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:

Develop and implement qualitative and/or quantitative investigative projects from the initial step of topic selection through literature review, data collection and analysis, and writing and presenting sociological research.
Demonstrate knowledge of a specific area of sociology, and appropriate scientific methods in conducting independent and group research.
Illustrate and communicate key sociological concepts and their interrelations.
Understand the substance and centrality of sociology theory as it relates to the science and application of sociology.
Demonstrate an understanding of how class, status, race, ethnicity, gender and/or sexuality steer the individual life processes.

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