University Catalog 2024-2025
Department of Sociology
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Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Xavier South 500 - (504) 520-7400 - https://www.xula.edu/department/department-of-sociology.html
The primary reasons for majoring in sociology are knowledge (intriguing course content and skill development) and practice (diverse career options). Sociology offers breadth and flexibility that make a young professional prepared for a diverse array of fields. In addition to graduate study in sociology, public health, criminal justice, counseling, urban affairs, public administration, education, law, and social work, graduates work in the private and public sector in fields such as research, counseling, community organizing, government, union organizing, teaching, and coaching.
The Department of Sociology provides a program of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree. Students are expected to meet the requirements of the Sociology Department and the College of Arts and Sciences. The department is simultaneously committed to the Mission Statement of Xavier and to the discipline.
The goals of the department are:
- To prepare majors for graduate and professional study in fields related to sociology such as: social work, counseling, public health, criminal justice, law, public administration, or urban planning;
- To prepare majors for graduate study in sociology leading to the terminal degree;
- To prepare students for employment in business, education, government, media, health, and public or social service;
- To provide students with a global perspective of society, cultures, and institutions; and
- To develop students’ critical and analytical reasoning skills, most especially through the use of sociological research methods.
The Department of Sociology offers a B.A. in Sociology, a B.A. in Sociology with a Concentration in Health, Medicine and Society, a B.A. in Sociology with a Concentration in Crime & Social Justice, and a Minor in Sociology. Students may also tailor their curriculum to focus in a specific area of interest such as crime and deviance, race, or gender.
Xavier University’s program in sociology offers students the flexibility to pursue their individual academic and career goals. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the flexibility in the major, the core curriculum, and up to 34 free elective credits, to study abroad, double major, or double minor. Each student is required to complete either an internship (SOCI 4950 ) or three credits of independent study (SOCI 4901 , SOCI 4902 or SOCI 4903 ), which also promotes individualized learning. Students should work closely and early on with their academic advisors to design an individualized plan of study to help them attain their academic and professional goals.
Students majoring in sociology must earn 37 credit hours in sociology in both required and elective sociology courses as well as additional courses required for specialized concentrations (see specific course requirements below). Students must also successfully pass a senior comprehensive exam. It is recommended that students enroll in SOCI 4999 in the semester before they intend to graduate. A minimum of 120 credit hours are required for graduation. In order for any course to be counted for degree credit in the major, a student must earn a “C” or better. All majors must also complete MATH 1020 (STAT 2010 ) with a “C” or better. These credits may be applied toward the required courses in the College of Arts and Sciences Core. Particular sociology courses (SOCI 1010 , SOCI 1015 , SOCI 2040 , SOCI 2500 , SOCI 3025 ) may be counted toward both the major and the College of Arts and Sciences Core.
Concentration in Sociology - Students choosing a double concentration in Sociology and another discipline may complete any 12 hours of Sociology coursework. An additional 12 hours is required in one other selected discipline of which specific courses might be required. Students are advised to check with the department that houses the second discipline for the most up-to-date requirements.
Honors in Sociology - Students with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 will graduate with an honors distinction in Sociology by completing a minimum of any three Sociology courses with a total of nine credit hours with a combined GPA in all sociology courses of 3.5 or higher. This distinction and its criterion of a 3.5 GPA in Sociology apply to all students, including students majoring and minoring in Sociology. To be eligible, students must have an overall GPA of 3.0.
ProgramsBachelor of ArtsNon-degree
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