Department of Sociology
Social Work (SW)
Program Director: Jada Johnson, interim
Major Advisor: Mary Ann Dean
Office: 207 Bowen Hall
The Social Work Program at Mississippi State University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Social work is a challenging and rewarding profession with the primary goal of enhancing individual functioning and promoting human rights and social and economic justice. The Bachelor of Social Work graduate is prepared to pursue graduate social work education or to work as a generalist social work practitioner in a variety of practice settings. These include, but are not limited to the following: child welfare service agencies, family services, medical hospitals, mental health clinics, public health clinics, home health agencies, nursing homes, industries, juvenile and family court, shelters for battered women and children, neighborhood and community services.
The Social Work curriculum is grounded in a liberal arts perspective. This liberal arts perspective enhances the person-in-environment focus of generalist social work practice. A student may declare social work as a major at any time in his or her academic career. There is a formal admission process into the program. Some upper division courses are restricted to students who have been admitted to the program. To be eligible for admission to the social work program students must:
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 with a 2.5 GPA for all social work courses;
- Complete two of the following social work courses with a minimum grade of “C”: SW 2303 Social Welfare Policy I, SW 3003 Social Work with At-Risk Populations, and SW 3013 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I;
- Complete SW 2313 Intro to Social Work (including 30 hrs of service learning experience) with a minimum grade of "B";
- Complete an “Application for Admission” including three references on the designated program form;
- Participate in a personal interview with Social Work Admissions Committee.
The following liberal arts courses must be completed prior to petition for admission to the major:
| EN 1103 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or EN 1104 | Expanded English Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| BIO 1004 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| PS 1113 | American Government | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SO 1003 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| EC 2113 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
Before enrolling in any social work classes, it is the responsibility of the student to consult with their social work advisor regarding any prerequisites for social work classes.
The criteria for remaining in the program include:
- Maintain an overall GPA of 2.0, with a 2.5 GPA for all social work courses.
- Must earn a minimum of a “C” in each social work course.
- Continue to demonstrate an aptitude for a social work career.
- Adhere to all academic expectations of the university and the social work program.
- Adhere to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.
Sociology (SO)
Undergraduate Advisor: Mary Ann Dean
Graduate Coordinator: Rachel Allison
Office: 207 Bowen Hall
The following degree programs are offered: Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy.
Sociology is the scientific study of social life. With an interest in understanding human behavior, sociologists study such phenomena as deviant behavior, social organization, stratification, population, community, social institutions, race and ethnic relations, social problems, theory and methods of research.
Sociology majors are well prepared to enter many rewarding positions in the work force right out of college or further graduate training in law, business, community planning, architecture, medicine, politics or academics. Opportunities for employment include, but are not restricted to entry-level positions in administration, advertising, banking, counseling (family planning, career, substance abuse, etc.), health services, journalism, group and recreation work, marketing and market research, sales, non-profit organizations, teaching, criminal justice, social services and social research. In addition, sociology provides training that other liberal arts majors do not, such as the core elements of human interaction and relationships, and basic training for research analyst positions (in statistics and research methods, which include computer applications, for example).
Students are eligible for membership in the Mississippi Alpha chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honor Society. To be considered for membership, a student must be an officially declared sociology major or demonstrate a serious interest in sociology, must be at least a junior, have at least a 3.00 overall GPA, and must have maintained a 3.00 GPA in sociology courses.
To earn a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in sociology, a student is required to take 36 hours of sociology.
All new freshmen desiring to major in Sociology will be admitted into the Sociology major in the College of Arts and Sciences at Mississippi State University. For all other students wishing to major in Sociology, to be eligible for admission to the Sociology program, students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above on all college work attempted prior to entering the major. The criteria for remaining in the program include:
- Students must earn a minimum of a "C" in all Sociology courses. Students earning a grade lower than C in a Sociology course must retake that course.
- Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or above. Students who fall below the overall GPA of 2.0 must bring it up to 2.0 the next semester or drop the Sociology major.
Sociology Major Course Requirements
The sociology major consists of a sequence of four levels of courses ranging from introductory to the more advanced and capstone courses. Students are expected to complete courses in the lower levels before taking courses in the more advanced levels. For example, students should complete Level 1 courses before completing Level II courses, etc. The lower level courses are prerequisites for the advanced level courses.
Required courses include: SO 1003 Introduction to Sociology, SO 2203 Introduction to Race and Ethnicity, SO 3103 Social Theory I, SO 3213 Introduction to Social Research, and SO 4804 Social Research Practice.
Students are also required to take one of the following courses: SO 3003 Social Inequality, SO 3013 Society and the Individual, or SO 3053 Organizations in Modern Society.
Finally, students must select any seven additional sociology courses, including any of those not listed above. A minimum of six of these courses must be 3000 or 4000 level.
Criminology (CRM)
Major Advisor: Mary Ann Dean
Office: 207 Bowen Hall
The following degree program is offered: Bachelor of Arts.
