Sociology Advising Guide
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work
What is Sociology?
Working together: The Bachelor and Master of Arts in Sociology!
Sociology is the study of social life, focusing on society, the individual in society, and social change. Using various research methodologies, sociology offers descriptions as well as explanations for social realities and inequalities, which may guide social policy initiatives and programs for social change. At the University of South Alabama, the sociology program concentrates on crime and deviance, environmental sociology, family and aging, gender and sexuality, medical sociology, religion, social psychology, social stratification and mobility, and work and labor markets. In addition to working closely with sociology faculty, students can collaborate with faculty in anthropology and social work and can simultaneously pursue an undergraduate certificate in gerontology. We strive to improve our social world within both local and global communities, working with community partners to increase life chances in our collective pursuit of social justice.
The mission of the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is (1) to teach the student core sociological perspectives, (2) to expose the student to a range of sociological topics for investigation, (3) to provide the student with the essential skills for social research and analysis, and (4) to prepare the student for the Master of Arts in Sociology or related fields, or for an applied career in professional settings.
The mission of the Master of Arts in Sociology is to provide students with advanced training in sociological theory and social science research methods for enhanced understanding of several specialized subject areas of sociology: crime and deviance; environmental sociology; family, aging, and the life course; gender; medical sociology; religion; social psychology; stratification and mobility; and work and labor markets. In addition to working closely with sociology graduate faculty, students can collaborate with graduate faculty in anthropology and social work and can simultaneously pursue a graduate certificate in gerontology. The Master of Arts in Sociology, designed for full-time students to finish in four academic semesters, can prepare students for doctoral-level study or for careers in teaching, private industry, government, or community and social service.
Career Opportunities in Sociology
Sociology offers a wealth of opportunities, especially for students who complete the Bachelor and Master programs. Although sociologists work primarily in university settings, from university administration to faculty, the strong social justice theme in sociology can lead to opportunities in local, state, and federal government, for-profit and not-for-profit foundations, and research institutes. Sociology also offers a wealth of professional organizations that will serve to focus students on their career objectives. Please explore what Sociology has to offer:
American Sociological Association
Mid-South Sociological Association
Society for the Study of Social Problems
Salary Trends in Sociology
Unlike more vocationally-oriented majors, such as majors in business, engineering,
or the health professions, A&S majors tend to study a greater range of topics outside
of their immediate major area. This greater breadth provides an interdisciplinary
perspective that complements the more linear education in the student’s major area.
As a result, A&S majors are compatible with a wide-range of career options. A large
2012 survey of employers found that 81% of employers will consider any degree, so most employers do not require a specific degree. So A&S majors typically find
post-graduate employment at rates comparable to more vocationally-specific degrees,
Furthermore, longitudinal studies which have followed college graduates over time
have shown that Arts and Sciences graduates' rates of salary growth often exceed those of more vocationally-specific
majors. For example, a 2010 longitudinal survey of college majors after graduation found
that:
“Occupationally specific degrees are beneficial at the point of entry into the labor market but have the lowest growth in occupational status over time. Students earning credentials focusing on general skills, in contrast, begin in jobs with low occupational status but subsequently report the greatest growth.”
Another longitudinal study concluded that:
"Employment across educational fields is almost identical for individuals aged 35-44, and beyond age 45, humanities graduates actually have higher rates of employment than those in other fields. After age 45, humanities and social science majors’ salaries overtake those of counterparts in other fields."
Finally, A&S majors have on average the highest rates of increase from starting to mid-career salary, with Math, Philosophy, International Studies, Physics, Political Science, Chemistry, and Journalism all scoring in the top 10 among all majors in rate of salary growth to mid-career.
High School Preparation
Many students are not exposed to sociology until college; however, even if your high school does not offer sociology courses, there are still high school classes you may find useful before entering college and declaring a major or minor in sociology. Depending on your particular interests in sociology, please consider taking coursework in social studies, history or other social sciences, and math (statistics is especially useful). Computer skills are important, as are good writing skills. Courses that encourage critical thinking, to question our social world, are especially useful.
