Department of Sociology

Mission Statement

The sociology program at Coastal Carolina University is comprised of a group of highly qualified and motivated teacher-scholars dedicated to a comprehensive range of specialty areas within the field of sociology. Consistent with the University’s comprehensive orientation, our mission is to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to investigate questions important to the discipline of sociology from a scientific perspective, emphasizing critical thinking and communication skills in a collaborative environment. Students may elect to study a generalist course or more specialized training in criminology, medicine and health, or social justice. In addition, we strive to foster the personal and professional growth of our students by offering extensive and varied opportunities for integrative experiential learning, including faculty/student collaborative research and community-based internships.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate scientific methods to conduct independent and group research.
Identify the major research methodologies used by sociologists and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the methodologies.
Demonstrate knowledge of the components of sociological research, and apply relevant methods of sociological research.
Demonstrate an understanding of the applicability of sociology theory as it relates to the science of sociology.
Demonstrate the usefulness of sociological principles in the community by completing a supervised internship (not a major requirement).
Demonstrate an ability to comprehend sociological literature.

The educational goals and objectives of the sociology program are as follows:

A major in sociology offers students a thorough foundation in sociological theory and research methods in the social sciences. There are multiple opportunities for research, service learning, and internships. Students may elect a general course of study in the field or more specialized training in criminology, medicine and health, or social justice. The sociology program emphasizes public sociology, the application of sociological insights to a range of issues and endeavors. Students who earn a sociology degree may pursue advanced training in sociology, social work, criminal justice, business, education, law or other fields. Graduates with the Bachelor of Arts in sociology find employment in a variety of professions and occupations. Some of these include positions in human resources, social services, criminal justice, business and industry, research, planning, advocacy, education, and public service in governmental and nongovernmental organizations.

Students must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better in each course used to satisfy major requirements, cognate requirements, and minor requirements.

First semester seniors are strongly encouraged to meet with their adviser for a pre-graduation check.

Programs

Majors/Degrees

Minors