Criminology, as a field, explores the nature and causes of crime. Criminology also examines the impact crime has on society and how society responds to the social problem of crime. The Bachelor’s degree in Criminology will emphasize the study of types, patterns and trends in criminal behavior; the social etiology of crime; and the social response to crime and its effect on society. The program will also train students to analyze crime data, test explanations of crime and victimization, and critically evaluate crime theory and policy.
The Criminology program is appropriate for students wishing to pursue career paths in all justice related fields including: law enforcement; probation and parole; community based prevention and control programs; court based programs; and corrections. Because our program provides for a broad knowledge of the nature and trends of crime and an understanding of crime control policy along with methodological and critical thinking skills, our students will be prepared to assume positions of leadership across a range of career paths in crime and justice related professions, as well as be prepared for post-graduate studies in Sociology, Criminology, and Law and Legal Studies.
All new freshmen desiring to major in Criminology will be admitted into the Criminology major in the College of Arts and Sciences at Mississippi State University. All other students wishing to major in Criminology must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above on all college work attempted prior to entering the major. The criteria for remaining in the program include:
- Students must earn a minimum of a "C" in all Criminology and Sociology courses. Students earning a grade lower than C in a Criminology or Sociology course must retake that course.
- Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or above. Students who fall below the overall GPA of 2.0 must bring it up to 2.0 the next semester or drop the Criminology major.
Criminology Major Requirements
The BA in Criminology is a 36 credit hour major and is housed in the Sociology Department. All students will complete 18 hours in required course work: CRM 1003 Crime and Justice in America, CRM 2003 Crime, Justice, and Inequality, CRM 3603 Criminological Theory, SO 3213 Introduction to Social Research, SO 4804 Social Research Practice, and CRM 4803 Senior Seminar in Criminology. Students will also be required to take a minimum of three hours in each of three sub-areas of the program and nine hours of 3000-.or 4000- level criminology electives. The sub-areas are: Criminal Behavior and Motivation, Social Dimensions of Crime, and Crime Control Policy and Practice.
Senior Internships will be available at various crime and justice related agencies. To qualify for an internship a student must have completed 24 hours of coursework within the criminology major and have earned a minimum of a 2.5 GPA in said coursework. Students will meet with the Criminology Program Coordinator to discuss the selection of an appropriate internship site. Students will be expected to have a minimum of 150 contact hours with the sponsoring internship agency, as well as meet specific course assignments. The internship is elective. Students will register for CRM 3033 Sociology/Criminology Internship.
A senior thesis option is available for students who have completed a minimum of 24 hours of coursework within criminology and have at least a 3.0 GPA in said coursework. Students who qualify and have an interest in the senior thesis option will work individually with a faculty member to produce a research paper on an approved topic in criminology. The thesis option is elective and designed for students wishing to pursue graduate school in criminology or a related field. Students will register for CRM 4000 Directed Individual Study in Criminology: Senior Thesis as a six credit hour course.
Applied Sociology (online degree)
The following degree program is offered: Bachelor of Science
Applied Sociology majors are well prepared to enter many rewarding positions in the workforce right out of college or further graduate training in law, business, community planning, architecture, medicine, politics, or academics. Opportunities for employment include, but are not restricted to entry-level positions in administration, advertising, banking, counseling (family planning, career, substance abuse, etc,), health services, journalism, group and recreation work, marketing and market research, sales, non-profit organizations, teaching, criminal justice, social services, and social research. In addition, applied sociology provides training that other liberal arts majors do not, such as the core elements of research methods and the training for research analyst positions in real-world settings.
All new freshmen desiring to major in Applied Sociology will be admitted into the Applied Sociology major in the College of Arts and Sciences at Mississippi State University. For all other students wishing to major in Applied Sociology, to be eligible for admission to the Applied Sociology program, students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above on all college work attempted prior to entering the major. The criteria for remaining in the program include:
- Students must earn an minimum of a "C" in all Applied Sociology courses. Students earning a grade lower than C in an Applied Sociology course must retake that course.
- Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or above. Students who fall below the overall GPA of 2.0 must bring it up to 2.0 the next semester or drop the Applied Sociology major.
