


Sociology studies principles of social-psychology, stratification, and criminology in small groups, private and public organizations, neighborhoods, communities, and entire societies, with recent efforts focused on globalization. Soft skills include the abilities to think critically and creatively, communicate, lead, and work with people from diverse backgrounds. Hard skills include the ability to statistically analyze data (e.g., survey and census data), do program evaluation, and communicate statistical results to policymakers.
Why
Study Sociology at Iowa? The sociology faculty at Iowa are strong in the areas of social psychology, criminology, inequality, organizations, and family/gender studies, and are focused on maintaining high-quality undergraduate education. In the past few years, the department has developed four special programs for undergraduates. A continuing grant from the provost’s office focuses on strengthening writing skills. The University also has been investing considerable resources for internationalization of courses at the undergraduate level. Internships in the criminal justice and human services areas allow students to earn course credit while gaining work experience. Finally, the department offers a capstone course that provides special preparation for the school-to-work transition, and transitions to graduate school and law school. Course
Work Core courses, to be taken in the following order, include Introduction to Sociology: Principles; Sociological Theory; Quantitative Data Analysis; Research Methods; and the Sociology Capstone Course. Although the department does not offer specialized degrees within sociology, students who have specific career plans may concentrate on particular areas when choosing their elective courses. These areas include:
BA in Sociology Before taking Theory, Research, and Statistics, students must complete a college-level mathematics course (e.g., calculus, finite mathematics, or elementary functions). BS in Sociology The BS program requires 30 s.h. in sociology and 15 s.h. in mathematics and science. Five electives and the Capstone Course in Sociology are required, as well as the following additional courses: Calculus I and II; Probability and Statistics; and Introduction to Symbolic Logic or Introduction to Philosophy of Science. Minor Sociology is an excellent major to combine with such fields as psychology, social work, anthropology, business, or health and sport studies. Honors Outstanding students may join the campus chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, the national honor society for sociology students. Student
Activities Undergraduate sociology majors may become members of the American Sociological Association and the Midwest Sociological Society. Membership benefits include discounts on professional journals and publications informing students about careers and graduate programs. Also, members attend professional meetings to network with others in the field. The Iowa Sociological Association holds an annual meeting to simulate professional academic meetings. Students present papers to an audience of faculty and students as part of a competition. Internships The Washington Center offers University of Iowa students 6 to 12 s.h. of credit for internships in Washington, D.C. Students live and work in one of the most important cities of the world and experience the professional arena of the nation’s capital as well as its cultural diversity. Students may take advantage of several opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the field. Students interested in criminology or criminal justice enroll in a University internship program that puts them to work in a variety of local criminal justice settings. A similar program is available for internships in the human services area. Independent study or field experience hours provide ways to work in the community. Students interested in areas such as child development, mental health, and the sociology of sport can work with noted faculty, gaining experience and credit hours. Many internships are available for students interested in teaching. The Undergraduate Teaching Assistantship offers senior sociology majors the opportunity to gain insight into and experience in teaching as well as adding valuable experience to their résumés. They are required to attend the course they assist with and hold office hours in order to help enrolled students. Careers The degree also prepares students for graduate or professional study in such areas as social work, urban planning, law, criminal justice, and social policy. Teaching positions in colleges or universities and research positions in academic, private, and governmental organizations often require advanced degrees in sociology. Scholarships |
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