Sociology (B.A.)

Program: B.A.
Department of Sociology
College of Arts and Sciences

Liberal Arts Building 241 ~ 260-481-6842 ~ ipfw.edu/sociology

The student learning outcomes for the degree are as follows: 

• Theoretical: Graduates will be able to analyze and evaluate major theoretical perspectives in sociology.

  • Graduates should be able to identify the general theoretical orientation.
  • Graduates should be able to apply theoretical analyses of social structure and social processes.
  • Graduates should be able to interpret social issues in terms of the major theoretical perspectives.

• Methodological: Graduates will be able to utilize and evaluate research methods and data analysis used in sociology.

  • Graduates should be able to demonstrate appropriate use of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

  • Graduates should be able to evaluate different research methods.

• Graduates should be able to interpret the results of data gathering.
• Graduates should be able to demonstrate appropriate use of statistical techniques.
• Graduates should be able to demonstrate competent use of statistical software.

• Critical Thinking:  Graduates will be able to evaluate critically arguments and situations.

  • Graduates should be able to critically evaluate theoretical arguments.
  • Graduates should be able to develop evidence-based arguments.
  • Graduates should be able to critically evaluate published research.

• Communication Skills:  Graduates will be able to communicate effectively in both written and oral form.

  • Graduates should be able to write a research report.
  • Graduates should be able to develop an oral research report.

• Professional Ethics: Graduates will be knowledgeable of appropriate ethics concerning both professional conduct and the use of human subjects.

  • Graduates should demonstrate a mastery of the ethical standards for conducting research with human subjects.
  • Graduates should demonstrate an understanding of the ethical standards of the American Sociological Association.  

Courses in sociology provide an understanding of society and of the relationship between the individual and society. Studies in sociology help to prepare you for graduate school and careers in the social services, law, human relations, criminal justice, government, education, and mass media.

Although a minor is not required, study in an outside area is recommended. Anthropology, computer science, economics, history, labor studies, political science, psychology, organizational leadership and supervision, and women’s studies support the major well.

To earn a B.A. with a major in sociology, you must fulfill the requirements of IPFW (see Part 8 ) and the College of Arts and Sciences (see Part 4 ), and satisfactorily complete the following courses.