BA in Sociology
College Requirements & Major Core
General Education Requirements
| English Composition | ||
| EN 1103 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or EN 1104 | Expanded English Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Creative Discovery | ||
| A&S core | 3 | |
| Humanities 1 | ||
| History - A&S core | 3 | |
| Literature - A&S core | 3 | |
| Social/Behavioral Sciences | ||
| SO 1003 | Introduction to Sociology (See Major Core) | 3 |
| PS 1113 | American Government (See Major Core) | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| See A&S core | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| Life Science w/ lab - A&S core | 3-4 | |
| Physical Sciences w/lab - A&S core | 3-4 | |
| Natural Science Elective - A&S core 1 | 3-4 | |
| Additional College Requirements | ||
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| or MA 1103 | College Algebra Linked Lab- Corequisite Model | |
| or MA 1213 | Math in Your World | |
| Foreign Language | ||
| Foreign Language I | 3 | |
| Foreign Language II | 3 | |
| Foreign Language III | 3 | |
| Additional Humanities 1 | ||
| Philosophy - A&S core | 3 | |
| Humanities Elective 1 | 9 | |
| Additional Social Sciences | ||
| EC 2113 | Principles of Macroeconomics (see Major Core Level 1) | 3 |
| Social Sciences - A&S core (see Major Core: Level 1) | 3 | |
| Social Science Electives (See Major Core - Level 1) | 6 | |
| Oral Communication | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| or CO 1013 | Introduction to Communication | |
| Major Core | ||
| (Courses in the major are sequenced by level) | ||
| Level I: Intro to the discipline | ||
| Introduction to Sociology (See General Education) | ||
| American Government (See General Education) | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics (See Additional College Requirements) | ||
Social Sciences - A&S core (see Additional College Requirements) | ||
Social Science Electives (see Additional College Requirements) | ||
| Level II: Sociology Substantive Core | ||
| SO 2203 | Introduction to Race and Ethnicity | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Social Inequality | ||
| Society and the Individual | ||
| Organizations in Modern Society | ||
| Level III: Tools and Skills | ||
| SO 3103 | Social Theory I | 3 |
| SO 3213 | Introduction to Social Research | 3 |
| SO 4804 | Social Research Practice | 4 |
| Level IV: Sociology Electives | ||
| Sociology Elective | 3 | |
| Sociology Upper Division Electives | 18 | |
| Jr/Sr Writing | ||
| Satisfied with SO 3103 in the major | ||
| Free Electives | ||
| Consult advisor | 12-15 | |
| Total Hours | 124 | |
Note: Students must complete 31 upper division hours in A&S in residence at MSU.
- 1
Humanities electives must be courses in A&S and must cover two disciplines.
- 2
Social Science electives must be courses in A&S. The total 18 hours in Level I/Social Science must cover four disciplines; maximum of 6 hours per discipline; only one EC and one CO from A&S core list allowed across the 18 hours.
BA in Criminology
General Education Requirements
| English Composition | ||
| EN 1103 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or EN 1104 | Expanded English Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Creative Discovery | ||
| A&S core | 3 | |
| Humanities | ||
| History – A&S core | 3 | |
| Literature – A&S core | 3 | |
| Social/Behavioral Sciences | ||
| SO 1003 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| See A&S core | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| Life Sciences w/lab - A&S core | 3-4 | |
| Physical Sciences w/lab - A&S core | 3-4 | |
| Natural Science Elective - A&S core | 3-4 | |
College Requirements and Major Core
| Additional College Requirements | ||
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| or MA 1103 | College Algebra Linked Lab- Corequisite Model | |
| or MA 1213 | Math in Your World | |
| Foreign Languages | ||
| Foreign Language I | 3 | |
| Foreign Language II | 3 | |
| Foreign Language III | 3 | |
| Additional Humanities | ||
| Philosophy – A&S core | 3 | |
| Humanities Electives 1 | 9 | |
| Additional Social Sciences | ||
| PS 1113 | American Government | 3 |
| Social Science Electives - A&S core 2 | 9 | |
| Oral Communication | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| or CO 1013 | Introduction to Communication | |
| Major Core | ||
| CRM 1003 | Crime and Justice in America | 3 |
| CRM 2003 | Crime, Justice, and Inequality | 3 |
| CRM 3603 | Criminological Theory | 3 |
| SO 3213 | Introduction to Social Research | 3 |
| SO 4804 | Social Research Practice | 4 |
| CRM 4803 | Senior Seminar in Criminology | 3 |
| Major Electives | ||
| Criminal Behavior and Motivation Area | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Deviant Behavior. | ||
| Violence in the United States | ||
| Juvenile Delinquency | ||
| Drugs, Crime and Control | ||
| White Collar and Computer Crime | ||
| Social Dimensions of Crime Area | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Gender, Crime, and Justice | ||
| Race, Crime and Justice | ||
| Globalization and Crime | ||
| Victimology | ||
| Media, Crime and Justice | ||
| Crime Control Policy and Practice Area | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice | ||
| Community Crime Prevention and Policy | ||
| Policing and Society | ||
| Correctional Systems | ||
| Law and Society | ||
| Criminology Upper Division Electives | 9 | |
| Jr/Sr Writing | ||
| Satisfied with CRM 3603 in the major | ||
| Free Electives | ||
| Consult advisor | 12-15 | |
| Total Hours | 124 | |
Note: Students must complete 31 upper division hours in A&S in residence at MSU.
- 1
Humanities electives must be courses in A&S and must cover two disciplines.
- 2
Social Science electives must be courses in A&S. The total 18 hours in Social Science must cover four disciplines; maximum of 6 hours per discipline; only one EC and one CO from A&S core list allowed across the 18 hours.