How to Major in Sociology
Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology:
Credit Hours A minimum of 33 semester hours in Sociology, including:
SY 109 Introductory Sociology
SY 112 Social Problems
SY 406 Sociological Theory
SY 407 Social Research Design
SY 409 Social Research Analysis
AN 100 or 101 Introduction to Anthropology
At least 17 of the 35 semester hours required for a major must be taken in upper division courses (300-400 level). No more than six semester hours of Directed Studies may be used in meeting the major requirements. Students pursuing a degree in Sociology also must have a minor in another discipline.
Requirements for a Master of Arts in Sociology:
Students can apply for admission to the Master of Arts Program in Sociology to begin
study in the Fall or
Spring semester. However, it is highly recommended that students apply for admission
to begin study in
the Fall semester as per the academic structure of the Master of Arts Program in Sociology.
See below,
and the Graduate School, for important application deadlines.
The following Requirements for Admission to the Master of Arts Program in Sociology
supplement the
categories of admission as stipulated by the Graduate School.
Requirements for Admission
Regular Admission
1. Baccalaureate degree or coursework in a social science discipline from an accredited
institution of higher education.
2. Applicants to graduate programs in Arts and Sciences typically have a minimum GPA
of
at least a 3.0 on all undergraduate work. In exceptional cases, applicants may be
considered with at least
a 2.5 GPA on all undergraduate work, or at least a 2.75 GPA on the last 60 hours of
undergraduate work.
3. Completion of the University of South Alabama on-line Graduate Application for
Admission.
4. Official academic transcripts from each college or university attended, even if
the
applicant did not earn credit at the institution.
5. Submission of a statement of purpose—approximately two (2), single-spaced pages
in
length—that provides an intellectual autobiography of the applicant, an indication
of the applicant's areas
of specialized interest within sociology, and a description of the applicant's academic
and career goals.
6. One (1) writing sample, preferably generated for evaluation in completed coursework
toward the baccalaureate degree.
7. Two (2) letters of recommendation that detail the applicant's capacity for success
in, and
for timely completion of, a master's program of study. Each letter of recommendation
should also
address the applicant's ability and willingness to work cooperatively within the Department
of Sociology,
Anthropology, and Social Work and cooperatively among the University of South Alabama's
broader
academic community. Both letters of recommendation must be written by college or university
faculty
members who are familiar with the applicant's academic work.
Applicants who wish to be considered for financial assistance through a Graduate Assistantship
must
submit a Graduate Assistant Appointment Form directly to the Master of Arts Program
in Sociology, care
of the Graduate Coordinator. Applicants who wish to be considered for Fall admission
to the Master of
Arts Program in Sociology, and for a Graduate Assistantship, should submit all pertinent
application
materials to the appropriate recipient by March 1. Review of admission and Graduate
Assistantship
applications will begin immediately thereafter and continue until all available Graduate
Assistantships are
awarded.
Special Programs, Internships, and Directed Studies
We encourage students to take advantage of the many hands-on opportunities in Sociology available to them while at USA. Numerous internships are also available with area institutions including: Area Agency on Aging; Feeding the Gulf Coast; Center for Fair Housing; Gulf States Health Policy Research Center; Mobile Police Department; Inner City Mission; USA Center for Healthy Communities; USA Office for Study Abroad; and Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center.
Students are especially encouraged to engage in independent research with faculty through Directed Studies, Senior Theses, and Honors Theses. Funding for faculty research often allows faculty to employ undergraduate research assistants. Students should check with the Department Chair about funded research opportunities.
The USA Certificate Program in Gerontology has its academic home in the department; students may minor in gerontology or earn a certificate at the undergraduate or graduate level. The department is also affiliated with academic programs in Forensic Sciences, Museum Studies, and Native American Studies and with the Center for Generational Studies and the Center for Archaeological Studies.
