Sociology (B.A.)
The sociology program at Marymount fosters critical reflection on global issues of diversity, inequality, and social justice. The curriculum challenges students by taking an analytical approach to understand social life. Through coursework, research, and community-based learning, students develop career skills as well as an appreciation for the importance of community engagement.
Students gain analytical skills in the practical application of social theory and research design and learn to apply these skills to address social injustice locally and globally. Applied theory and research methods are woven throughout the coursework. The culminating senior experience provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in real-world settings.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology at Marymount University will provide students with a global perspective and cultural competence, preparing them for a wide range of career paths. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to
- apply a sociological perspective to global issues through effective writing;
- apply relevant research methods to analyze a sociological issue;
- demonstrate an understanding of the value of diverse perspectives for achieving social justice when working in community engagement settings such as the internship; and
- demonstrate effective presentation skills within the discipline.
A minor in sociology is also available. Please see the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences minors section for details.
Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C- is required for all courses in the major.
Residency Requirement: Transfer students must complete at least 18 credits in Marymount sociology courses, including SOC 251, SOC 350, SOC 351, SOC 495 and SOC 400 or SOC 497.
Internship Prerequisites: Most students complete SOC 400 Internship. For SOC 400, the student is placed for 120 hours (three credits) in their internship. Prerequisites for this course are: 1) a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, 2) a grade of C- or higher in all other required courses for the major, 3) a minimum of 18 credits earned at Marymount, and 4) permission from the internship coordinator.
Degree Requirements — Sociology
This degree requires a total of 120 credits.
Major Requirements
Required Courses
To fulfill the requirements of the major, all students in this program will take the following coursework in a sequence determined in collaboration with an advisor. Some courses also satisfy Liberal Arts Core and/or University Requirements.
SOC 121 | Principles of Sociology * | 3 |
| OR | |
SOC 131 | Principles of Sociology in Global Perspective * | 3 |
| | |
SOC 141 | The Global Village * | 3 |
SOC 251 | Working for Justice, Working for Change * | 3 |
SOC 350 | Social Justice * | 3 |
SOC 351 | Addressing Injustice: Research Methods * | 3 |
SOC 495 | Senior Practicum | 3 |
| | |
SOC 400 | Internship | 3 |
| OR | |
SOC 497 | Community Engagement Experience | 3 |
Required Electives
Five (5) electives from the following:
SOC 151 | Cultural Diversity * | 3 |
SOC 200 | Law and Society in Global Perspective * | 3 |
SOC 222 | Race and Ethnic Diversity * | 3 |
SOC 306 | Poverty, Wealth, and Inequality * | 3 |
SOC 325 | Latinx Migration and Transnational Connections * | 3 |
SOC 361 | Through the Sociological Lens * | |
SOC 365 | Gender Inequality in Global Perspective * | 3 |
SOC 375 | Topics in Human Rights * | 3 |
SOC 385 | Global Inequality and Community Development * | 3 |
SOC 395 | Cities in the 21st Century * | 3 |
SOC 421 | Project | 1 |
SOC 433 | Research | 1 |
Liberal Arts Core Requirements
See the Liberal Arts Core requirements for details.
Sample Degree Plan — Sociology
Please note that this is a sample plan; all students must consult with an advisor in making course selections.
Year One - Fall
EN 101 | Composition I * | 3 |
SOC 131 | Principles of Sociology in Global Perspective * | 3 |
| Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) core course * | |
| Two (2) electives | 6 |
Year One - Spring
EN 102 | Composition II * | 3 |
SOC 141 | The Global Village * | 3 |
TRS 100 | Theological Inquiry * | 3 |
| Two (2) electives | 6 |
Year Two - Fall
SOC 251 | Working for Justice, Working for Change * | 3 |
HI | History (HI) core course * | 3 |
MA | Mathematics (MT) core course * | 3-4 |
| Two (2) electives | 6 |
Year Two - Spring
| Philosophy (PH) core course | |
| One (1) major elective | 3 |
| One (1) elective (Global classroom recommended) | |
| Two (2) electives | 6 |
Major elective: See Major Requirements above for course selections.
Year Three - Fall
SOC 350 | Social Justice * | 3 |
EN | Literature (LT) core course * | 3 |
| Natural Science (NS) core course with lab * | 4 |
| Two (2) electives | 6 |
Year Three - Spring
SOC 351 | Addressing Injustice: Research Methods * | 3 |
| One (1) major elective | |
| Depth in Faith and Reason core course | 3 |
| Depth in Humanities core course | 3 |
| One (1) elective (Global classroom recommended) | |
Major elective: See Major Requirements above for course selections.
Year Four- Fall
SOC 495 | Senior Practicum * | 3 |
| Two (2) major electives | |
| Two (2) electives | 6 |
Major elective: See Major Requirements above for course selections.
Year Four - Spring
SOC 400 | Internship * | 3 |
| OR | |
SOC 497 | Community Engagement Experience | 3 |
| One (1) major elective | 3 |
| Two (2) electives | 6 |
| One (1) elective (Global classroom recommended) | |
Major elective: See Major Requirements above for course selections.
* Fulfills Liberal Arts Core Requirements. See the Liberal Arts Core and Course Descriptions for further information.