Sociology

“The fascination of sociology lies in the fact that its perspective makes us see in a new light the very world in which we have lived all of our lives.” Peter L. Berger

Major or Minor in Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of society. It examines the causes and consequences of social interaction and social change across a wide range of issues. Whether students want to make a difference in their community through service or activism, gain practical skills and knowledge to enter a career field, or pursue graduate studies, a degree in sociology is an ideal starting point. Students enrolled in this program will have opportunities in service learning, undergraduate research, internships, and travel.

The department is located in Irby Hall 306 (third floor). 501.450.3178

Mary Crawford marycc@uca.edu is the administrative assistant for the department; she can answer or direct your questions.

Degree Requirements

Students may choose to major or minor in sociology. The undergraduate program in sociology teaches students the conceptual and methodological foundations of sociology to understand the processes and patterns of social life. The Bachelor of Science in Sociology requires 33-hours of classwork which includes a 15-hour core consisting of Principles of Sociology, Statistics, Research Methods, Sociological Theory, and Seminar; additionally, students are required to complete 18 hours of electives. Students must also declare a minor in a different field of study.

BS in Sociology Checklist

Sociology Minor Checklist

Sociology (SOC)

Student Engagement

Sociology students have opportunities to present research at professional conferences, to meet experts in their fields of study, to hear alumni speak about careers, and to exchange ideas with faculty and classmates. Club participation can offer experiential learning opportunities, encourage community involvement, and help students build social networks. Majors and minors who exhibit exemplary academic performance will be invited to join an honor society. Junior or Senior year internships with local agencies are encouraged. Internships give students hands-on experiences to help them set their career goals.

Research

Students are encouraged to participate in activities that promote the understanding and application of their classroom learning. Students may earn course credits while working with faculty on independent study projects or research, and present their work at the annual Arkansas Sociological Anthropological Undergraduate Symposium and the CAHSS Student Research Symposium. Students who complete quality research might also be encouraged to submit their papers for publication in a student journal.

Internship Opportunities

The sociology, criminology, and anthropology internship program is designed to provide juniors and seniors with an opportunity to obtain valuable job-related experience and future employment contacts while still a student. For this directed field experience, students enroll in SOC 4370 and are assigned to an agency of their choice for a volunteer period of 150 hours. Past internship opportunities have included such locations as a mayor’s office; police and sheriff departments; the United States Marshals Service headquarters in Washington, D.C.; hospitals; the Department of Human Services; Arkansas Educational Television Network; the Faulkner County Museum; Toltec Mounds; and numerous human services agencies. Please contact Internship Coordinator Dr. Janet Wilson for additional information on internship opportunities (jwilson@uca.edu, 450-5580).

Sociology Club

The University of Central Arkansas’s Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology is proud to sponsor the undergraduate Sociology Club. This is a Recognized Student Organization (RSO) that seeks to provide sociology majors and minors an opportunity to mature academically and professionally in an informal setting; in addition, the group appeals to students of other disciplines to promote social growth and plentiful student relationships. While this organization has faculty representatives, it is governed and managed by students. All members are contacted through various platforms prior to any meeting or event. For additional information, please contact sociology Faculty Advisor Dr. Stacy Lom (slom@uca.edu).

Alpha Kappa Delta   2019-2020 NATIONAL CHAPTER OF THE YEAR

Outstanding sociology students are invited to join Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD). AKD is the international sociology honor society that was founded in 1920 at the University of Southern California by Dr. Emory S. Bogardus and became affiliated with The Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) in 1967.  AKD is also affiliated with the American Sociological Association (ASA).  The purpose of Alpha Kappa Delta is to seek to acknowledge and promote excellence in the scholarship in the study of sociology, the research of social problems, and such other social and intellectual activities as will lead to improvement in the human condition.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

    • Maintain the equivalent of a 3.3 overall GPA
    • Major, minor, or show an interest in the academic discipline of sociology
  • Complete at least four regular courses in sociology
  • Maintain the equivalent of a 3.0 GPA in sociology courses

If you have any questions or interest, please contact Alpha Kappa Delta advisor Dr. Matthew Moore (mdmoore@uca.edu)

Awards

Each semester up to three sociology students may be recognized for scholarly research or for their exceptional representation of the department.

The C. Wright Mills Outstanding Sociology Student Award

The Dr. Carl Redden Outstanding Sociology Intern Award

The Gordon and Faye Shepherd Student Research Award

Experiential Learning

Death and Dying, Social Gerontology, and Urban Sociology are among the sociology courses that enhance in-class learning by offering off-campus field trips and volunteer opportunities.

Travel Seminars

Cultural immersion is achieved through Travel Seminar classes. These trips provide students with first-hand experience in research and cultural practices. Most recently, students traveled to the Four Corners region of the United States and the Navajo reservation. Students participated in data collection, toured ruins, museums and cultural centers, interacted with Native Americans, and increased their camping and hiking skills.