BS in Applied Sociology (online degree)
General Education Requirements
| English Composition | ||
| EN 1103 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or EN 1104 | Expanded English Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Creative Discovery | ||
| See A&S core | 3 | |
| Humanities | ||
| History - A&S core | ||
| Literature – A&S core | 3 | |
| Social/Behavioral Sciences | ||
| Social Science - A&S core | 6 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MA/ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| Life Sciences w/lab - A&S core | 3-4 | |
| Physical Sciences w/lab - A&S core | 3-4 | |
| Natural Science Elective - A&S core | 3-4 | |
College Requirements & Major Core
| Additional College Requirements | ||
| Foreign Languages | ||
| Foreign Language I | 3 | |
| Foreign Language II | 3 | |
| Foreign Language III | 3 | |
| Additional Humanities | ||
| Philosophy – A&S core | 3 | |
| Humanities Electives 1 | 9 | |
| Additional Social Sciences | ||
| Social Science Electives 2 | 12 | |
| Oral Communication | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| or CO 1013 | Introduction to Communication | |
| Major Core | ||
| ASO 1003 | Introduction to Applied Sociology | 3 |
| SO 1103 | Contemporary Social Problems | 3 |
| SO 3003 | Social Inequality | 3 |
| SO 3053 | Organizations in Modern Society | 3 |
| ASO 3213 | Applied Sociology Research Methods | 3 |
| ASO 4803 | Applied Sociology Capstone | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Social Problems in Society | 6 | |
| Choose 2 of the following: | ||
| Racial and Ethnic Inequality | ||
| Sociology of Education | ||
| Health and Society | ||
| Population Problems and Processes | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice | ||
| Community, Policy, and Practice | 6 | |
| Choose 2 of the following: | ||
| Poverty, Analysis: People, Organization and Program | ||
| Internship in Applied Sociology | ||
| Gender and Work | ||
| Community: Organization and Relationships | ||
| Community Crime Prevention and Policy | ||
| Applied Sociological Methods | 6 | |
| Choose 2 of the following: | ||
| Program Evaluation | ||
| Survey Design and Evaluation | ||
| Applied Data Management | ||
| Focus Groups and Interviewing | ||
| Principles of GIS | ||
| Jr/Sr Writing | ||
| Satisfied with ASO 4803 in the major | ||
| Departmental Elective | ||
| Choose any 1 SO, ASO, SW, or CRM course | 3 | |
| Free Electives | ||
| Consult advisor | 10-13 | |
| Total Hours | 124 | |
Note: Students must complete 31 upper division hours in A&S at MSU.
- 1
Humanities electives must be courses in A&S and must cover two disciplines.
- 2
Social Science electives must be courses in A&S. The total of 18 hours in Social Science must cover four disciplines; maximum of 6 hours per discipline; only one EC and one CO from A&S core list allowed across the 18 hours
Sociology Minor
To earn a minor in sociology, a student must take 18 hours of undergraduate sociology courses. SO 1003, SO 2203, and SO 3213 are required. The other three SO courses must be 2000 level or above and include at least one 4000 level SO course.
Students who wish to major or minor in the department should plan their programs with the departmental major advisor as soon as possible after entering the University and should consult with their advisor before each registration period. Programs are arranged individually to combine the most varied advantages consistent with the student’s interest and purposes. Persons interested in secondary school teaching may elect sufficient courses in the College of Education to satisfy certification requirements for teaching social studies.
Criminology Courses
CRM 1003 Crime and Justice in America: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. A survey of the basic concepts and approaches in criminology, including patterns of crime, causes of crime, and an examination of the criminal justice system
CRM 2003 Crime, Justice, and Inequality: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: CRM 1003 and SO 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Survey of issues pertaining to race, class, gender, and crime, focusing on discrimination, structural barriers, and the place of inequality within the criminal justice system
CRM 2990 Special Topics in Criminology: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
CRM 3033 Sociology/Criminology Internship: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor). Three hours practicum. A supervised work experience of 150 hours within a selected community organization or agency; individually supervised performance and self-development in a real-world setting related to sociology or criminology fields. (Same as SO 3033)
CRM 3103 Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: CRM 1003 and SO 1003). Three hours lecture. The interrelationships of law enforcement, prosecution, and the courts, particularly how each affects the correctional process
CRM 3113 Community Crime Prevention and Policy: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SO 1003 and CRM 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. An in-depth analysis of crime control policy and community sanctions, focusing on policy implementation, effectiveness, alternatives and prevention efforts
CRM 3123 Policing and Society: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: CRM 1003 and SO 1003). Three hours lecture. An overview of police functions and responsibilities at all levels from a sociological perspective. Focuses on symbiotic roles of policing and other societal organizations
CRM 3313 Deviant Behavior.: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SO 1003 and CRM 1003 or its equivalent or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Introduction to the social and cultural factors related to human deviance. Special attention given to the study of various theories of deviance. Same as SO 3313)
CRM 3320 Field Work: 1-6 hours.
