The minor in sociology provides students with an understanding of the theory, practice and policy underlying issues of social change, inequality and diversity.
You can learn the vital research skills needed for analyzing complex social issues, skills which are valuable assets in journalism, politics and public administration.
The minor program in sociology, offered by the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, provides students with an understanding of the theory, practice and policy underlying issues of social change, inequality and diversity. These issues are approached from multiple perspectives, including race or ethnicity, gender, economic position, age, geographic location and position in the global political economy.
The student minoring in sociology learns how sociology enhances one's understanding of social realities and institutions at local, national and international levels and how it contributes to the other social sciences and to the humanities.
Students gain a basic understanding of the assumptions underlying the discipline of sociology and develop the research skills necessary for analysis of complex social issues. These objectives are met by offering a flexible program and by providing the student with individual and group experiences in working with faculty members on concrete intellectual and policy issues.
At A Glance
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
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Program requirements
Degree requirements
The minor in sociology requires 18 credit hours in sociology, of which 12 credit hours must be upper-division courses.
Required Courses:
SOC 101 Introductory Sociology, SB (3)Select one course from the following list:
SBS 303 Quantitative Methods (3)
SBS 304 Social Statistics I, CS (3)
SOC 390 Social Statistics I, CS (3)
SOC 391 Research Methods, L or SB (3)
SOC 483 History of Social Thought, SB (3)
SOC 486 Contemporary Theory, SB (3)Additional Sociology Electives (12 credit hours)
Depending upon a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
Enrollment requirements
GPA Requirement: None
Incompatible Majors: BS or BA in sociology
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Students interested in pursuing a minor should consult their academic advisor to declare the minor and to ensure that an appropriate set of courses is taken. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and the minor. Students should contact their academic advisor for more information.
Career outlook
Graduates are prepared for employment in corporate or governmental organizations or to continue their studies in graduate programs in sociology, social science or professional schools.
The sociological perspective is applicable to a wide variety of jobs in business and management; government, social services, the criminal justice system and the health professions. Coursework in sociology provides a valuable preparation for careers in journalism, law, the nonprofit sector, public administration and public relations. These are all fields that involve investigative skills and an ability to work with diverse groups.
Graduates with an advanced degree in sociology may become community activists, community developers, criminologists, demographers, gerontologists, organizational advocate, research analysts, statisticians, survey researchers or urban planners.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Community Health Workers | 18.1% | $38,370 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | 23.4% | $48,790 |
| Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators | 10.4% | $60,670 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 5.7% | $51,410 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | 18% | $64,100 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 14.2% | $44,380 |
| Sociologists | 1.3% | $79,650 |
| Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary | 9.8% | $73,080 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 19.3% | $43,250 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | 12.8% | $71,490 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation