rates? How do families, schools, churches, and corporations affect social control? What are the functions of welfare programs? How do cities grow and transform to reflect changing technologies and population trends? How does law interact with society and social institutions? What are the causes and consequences of crime and deviant behavior?
The mission of the B.A. program in Sociology is to provide undergraduate students (both majors and non-majors) with broad knowledge of the theoretical concepts, empirical research findings, and methodological approaches of the discipline of sociology, with an emphasis on theory and research related to social inequality. As part of this program, sociology majors should gain mastery of these concepts, findings, and approaches central to sociology, as well as develop basic skills in empirical analysis and professional communication.
At The University of Texas at Dallas, sociology majors are encouraged to go beyond scholarly study to explore ways that sociology can be utilized in corporations, government agencies, or voluntary organizations. Sociology graduates of the university have pursued careers or graduate study in a variety of areas including policy research, social services, business, law, education, law enforcement, and other social sciences.
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Degree Requirements (120 hours)
I. Core Curriculum Requirements1: 42 hours
- A. Communication (6 hours)
- 6 hours Government (GOVT 2301 and 2302)
6 hours American History
3 hours Social and Behavioral Sciences Elective (SOC 1301)
- 3 hours Mathematics (at or above level of College Algebra, recommended: MATH 1306 or 1314)
4 hours Quantitative Reasoning (SOCS 3405)2
1 Curriculum Requirements can be fulfilled by other approved courses from accredited institutions of higher education.
2The courses listed in parentheses are the most efficient way to satisfy both Core Curriculum and Major Requirements at UT Dallas.
II. Major Requirements: 46 hours
- Major Preparatory Courses (3 hours)
ECON 2301 Principles of Macroeconomics
or ECON 2302 Principles of Microeconomics
Major Core Courses (22hours)
SOC 2319 Race, Gender, and Class
SOC 3303 Social Theory
SOC 3304 Research Methods in Sociology
SOC 3306 Professional Writing for Sociology2
SOC 4302 Class, Status, and Power
SOCS 3405 Introduction to Social Statistics with Lab2
One of the following:
SOC 3333 Religion in Society
SOC 3336 Culture Regions
SOC 4361 Law and Society
Major Related Courses(27 hours)
18 hours upper-division Sociology courses
9 hours Major and Related electives3
2 A Major requirement that also fulfills a Core Curriculum requirement. Hours are counted in Core Curriculum.
3Most students take upper-division SOC courses. However, subject to advisor approval, courses from other disciplines may be used to satisfy this requirement.
III. Elective Requirements: 32 hours
- Advanced Electives (6 hours)
All students are required to take at least six hours of Advanced Electives outside their major field of study. These must be either upper-division classes or lower-division classes that have prerequisites.
Free Electives (26 hours)
This requirement may be satisfied with lower- and upper-division courses from any field of study. Students must complete at least 51 hours of upper-division credit to qualify for graduation.