(Prerequisites: CRM 3316). One to six hours practicum within selected Corrections agencies, individually supervised performance and self-development in relation to clients, agency workers, and provisions of Correctional services
CRM 3343 Gender, Crime, and Justice: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CRM 1003 and SO 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Gender differences in criminal behavior, victimization, and criminal justice processing, emphasizing the unique experiences of women in all of these areas. (Same as SO 3343 and GS 3343)
CRM 3353 Race, Crime and Justice: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CRM 1003 and SO 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Racial differences in criminal behavior, victimization, and criminal processing, emphasizing the unique experiences of racial minorities in these areas (Same as SO 3353 and AAS 3353)
CRM 3363 Globalization and Crime: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: CRM 1003 and SO 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Examines the international differences in crime and justice, exploring topics such as illegal immigration, human trafficking, organized crime and terrorism
CRM 3503 Violence in the United States: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CRM 1003 and SO 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Indepth study of violence, including types of violence, categories of offenders and victims, its social consequences, and potential solutions. (Same as SO 3503)
CRM 3603 Criminological Theory: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: CRM 1003 and SO 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Survey of the major sociological and criminological explanations of crime. (Same as SO 3603)
CRM 4000 Directed Individual Study in Criminology: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
CRM 4153 Mentoring Youths: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: JR/SR Standing and Permission of Instructor). One hour lecture, four hours laboratory. This course trains students to mentor at-risk juveniles to facilitate their successful transition to productive community roles. (Same as SO 4153)
CRM 4233 Juvenile Delinquency: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: CRM 1003 and SO 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Critical study of problems, causes, ways of handling; attitudes, roles and relationships of persons involved, including youthful offenders, social workers, court and law enforcement officials. (Same as SO 4233/6233)
CRM 4243 Drugs, Crime and Control: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SO 1003 and CRM 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Focus on the social factors which give rise to illicit drug use, patterns and trends in drug crime and strategies to control drug crime. (Same as SO 4243/6243)
CRM 4253 White Collar and Computer Crime: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SO 1003 and CRM 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. An overview of the sociological and criminological literature in the area defined as White Collar Crime and Computer Crime. (Same as SO 4253/6253)
CRM 4323 Victimology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CRM 1003 and SO 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. A critical study of victims, examining theories of victimization, the social construction of victimization, the relationship between victims and offenders, and victim prevention efforts. (Same as SO 4323/6323)
CRM 4343 Media, Crime and Justice: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: CRM 1003 and SO 1003). An overview of the role media plays in shaping criminal justice policy, as well as public knowledge about crime and the criminal justice system
CRM 4453 Power, War, and Peace: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Introduction to three major topics in sociology/criminology: power, war and peace. Minor topics include: power and organizations, the relationship between power and war, terrorism, torture, ethnic conflict, reconstruction and reconciliation, and social movements (same as SO 4453)
CRM 4513 Correctional Systems: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: CRM 1003 and CRM 3603 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Survey of contemporary correctional systems and practices. Emphasis placed on the formal organization and functioning of penal systems (same as SO 4513/6513)
CRM 4523 Law and Society: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SO 1003 and CRM 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Explores the social origins of law and how law can both maintain social order and bring about social change (Same as SO 4523/6523)
CRM 4803 Senior Seminar in Criminology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: CRM 3603 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. A capstone course which integrates knowledge from criminology course work. Students will apply their knowledge of criminological theory and policy to crime and justice issues
CRM 4990 Special Topics in Criminology: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
Social Work Courses
SW 1001 First Year Seminar: 1 hour.
One hour lecture. First-year seminars explore a diverse array of topices that provide students with an opportunity to learn about a specific discipline from skilled faculty members
SW 2023 Trauma Informed Social Work Practice: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. The course prepares students to work with clients who have experienced trauma. There is a focus on the many types of trauma, including the trauma experienced by those who work with trauma-impacted clients
SW 2303 Social Welfare Policy I: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. In-depth study of the historical and contemporary effects of social welfare policy on client systems
SW 2313 Introduction to Social Work/Social Welfare: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. A study of professional social work and the historical and philosophical development of social work and social welfare
SW 2323 Social Welfare Policy II: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. The course provides an analysis and evaluation of social welfare policies as institutional responses to social problems, social justice, and human needs
SW 2333 Professional Development in Social Work: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. This course provides students a brief overview of the social work profession while emphasizing the knowledge/interpersonal skills needed to advance from college to graduate school and/or employment. Skills required for writing in the American Psychological Association style, library research, and professionalism will be developed/assessed
SW 2990 Special Topics in Social Work: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
SW 3003 Social Work with At-Risk Populations: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Examines the role and interaction of social workers with vulnerable groups. Includes concepts of racism, sexism, homophobia, oppression, affirmation action, and xenophobia
SW 3013 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Examines biological, psychological, social-structural, and cultural aspects of human development from conception through young adulthood from a social systems perspective, emphasizing diversity and oppression
SW 3023 Human Behavior and the social Environment II: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Examines biological, psychological, social-structural, and cultural aspects of human development from middle adulthood to death from a social systems perspective, emphasizing diversity and oppression
SW 3033 Seminar in Resilience: 3 hours.
