Sociology, B.A. or B.S. (5810)

The mission of the Sociology Program at the University of Tennessee at Martin is to teach students how to apply the sociological perspective to social life. Students learn fundamental sociological concepts, as well as being trained in theoretical critical thinking, methods of social research and global perspectives allowing them to become both civic and global learners. Through in-depth analysis of major social institutions and processes, students are taught to think from a holistic social perspective which allows them to arrive at an understanding of how people and organizations behave in society.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Sociology Program:

Diverse and global perspectives - (Civic and global learning). Explains diverse positions, including those representing different cultural interests on a contested public perception, and evaluates the perception in light of evidence drawn from scholarship.
Qualitative and quantitative critical thinking - (Intellectual skills). Constructs mathematical analyses for issues initially described in social; locates, evaluates, incorporates and properly cites multiple information resources.
Theoretical critical thinking - (Intellectual skills). Differentiates and evaluates theories and approaches to selected social problems within sociology.
Creative problem solving - (Broad and integrative knowledge). Proposes an innovative and creative solution to a complex social issue that draws on specific theories, tools, and methods from at least two fields of study.
Holistic social perspective - (Specialized knowledge). Integrates knowledge from multiple subfields drawing on current research, scholarship, and techniques in the field of sociology.

The program offers a major and minor in sociology. Students take courses with experienced and professionally active faculty who are interested in the quality of education that is received. Faculty members attend conferences and conduct research not only to advance the discipline, but also to increase their own understanding of the subject matter.

As students develop skills and understanding of the research process they are able to participate in faculty-initiated projects or to design and pursue their own studies. Those who wish to pursue graduate study are actively helped to locate in a graduate department compatible with their interests and needs. Those who choose to seek employment upon completion of their degrees will enter the labor force with marketable skills in data analysis, oral and written communication, and study design.

A grade of C or above is required in all major courses. In addition to the general education requirements, a minor or second major is required for both the B.S. and B.A. degrees.

Bachelor of Arts General Education

Bachelor of Science General Education

B.A. or B.S. Curriculum

A major consists of 33 hours:

SOC 201 - General Sociology Credit(s): 3
SOC 202 - Social Problems Credit(s): 3
SOC 318 - Social Research Methods Credit(s): 3
SOC 319 - Data Analysis Credit(s): 3
SOC 402 - Sociological Theory Credit(s): 3
SOC 497 - Senior Seminar Credit(s): 3
15 additional upper-division hours in sociology courses.