Sociology

Julia Ericksen, Chair
julia.ericksen@temple.edu
(215) 204 - 7763

Gretchen Condran, Undergraduate Chair
gcondran@temple.edu
(215) 204 - 1452
http://www.temple.edu/sochealth

Wendy Massias, Undergraduate Secretary
Department of Sociology
713 Gladfelter Hall
wenmas@temple.edu
(215) 204 - 1494
(215)  204 - 7760
http://www.temple.edu/sociology

Note: Department chairs frequently change at the beginning of the academic year.  Students should contact departments for updated information.

Undergraduate majors can complete the general Major in Sociology or specialize in the Health Track in Sociology.  The sociology department offers three programs for non-majors:  a minor in sociology, a minor in the sociology of health, and a certificate in health research. 

Sociology is the study of human behavior in the context of the groups, organizations, institutions, and societies in which it occurs.  The sociology department offers courses covering a wide range of topics, including: contemporary social issues, race and racism, sexuality and gender, health and health care, education, urban life, organizations, family, political life, law, international development and globalization.  The sociological perspective pays close attention to diversity in culture, values, and human experience.

Majoring in sociology prepares students for many careers and graduate programs by providing both a broad sociological perspective and specific research, statistical and analytic skills.  Students gain experience in fieldwork; interviewing; developing, administering and analyzing surveys; statistical analysis; and writing research reports.  Sociology provides an excellent background for students planning to begin their careers upon graduation as well as those planning to pursue graduate education.  Recent graduates have gone to work and graduate school in the areas of law, medicine, business, non-profits, community planning, social work, market research, and education.

Students who are interested in a career in the health field can pursue a special sociology major focused on health related course work.  The Health Track in Sociology prepares students for graduate studies in leading medical, dental, nursing, public health, and physical and occupational therapy programs as well as graduate programs in sociology and related fields.  While acquiring the analytic and research skills of the general sociology major, those in the health track have opportunities to participate in specially designed health internships while studying important issues surrounding health and health care.

Student organizations

Sociology majors are invited to participate in the Sociology Undergraduate Majors and Minors Association (SUMMA), which hosts academic and social events throughout the year.  The department sponsors the Annual Student Research Conference in which students can present their work. 

Awards

Awards available to sociology majors include the Othella Vaughn Award, Robert K. Merton Award, and the Sociology Prize.

Distinction in Major

To receive Distinction in the Major, a student must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 in all sociology courses and a minimum overall grade point average of 3.25.

Summary of Requirements for the Major in Sociology

● The major requires a minimum of eleven sociology courses, including a sequence of research methods courses, a sociological theory course, the writing capstone, and six electives at various levels. 
● Students must take two social science courses at the 100 level or above selected from a department other than sociology. 

Requirements for the Major in Sociology

Electives

Summary of Requirements for the Health Track in Sociology

● The health track in sociology requires a minimum of eleven sociology courses, including a sequence of research methods courses, a sociological theory course, the writing capstone, three designated health related electives, and three additional electives.
● Students must take two designated health-related courses from outside the Sociology Department.
● Students in the health track must complete at least three sociology electives designated as health related.

Requirements for the Health Track in Sociology

* Indicates writing capstone for major

Electives

Summary of Requirements for the Minor in Sociology