Examines current research, theoretical perspectives, and a bio-psycho-social approach to resilience. Focuses on planning & applying resilience practices to promote well-being
SW 3043 Military Social Work: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Explores history and roles of social workers with veterans and military families, including practice settings, ethical concerns, and effects of culture, advocacy, interventions, and policy
SW 3213 Research Methods in Social Work: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite:ST 2113 )Three hours lecture. A survey of research methodology in social work practice, including an examination of the various types of research design, techniques, and procedures
SW 3513 Social Work Practice I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Admission to the Social Work Program). Three hours lecture. The course emphasizes problem-solving methods utilizing communication theories and skills working with individuals, families, groups, and communities in preparation for generalist social work practice
SW 3523 Social Work Practice II: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Admission to the Social Work Program). Three hours lecture. The course focuses on processes involved in engaging client systems in data collection, assessment, intervention, evaluation, and termination in preparation for generalist social work practice
SW 3533 Social Work with Communities and Organizations: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Admission to the Social Work Program). Three hours lecture. The course focuses on processes involved in engaging client systems in problem solving with emphasis upon groups and larger systems in generalist social work practice
SW 4000 Directed Individual Study in Social Work: 1-6 hours.
(Prerequisites: Six hours of social work, junior standing, and consent of instructor). Hours and credits to be arranged. Independent research of problems related to social work
SW 4533 Substance Abuse and Addictions in Social Work Services: 3 hours.
Examines the role/interaction of social workers with people who use alcohol.drugs, (AOD). Concepts of use abuse, and dependence. Emphasis on the impact of AOD use on families/children
SW 4543 Gender and Food: 3 hours.
Three hours seminar. A service-learning course exploring the intersections between social inequalities, food and culture, with an emphasis on communities. Overview of historic and contemporary approaches to food system and inequalities. (Same as GS 4543: Gender and Food and SO 4543: Gender and Food)
SW 4613 Child Welfare Services: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Assessment of parental and society's responsibilities in meeting physical, social, psychological, and legal needs of children and examining the delivery, policies, systems, and services
SW 4623 Social Work with the Aged: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Assessment of social, psychological, physical, and economic needs of aging persons; their utilization of services, conjoint planning and creation of new community based resources
SW 4633 Social Work in Health Care: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Assessment of social work knowledge, values, and skills in understanding psychosocial aspects of illness, medical terminology, recording, discharge planning, ethics, team disciplines, and community resources
SW 4643 Social Work Services in Schools: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Assessment of the development, concepts, policies, planning, implementation, and evaluation of social work services in primary and secondary schools
SW 4653 Social Work with Family Violence: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. A study of social workers’ roles in responding to family violence, including societal context, family dynamics, extent, precursors, consequences, treatment, and prevention of family violence
SW 4663 Administration in Social Work: 3 hours.
Assessment of functions of human service managment, planning and program, organizational theroy and design, resourses,supervision, funding, information systems, and evaluation of service delivery
SW 4713 Social Work Senior Seminar: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Admission to the Social Work Program; Co-requisite: Scheduled completion of all curriculum requirements excluding SW 4916 and SW 4926). Critical evaluation of current issues in social work practice; examination of career opportunities; and assessment of personal educational preparation for practice
SW 4916 Social Work Field Practicum/Seminar I: 6 hours.
(Prerequisites: Admission to the Social Work Program and SW 4713). The course provides students opportunities to apply generalist social work practice methods by completing a minimum of 450 supervised hours in a social work agency
SW 4926 Social Work Practicum/Seminar II: 6 hours.
(Prerequisites: Admission to the Social Work Program and SW 4713). The course provides students opportunities to apply generalist social work practice methods by completing a minimum of 450 supervised hours in a social work agency
SW 4990 Special Topics in Social Work: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
Sociology Courses
SO 1001 First Year Seminar: 1 hour.
One hour lecture. First-year seminars explore a diverse arrary of topics that provide students with an opportunity to learn about a specific discipline from skilled faculty members
SO 1003 Introduction to Sociology: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. The nature and development of culture; social aspects of personality; analysis of community life, population trends, social classes, institutions, processes, and organization; culture change
SO 1103 Contemporary Social Problems: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Analysis of problems related to: life cycle, sexuality, family disruptions, health, illness, death and dying, addictions, crime, minorities, population, environment, resources and poverty. Suggested solutions
SO 1173 Introduction to Gender Studies: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. An introduction to theoretical concepts in Gender Studies. This course will examine the influence of the women's movement on the academic development of Gender Studies. (Same as AN 1173 and GS 1173)
SO 1203 Sociology of Families: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. A study of how social inequality, diversity, and social change shape families and family life, with emphasis on contemporary American families
SO 1303 Introduction to Social Justice Studies: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Introductory examination of contemporary justice realities to understand the dynamics of oppression; linking competing theories of social justice to hierarchies grounded in race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, class, and sexuality, and to particular strategies for social transformation and change. (Same as GS 1303 and SJ 1303)
SO 2203 Introduction to Race and Ethnicity: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Three hours in an introductory social science). Three hours lecture. Introduction to the sociological examination of race and ethnicity; overview of theories and methods; exploration of how race and ethnicity impact individual and group identity and social institutions and structures. (Same as AAS 2203 and AN 2203)
SO 2990 Special Topics in Sociology: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
SO 3003 Social Inequality: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SO 1003). Three hours lecture. Investigates the nature, causes, and consequences of social inequality and stratification, the relationships among class, race, and gender inequalities in cross-cultural perspective
SO 3013 Society and the Individual: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SO 1003). Three hours lecture. A study of interrelationship between society and the individual. Emphasis is placed on the structural aspects of socialization and the social construction of reality
SO 3033 Sociology/Criminology Internship: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor). Three hours practicum. A supervised work experience of 150 hours within a selected community organization or agency; individually supervised performance and self-development in a real-world setting related to sociology or criminology fields. (Same as CRM 3033)
SO 3053 Organizations in Modern Society: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SO 1003). Three hours lecture. Examines the nature and types of formal organizations, their impact on, and outcomes for, individuals and society; organizational structures, processes, environments and effectiveness
SO 3103 Social Theory I: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Nine hours of sociology, CS 1013 or equivalent and junior standing). Lecture course. Study of European and American sociological theory intellectual antecedents as well as social-cultural context
SO 3123 Policing and Society: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: CRM 1003 and SO 1003). Three hours lecture. An overview of police functions and responsibilities at all levels from a sociological perspective. Focuses on symbiotic roles of policing and other societal organizations
SO 3213 Introduction to Social Research: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Nine hours of sociology and/or criminology courses). Three hour lecture. A survey of the general field of research and methodology, including an examination of the various types of research designs, techniques, and procedures
SO 3303 Rural Sociology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Six hours of social science or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. A study of rural society, its organizations, agencies, institutions, population trends and composition, patterns of settlement, social processes, and changing character
SO 3313 Deviant Behavior: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CRM 1003 and SO 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Introduction to the social and cultural factors related to human deviance. Special attention is given to the study of various theories of deviance
SO 3323 Contemporary Woman: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Introductory course for the Concentration in Women's Studies. Major topics are women's heritage, identity, culture, and vulnerabilities
SO 3333 Society and Religion: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Religion as an institution. Examines the social origins of religion and its functions, both positive and negative, in social movements, social control and politics.(Same as Rel 3333)
SO 3343 Gender, Crime, and Justice: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CRM 1003 and SO 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Gender differences in criminal behavior, victimization, and criminal justice processing, emphasizing the unique experiences of women in all of these areas. (Same as CRM 3343 and GS 3343)
SO 3353 Race, Crime, & Justice: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CRM 1003 and SO 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Racial differences in criminal behavior, victimization, and criminal processing, emphasizing the unique experiences of racial minorities in these areas (Same as CRM 3353 and AAS 3353)
SO 3503 Violence in the United States: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CRM 1003 and SO 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Indepth study of violence, including types of violence, categories of offenders and victims, its social consequences, and potential solutions. (Same as CRM 3503)
SO 3603 Criminological Theory: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: CRM 1003 and SO 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Survey of the major sociological and criminological explanations of crime. (Same as CRM 3603)
SO 3703 Racial and Ethnic Inequality: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SO/AN/AAS 2203, or permission of the instructor.) Three hours seminar. Review of the current literature on racial and ethnic inequality in the United States. This class focuses on contemporary topics on racial and ethnic inequality. Course can be taken three times for credit
SO 4000 Directed Individual Study in Sociology: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
SO 4113 Social Organization and Change: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SO 1003 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. An intensive examination of recent research focusing on the prediction, explanation and control of social change with attention to trends in developing countries
SO 4123 Poverty, Analysis: People, Organization and Program: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SO 1003 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Historical perspectives; problems of definition and measurement; socio-cultural situations contributing to deprivation; delineation of poverty groups; social consequences of poverty; poverty programs and organizations
SO 4133 Feminist Theories: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SO/GS/AN 1173 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Analysis and application of classical and contemporary feminist theories, exploring the intersections of gender with race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexuality, culture, social institutions, and various social contexts. (Same as EN 4133/6133: Feminist Theories and GS 4133/6133: Feminist Theories)
SO 4143 Gender, Race, and Social Movements: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. This course examines theories and research on social movements, gender and race in the United States. (Same as GS 4143/6143 and AAS 4143/6143)
SO 4153 Mentoring Youths: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: JR/SR Standing and Permission of Instructor). One hour lecture, four hours laboratory. This course trains students to mentor youth to facilitate their successful transition to productive community roles. (Same as CRM 4153)
SO 4173 Environment and Society: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: AN 1103 or SO 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. A study of the interaction between human society and the environment including the social aspects of environmental problems. (Same as AN 4173/6173)
SO 4203 The Family in the United States: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SO 1203). Three hours lecture. A study of the American family as an institution, with emphasis on change and interrelationships with other institutions
SO 4223 Comparative Family Systems: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SO 1203). Three hours lecture. A systematic study of family patterns in selected cultures of the world
SO 4233 Juvenile Delinquency: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: CRM 1003 and SO 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Critical study of problems, causes, ways of handling; attitudes, roles and relationships of persons involved, including youthful offenders, social workers, court and law enforcement officials. (Same as CRM 4233/6233)
SO 4243 Drugs, Crime and Control: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SO 1003 and CRM 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Focus on the social factors which give rise to illicit drug use, patterns and trends in drug crime and strategies to control drug crime. (Same as CRM 4243/6243)
