Sociology: Medical Sociology, 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.
Conceptions of health and illness, although not uniform the world over or even in any one society, are of fundamental importance in every society. In this concentration, students focus on the following topics: How health is defined in various societies; how the ill are viewed by the well; how illness is treated; who the healers are, how they are trained, and what their position is in society; the relationships among the religion, class, gender, and age of the ill and their healers; and when and how public health policies are inaugurated.
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 more information: https://sociology.sas.upenn.edu/sociology_health_and_medicine
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Introductory Course | ||
| SOCI 1000 | Introduction to Sociology | 1 |
| Sociological Theory | ||
| Select 1 course unit in Sociological Theory | 1 | |
| Social Research Methods | ||
| SOCI 2000 | Sociological Research Methods | 1 |
| Select 1 course unit in Advanced Research Methods | 1 | |
| Select 1 course unit in Statistics | 1 | |
| Medical Sociology Concentration | ||
| Select 3 course units in Concentration | 3 | |
| Bioethics | ||
| Health of Populations | ||
| Medical Sociology | ||
| Poverty, Race and Health | ||
| Mental Illness | ||
| Additional SOCI Courses | ||
| Select 4 course units in SOCI Free 2 | 4 | |
| SOCI or Related Courses | ||
| Select 2 course units in SOCI or Related | 2 | |
| Research Poster | ||
| Complete Research Poster | ||
| Total Course Units | 34 | |
- 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.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 4100 | Thesis Workshop I | .5 |
| SOCI 4101 | Thesis Workshop II | .5 |
| SOCI 4998 | Honors 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.