Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) at the University of the Incarnate Word provides students with a strong foundation in sociological theory and research and insight into the nature of people as social beings.
Why Sociology?
Sociology is a social science that studies society and the social activity of human beings. Sociologists are interested in discovering and explaining how and why people think, feel and act the way they do, focusing on groups and categories of people sharing common characteristics. Graduates with sociology degrees have an ability to navigate relationships and the globalizing world, think broadly, write and communicate effectively, and work through complex problems with a scientific approach, giving them an immediate advantage in the eyes of many employers.
Sociology Curriculum
The B.A. in Sociology is a 120-hour degree program that is committed to the development of the “sociological imagination” and the fostering of action based on a progressive social consciousness. Empirical evidence, derived from scientific investigation, is fundamental to sociological inquiry. Topics of sociological inquiry include culture, religion, government, economics, education, race relations, the family, medicine, mental health and food.
Students work and learn from award-winning and frequently published faculty considered experts in the field. Faculty are sought for their valuable insight into various areas of society and the social actions of human beings. The program’s small class sizes allow for more individual attention and mentorship from faculty. Courses such as the Directed Practicum/Internship I and II provide additional specialized attention by working experts and sociologists in the field and help students begin their journeys on their desired career paths.
The program offers two specialization plans within the degree that allow students to tailor their academic experience to their post-graduation aspirations.
Specializations
For the academic specialization, UIW students take 15 credit hours of required courses with an additional 21 credit hours in elective Sociology courses, at least 12 of which are upper division. Students following this plan are required to have a minor in the field of their choice.
The professional specialization plan includes 24 credit hours of required courses, six additional courses in Sociology, and a pair of the following courses:
- Aging in America - Death in America
- Crime and Delinquency - Criminal Justice
- The Family - Child and Adolescent Development
Students following this path are also required to take Directed Practicum/Internship I and II, Management Theory and Practice, and Human Resource Management.
Practicum/Internship in Sociology
During their senior year, students have the opportunity to enroll in Directed Practicum/Internship I and II. These courses provide an educationally directed program under the supervision of faculty and field professionals to acquire further skills and test theories and skills acquired in the classroom. Over the required 180 field hours, students gain experience in select fields. UIW Sociology students have interned in the criminal justice system, the judicial system, social services, and children’s services and child welfare agencies.
Careers in Sociology
A Sociology degree prepares UIW students for a variety of graduate programs or jobs. Many go on to pursue a graduate degree, such as law school, business school or a master’s degree in social work, education or sociology. Many sociology majors pursue careers in social services, like counselors, police officers, social workers or educators. UIW students can also choose management roles, such as in human resources. Other graduates select research, administration or communications.