Degrees

Click Student Internships to see the type of internship opportunities open to students involved in sociology-related programs at Mount St. Mary's College.

Major in Sociology
Areas of Specialization
Minor in Sociology

Major in Sociology

The Sociology major prepares students for professional careers in fields including: social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, health and human services, non-profit organizations, community relations, communications, human resources, program/marketing evaluation, entertainment industry, criminology areas such as probation, law enforcement, prevention, and rehabilitation, and in government offices and agencies, such as the U.S. Census Bureau, Social Security Administration, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Administration, Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Health Statistics, Congressional Research Service, State Department, and offices of government representatives.

B.A. Degree in Sociology core required courses:

• SOC 5 Sociological Perspectives (3)
• SOC 117 Quantitative Research Methods (3)
• SOC 118 Ethnography (3)
• SOC 166 Sociological Theory (3)
• SOC 197 Internship and Practicum (3)

Plus seven additional courses in sociology. A maximum of 12 lower division units in Sociology may be counted toward completion of the major. These units cannot, however, include lower division internship units (SOC 25).

To fulfill a B.A. Degree in Sociology students must complete the sociology requirements, the general studies requirements, and the modern language requirement for a total of 124 units. 

Total units in Sociology: 36

Areas of Specialization

The following specializations within the sociology major are available, but not required. However, a specialization can enhance your preparation for certain career directions, as discussed within each specialization. The courses required within each specialization will count toward the required 36 units for the major in sociology.

At the bachelor's level, there are seven specialization options in Sociology:

• Criminology—Excellent preparation for careers in law enforcement, probation, crime prevention, forensic research, law studies, and rehabilitation programs for at-risk populations (children, youth, and adults).
• Global Studies—Designed as preparatory for entry-level careers in areas such as cross-cultural relations, international relations, environmental studies, economic development, or global communications.
• Medical Sociology—Recommended for human services professional development, specifically related to health care policy, access, and management.
• Race, Class, and Gender—Race and ethnic relations, labor relations, human resources, or public policy.
• Communications—Preparation for careers in mass media, such as film, television and radio broadcasting production.
• Social Services—Preparation for careers in social work, non-profit organizations, and government social service agencies.
• Family Relations—For students interested in working with couples and families in a variety of social service settings.

Back to Top of Page

Minor in Sociology

A minimum of six courses, two of which must include:

• SOC 5 Sociological Perspectives (3)
• SOC 166 Sociological Theory (3)

Plus four elective courses in the Sociology curriculum.

Total units for the Minor in Sociology: 18

Back to Top of Page