Sociology Highlights
The Master of Arts Program in Sociology typically funds 3-5 assistantships each year. Graduate faculty are active in research and professional organizations and encourage student participation in research.
Community engagement is a priority for sociology faculty, as demonstrated by their volunteer work in a wide variety of community-based organizations and charities including: Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners, Alabama Contemporary Arts Center (formerly Centre for the Living Arts), Feeding the Gulf Coast, Children’s Policy Council, Council Traditional School, Drug Education Council, 15 Place, Girls Explore Math and Science (GEMS), Gulf Coast Exploreum, Historic Blakely Foundation, Housing First, Junior League, League of Women Voters, One Mobile, Mayor’s Leaders Now, Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau, Mobile Homeless Connect, Mobile Medical Museum, Mobile Youth Works Council, Prichard Preparatory Academy, Project Hope, and USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital. Internships are available for students who want community-based experiences related to their studies.
Study Abroad Opportunities
The University encourages all students to participate in study abroad and makes programs available to let students go all over the world and study many different topics. It is particularly easy for Sociology majors to do so, since one of the University’s cornerstone programs, "USA in the UK” program, is run by a sociology faculty member, Dr. Doug Marshall. Under his leadership, Sociology will always be a part of study abroad opportunities. For Sociology majors, study abroad expands their ability to recognize, describe, and theorize global and local issues outside of the United States.
Studying abroad is an exciting and meaningful experience that will contribute to your academic and personal development. Participating on a study abroad program can be one of the most profound decisions of your college life, and can lead to many new and interesting opportunities. It can help develop your critical thinking skills, sense of independence, and confidence. When you depart on your study abroad program, you will go with excitement, trepidation, and uncertainty about the world and your place in it. When you return home, your deep connection and affection for your host culture will be overwhelming, and will only be matched by a newfound respect and appreciation for your home.
Study abroad is the opportunity for USA students to spend time in a different country while earning credit towards your degree through taking classes, interning, volunteering, and more. There are many different types of study abroad available to you at USA. They include faculty-led programs, international exchange programs, and direct-enroll and affiliate programs.
Students on faculty-led programs will travel as a group led by USA professors and take classes in various locations. All courses taken on these programs are USA courses and offer USA credits that will apply to your degree. International Exchange programs are partnerships with specific universities around the world with which USA has a special, reciprocal relationship. Students enroll directly at the host university, and students from the host university attend USA. USA affiliate programs allow students to enroll at a partner university or program through a third-party provider. GPA requirements vary by program.
You should think of the Study Abroad Office as a one-stop shop for information related to your study abroad experience. The Study Abroad (https://www.southalabama.edu/studyabroad/) team is excited to assist you as you navigate through the process of choosing a program, and will help you from the advising stage until you return from your program. You can get started by coming to meet with an advisor during Walk-In Advising hours. During an advising session, you can gain general information about the many programs available, how the application process works at USA and general guidance on where to begin.
Be sure to visit the OIE Study Abroad website at https://www.southalabama.edu/studyabroad/ to begin your research. The website contains information on how to get started, financing your program, and a comprehensive list of pre-approved study abroad programs and partners. While researching a passport or visa programs, consider the following: eligibility requirements, location, course offerings, and costs. You should also meet with your faculty advisor for assistance in selecting a program based on courses related to your degree.
Studying abroad can be one of the highlights of your university career, giving you wonderful and challenging experiences that will allow you to grow both academically and professionally. Where will you study abroad?
Academic Plan
Following an academic plan will help you stay on track to graduate in four years.
To see a sample academic plan for Sociology, please click here. Degree plans provide only a suggested schedule; make sure to meet with your academic advisor to find the actual schedule that is right for you.
For More Information
Please contact Dr. Roma Hanks (rhanks@southalabama.edu) or Dr. Chris Freed (cfreed@southalabama.edu) with any questions about our programs.
You can find us on campus at:
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work
5991 USA Drive North
Humanities Building Rm. 34
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
Phone: (251) 460-6347
Fax: (251) 460-7925