An undergraduate degree in sociology provides background for a wide range of careers, including those in social service, criminal justice, corrections, business, human resources management, applied social research, and secondary education. A major in sociology 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. As such, an undergraduate degree in sociology provides an important foundation for these careers as well.

Want to find out more? Check out the Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions by Sociology Majors (below), and the Fall 2007 Department of Sociology's official undergraduate studies newsletter, The Sociologist.

Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions by Sociology Majors

1.     Why is there a mathematics prerequisite for 34:10?

The statistics/methods requirements for the Sociology degree require that students have a reasonable degree of proficiency in calculus and/or finite math in order to understand the basic concepts and do well in the courses. Because in the past our majors did not consistently have such a background, the department instituted a prerequisite for the initial statistics course (34:10).

2.     What can I do with a Sociology major once I graduate?

One of the advantages of a major in Sociology is that you can use it in a variety of ways, including careers in social work, education, marketing, political science, and community service. Additionally, you can use a BA or BS in Sociology to prepare for graduate school and law school. See the Careers in Sociology section of this site for more information about what you can do with a degree in sociology. You can also visit your advisor or the Department of Sociology faculty for additional information on this subject.

3.     Why do I need to take two electives after 34:09, 34:10, 34:11 –and are there any electives that don’t count as required electives?

The philosophy behind this requirement is that the core courses (34:09,10 &11) for the major are designed to prepare you with the knowledge of how to think about sociological concepts and "do" sociological research. Therefore, the department requires that you take at least two electives after these initial courses so that you have the opportunity to apply what you have learned from their core courses. Thus, this requirement emphasizes the cumulative nature of sociology coursework.

There are courses that do not count as electives to be taken after the core courses. These are 34:002, 34:100, 34:196, 34:197 & 34:198.

4.     What do I need to do to get a minor in Sociology?

A minor in Sociology requires 15 semester hours -at least 12 semester hours of which must be at The University of Iowa - including Sociological Theory (34:009).

5.     Is it possible for me to switch advisors?

Yes. If for any reason you wish to change advisors, you may do so in the Sociology Department office in W140 Seashore Hall.

6.     What can I do while I am at UI to gain "practical experience" in sociology to prepare for the job market or graduate school.

There are a number of things you can do if you are interested in gaining hands-on experience in sociology. Many students who are interested in criminology and/or criminal justice enroll in our internship in criminal justice and corrections. This internship gives students the opportunity to work in a variety of local criminal justice settings.

You may also take independent study or field experience hours and work in the community. Students interested in areas such as child development, mental health, and the sociology of sport can seek faculty who have similar interests and gain experience while gaining hours toward their degree.

Finally, there are a number of resources on campus for students who are interested in internships. If you are interested in studying abroad, working in Washington, DC, or simply want a local internship that pays and/or provides hours toward your degree, surfing the University of Iowa web sites can provide a great deal of information about local, national, and international opportunities.

For more information about these opportunities, see your advisor, see the University web site, and browse through the Advising and Careers section of this web site.

7.     How do I earn “honors” in Sociology?

If you are interested in participating in the Department’s Honor’s Program, you must maintain a 3.33 GPA on all work attempted and all work in the major. In addition, you must enroll in an honors seminar (34:100) in your junior year, take a departmental honors course, and write and defend a senior honors project under the supervision of a faculty member selected by you. Completing this program entitles you to graduate with honors in Sociology.

For more information about graduating with honors in Sociology, see your advisor and visit the Honors section of this web site.

8.     What is the advantage to getting a BS instead of a BA in Sociology?

Many of our undergraduate majors go on to graduate or law school. These students may find it particularly beneficial to obtain a BS in Sociology. Additionally, some career opportunities for our students require more experience in mathematics and /or philosophy than is required by a BA degree. If you are interested in exploring a BS in Sociology, read the requirements provided on this web site and meet with your advisor.

9.     What can I do if I have a grievance regarding a grade that I received from a TA or professor?

Students who have complaints regarding grading are responsible for following University procedures outlined in the schedule of courses. If these procedures are unclear, or if you have additional questions, visit the Academic Programs and Services office at 120 Schaeffer Hall during the hours of 8:00-4:30 or call 335-2633.

 10.     What are the costs and benefits of having a double major?

There are many reasons students might be interested in pursuing a double major. Many times students have multiple interests, are pursuing careers that emphasize training in more than one field, or are interested in combining areas in their own academic endeavors. Sociology is an excellent major to combine with a variety of fields such as psychology, anthropology, business, and Health & Sport Studies.

Students who are not necessarily interested in combining majors, but find themselves with "extra hours" after finishing the Sociology degree may consider taking classes broadly in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. There are a variety of excellent courses offered through this University that can go unnoticed when students feel the need to focus on two or three majors. A broad liberal arts education can also be a powerful tool when building a professional resume or academic vitae.

For more information on this topic, you should see your advisor. Discussing your goals with someone else often helps when making decisions about whether or not to obtain a second major, what combination of majors will work best for your needs, and what strategies work best for obtaining a more general liberal arts degree if you decide against a double major.