School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Department of Behavioral Sciences

Sociology

Bachelor of Arts degree

Why choose a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology

Sociology helps you understand society, group life, social problems and human social behavior. Sociologists study human behavior as it pertains to human interaction within the guidelines of an organizational structure. The interaction between humans is more complex than the interactions between other animal species. Human behavior is greatly influenced and governed by social, religious, and legal guidelines. A sociologist studies these behaviors and the influences upon them.

Sociology gives students the tools and knowledge they need to do social research, to identify and devise solutions to social problems, to identify group influences, and to understand group dynamics. Above all, it gives students the ability and knowledge they need to understand the complexities of modern life in and the economic, political, and cultural dynamics that are in a state of constant flux.

Students in the Sociology program complete core courses in social theory and research methods. They also choose from a selection of courses dealing with different topics such as marriage and family, minority groups, health and illness, social movements, gender roles, and social stratification.

Career options with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology

The Sociology program is excellent preparation for a variety of career paths. These include careers in law, government, human services, marketing research, education, health-related systems, management, and the mass media. Many graduates continue their education in graduate or professional school in a variety of fields, while others use their analytic, research, and organizational skills to find immediate employment in a variety of settings. Studying sociology can lead to many interesting and rewarding careers.

Graduation Requirements

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is a new graduation requirement for students who will be starting Purdue University Calumet in Fall 2008. This is a new approach to teaching; students go beyond theory based learning and explore ways to gain practical knowledge within their program of study. Students will enroll in two experiential learning courses while completing their degree. Experiential learning is offered through undergraduate research, internships, service learning, cooperative education, cultural immersion/study aboard, design project or practicum. Your academic advisor will assist you in selecting an experience that is right for you.

General Admissions Information

Admission to Purdue University Calumet is based on demonstrated academic quality rank factors, which includes a high school diploma or GED, meeting subject matter requirements, grade average in degree-related subjects, as well as overall grade average, trends in achievement, class rank, SAT or ACT test scores and the strength of the college preparatory program.

• Beginning Students — Need to submit an official high school transcript or GED scores and SAT/ACT scores (writing component is required). For applicants who have graduated from high school one year or more, the appropriate placement test results from the university's Skills Assessment and Development Center will substitute for SAT or ACT scores.
• Transfer Students — Need to submit an official high school transcript or GED scores, Transfer Credit Documentation Sheet - official college/university transcripts from each institution attended (if selected for evaluation) and $30.00 Transfer Evaluation Fee (if applicable). Applicants with fewer than 15 semester credits earned must submit SAT/ACT scores or PUC placement test results

For information about admissions requirements, including International, Re-Entry, Inter-Campus Transfer, Re-Classification and Non-Degree Seeking please visit the Office of Admissions web site.