SO 4253 White Collar and Computer Crime: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SO 1003 and CRM 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. An overview of the sociological and criminological literature in the area defined as White Collar Crime and Computer Crime. (Same as CRM 4253/6253)
SO 4273 Sociology of Education: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SO 1003 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. A sociological analysis of education as a social institution, its role in the larger society, the organization of schooling, and the social dynamics of classrooms
SO 4303 Urban Sociology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SO 1003 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. A sociological and ecological study of urban areas emphasizing the processes of population, environment, technology and social organization
SO 4323 Victimology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CRM 1003 and SO 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. A critical study of victims, examining theories of victimization, the social construction of victimization, the relationship between victims and offenders, and victim prevention efforts. (Same as CRM 4323/6323)
SO 4333 Sociology of Sport: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SO 1003 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Examination of sport as a social institution in American society, its contributions to society and to participants
SO 4343 Media, Crime and Justice: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: CRM 1003 and SO 1003) ). An overview of the role media plays in shaping criminal justice policy, as well as public knowledge about crime and the criminal justice system
SO 4403 Sociology of Gender and Sexuality: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SO 1003, or approval of instructor). Three hours lecture. Changing character of gender and sexuality and significance in various social institutions. Intersection between gender, sexuality and other forms of inequality. (Same as GS 4413/6413 Sociology of Gender and Sexuality)
SO 4413 Aging and Retirement in American Society: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: Nine hours of sociology or related disciplines). Three hours lecture. A study of the social and economic aspects of aging and of the social problems in American society related to the aged and retired groups
SO 4423 Health and Society: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Three hours in sociology or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Examines health and the health care structure of the United States as it relates to our culture, norms and social institutions
SO 4433 Sociology of Death and Dying: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite:3 hours in Sociology). Three hours lecture. Examines death as a social event,the social nature of death, relationships at the end of life, and social structural impacts on death and dying
SO 4453 Power, War, and Peace: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Introduction to three major topics in sociology/criminology: power, war and peace. Minor topics include: power and organizations, the relationship between power and war, terrorism, torture, ethnic conflict, reconstruction and reconciliation, and social movements (same as CRM 4453)
SO 4503 Gender and Work: 3 hours.
Three hours lectures. This course presents research and theories on the role of gender in shaping labor market opportunities, experiences, and rewards; remedies for enduring problems, including those applied in the United States’ workplace and abroad; and new research directions. (Same as GS 4503/6503 Gender and Work)
SO 4513 Correctional Systems: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: CRM 1003 and CRM 3603 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Survey of contemporary correctional systems and practices. Emphasis placed on the formal organization and functioning of penal systems (same as CRM 4513/6513)
SO 4523 Law and Society: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SO 1003 and CRM 1003 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Explores the social origins of law and how law can both maintain social order and bring about social change (Same as CRM 4523/6523)
SO 4543 Gender and Food: 3 hours.
Three hours seminar. A service-learning course exploring the intersections between social inequalities, food and culture, with an emphasis on communities. Overview of historic and contemporary approaches to food system and inequalities. (Same as GS 4543: Gender and Food and SW 4543: Gender and Food)
SO 4553 Compassionate Social Policy: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SO 1003 or SO 1103). Three hours lecture. This course will cover religious, philosophical, and biosocial arguments in favor of practicing compassion. The main focus will be on using The Golden Rule (i.e., treat others as you want to be treated) as a guide for the practical application of compassion. With this guide in mind, students will learn about the various social problems facing the contemporary U.S. and will be asked to critically assess and discuss various policies that can deal with these problems compassionately
SO 4623 Language And Culture: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Examination of language as a part of culture, a source of knowledge about other aspects of culture, and a social behavior. (Same as AN 4623/6623, EN 4623/6623, and LIN 4623/6623)
SO 4633 Language and Society: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Examination of relationship between language and society. How language varies regionally and socially; people’s use of and attitudes toward different ways of speaking. (Same as AN 4633/6633, EN 4633/6633, and LIN 4633/6633)
SO 4643 Race and the Media: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SO/AAS 2203, or CO 1403, or AAS 1063 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Examines the relationship between society, race, and the media. An examination of the social influence of how racial representations are produced, distributed, and consumed. (Same as AAS 4643 and CO 4643)
SO 4703 Population Problems and Processes: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SO 1003 or consent of the instructor). Three hours lecture. World population growth and its consequences, population change and national policies, family planning, recent U.S. population trends, basic demographic measurement, the demographic report
SO 4713 Social Work Senior Seminar: 3 hours.
Review and evaluation of censuses, vital statistics, and demographic surveys and their uses, with emphasis on measurement, methods, and analytical techniques
SO 4733 Community: Organization and Relationships: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SO 1003 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Rural-urban approach to community; types of local societies and community organizations; perspectives in community study
SO 4804 Social Research Practice: 4 hours.
(Prerequisite: SO 3213 or equivalent). Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Practical application of sociological analysis and methods conducting social research projects. Includes selection of methods and analytical techniques, data management, computer-based analysis, and report writing
SO 4813 Social Research Practice: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SO 3213 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Practical application of sociological analysis and methods conducting social research projects. Includes selection of methods and analytical techniques, data management, computer-based analysis, and report writing
SO 4990 Special Topics in Sociology: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)