Sociology: Law and Society, BA

The Sociology major helps students identify and explain patterns of social life and human behavior by emphasizing how large-scale social phenomena (such as class, race, and gender inequality) affect the everyday experiences of individuals and vice versa. The major prepares students for a career in a variety of fields such as law, medicine and healthcare, marketing, education, scholarly and applied social research, social work, demography, journalism and media, management in the public and private sectors, administration, and government. The program offers comprehensive advising and significant research and independent study opportunities. Our program is dedicated to nurturing a strong community of scholars, helping them grow academically and professionally under the large-scale mission of the College of Arts & Sciences.

Sociologists study institutions, and among the most important is the law. This concentration examines issues such as: What is deviance and how do we define it?  What is the relationship between the law and other social institutions? The concentration is suitable for students with a variety of interests, but may be especially well-suited to those interested in careers in law and criminal justice.

The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 34. Double majors may entail more course units.

A minimum of 11 course units must be in Sociology.

For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.

College General Education Requirements and Free Electives
Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives20
Major Requirements
Introductory Course
SOCI 1000Introduction to Sociology1
Sociological Theory
Select 1 course unit in Sociological Theory1
Social Research Methods
SOCI 2000Sociological Research Methods1
Select 1 course unit in Advanced Research Methods1
Select 1 course unit in Statistics1
Law & Society Concentration
Select 3 course units in Concentration3
The Law in our Lives
Deviance
Law and Society
Fair Housing, Segregation and the Law
Social Problems and Public Policy
Race, Science & Justice
The US and Human Rights: Policies and Pratices
Race, Rights and Rebellion
Criminology
Criminal Justice
Law and Social Change
Culture on Trial: Race, Media & Intellectual Property
Additional SOCI Courses
Select 4 course units in SOCI Free 24
SOCI or Related Courses
Select 2 course units in SOCI or Related2
Research Poster
Complete Research Poster
Total Course Units34
1

You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.

2

Students are encouraged to take some courses outside of their concentration.

Honors

Applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.3 and a GPA of 3.5 in the major.

SOCI 4100Thesis Workshop I0.5
SOCI 4101Thesis Workshop II0.5
SOCI 4998Honors Independent Study (Or Approved Course)1
Senior Thesis

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.