Sociology Major, B.A.

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Department of Sociology and Anthropology

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Available Program Format(s): In-Person, Online Learning, and Online Learning

About the Program

The Sociology major provides a comprehensive understanding of social life, institutions, and cultural systems, with particular attention to how power and inequality shape human experiences. Students explore a wide array of topics, including race and ethnicity, gender, aging, health, technology, globalization, education, media, family, and social movements. Coursework integrates sociological perspectives, theory, and research practices, offering students the tools to examine contemporary social issues and historical contexts. The program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural awareness, and social analysis, preparing students to connect academic learning with real-world challenges. With flexible electives and opportunities for applied learning, the major allows students to tailor their studies to personal interests and career goals. Graduates with a Sociology degree are well-prepared for careers in education, social services, health care, business, criminal justice, nonprofit organizations, and public policy, as well as for advanced study in the social and behavioral sciences.

Student Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of sociological theories and concepts necessary to understand human social behavior.
Understands the statistical skills necessary to analyze and understand complex statistical relationships.
Demonstrate the skills necessary to define problems, conduct research and apply this knowledge to solve social and work place related issues.
Demonstrate general knowledge of core sociological concepts and theories regarding diversity, the urban environment, and social change.

General Degree Requirements

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

Program Requirements

A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation.
Sociology majors must have a GPA of 2.0 in their major as well as an overall GPA of 2.0 to graduate. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.
The student majoring in Sociology will take 15 required credits and 21 elective credits, for a total of 36 credits in the discipline. At least 12 upper-division semester hours in Sociology must be completed at MSU Denver by students majoring in Sociology.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits

Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.

Written Communication (6 credits)
Oral Communication (3 credits)
Quantitative Literacy (3 credits)
- Recommended: It is recommended that students fulfill this requirement with MTH 1210 - Introduction to Statistics .
Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
Historical (3 credits)
Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits)
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits

Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion.
Two Sociology courses may be used to fulfill the ESSJ Requirement. These are:
- SOC 1040 - Introduction to Social Gerontology
- SOC 3220 - Prejudice and Discrimination

Required Courses: 15 credits

SOC 1010 - People, Power, and Progress Credits: 3
SOC 3320 - Sociological Theory: Past and Present Credits: 3
SOC 3590 - Social Statistics Credits: 3
SOC 3600 - Research in the Social Sciences Credits: 3
Social Stratification Elective (one course selected from list below)

Social Stratification Elective

Choose one course from the list below.

SOC 3090 - Urban Sociology Credits: 3
SOC 3220 - Prejudice and Discrimination Credits: 3
SOC 3240 - Poverty and Inequality Credits: 3
SOC 3430 - Gender and Society Credits: 3
SOC 3710 - Politics and Power Credits: 3
SOC 3810 - Population Issues: Life, Death and Migration Credits: 3
SOC 4200 - Social Stratification Credits: 3

Additional Electives: 21 credits

A minimum of 21 additional semester hours in sociology are required to complete the major. Students may choose as electives any additional courses offered in sociology. The department recommends that the student’s choice of electives be made in consultation with a department advisor.

Senior Experience: 3 credits

SOC 4600 - Advanced Survey Research Credits: 3
or
SOC 4710 - Advanced Qualitative Methods Credits: 3

Summary of Requirements

General Studies Requirement	33 credits
ESSJ Requirement	0-3 credits
Major Requirements	15 credits
Electives	21 credits
Senior Experience	3 credits
Unrestricted Electives	45-51 credits
Total for the Sociology Major, B.A.	120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.