Sociology Program

Sociology faculty and students, Spring 2017

Why Major in Sociology?

The Sociology program at Murray State University offers an undergraduate major and minor. Through these programs, students gain sociological training and learn to apply sociological knowledge in seeking solutions to local, state, national, and international problems. Our undergraduate program also prepares students to consume and engage in sociological research by obtaining both quantitative and qualitative research skills during their training.

Many of our faculty also collaborate with students on research and publishing. Faculty research and teaching interests include areas such as social inequalities, criminology and deviance, media and culture, gender, race/ethnicity, immigration and globalization, and various topics relating to work and the economy.

What Can You Do With a Sociology Degree?

A degree in Sociology prepares our graduates for a multitude of careers and graduate work. Our graduates have gone on to work in social services and non-profit organizations, government agencies, business and marketing, criminal justice, education, and counseling. 

Learn more about career opportunities

Program Requirements

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Degree (CIP 45.1101)

University Studies Requirements (38-44 hours)
(See Academic Degrees and Programs.)

Required Courses (18-19 hours)

  • PSY 300 Principles and Methods of Statistical Analysis 
    or STA 135 Introduction to Probability and Statistics
  • SOC 100T Transitions
  • SOC 133 Introduction to Sociology
  • SOC 300 Social Theory
  • SOC 359 Writing and Inquiry in the Social Sciences
  • SOC 360 Research Methods (POL 359 is a prerequisite for 360)
  • SOC 400 Senior Seminar

Required Electives (18 hours)

  • SOC 250 Global Sociology
  • SOC 333 Sociology of Education
  • SOC 334 Sociology of Migration
  • SOC 343 Race and Ethnicity
  • SOC 355 Sociology of Gender
  • SOC 365 Qualitative Research Methods
  • SOC 435 Sociology of Work
  • SOC 441 Sociology of Youth Violence

Required Minor (21-24 hours)

Unrestricted Electives (15-25 hours)

Total Degree Requirements (120 hours)

Sociology Minor (21 hours)

SOC 133, SOC 300, plus 15 hours of electives. Six hours must be upper-level courses completed at Murray State University.

Electives Include:

  • SOC 250 Global Sociology
  • SOC 333 Sociology of Education
  • SOC 334 Sociology of Migration
  • SOC 343 Race and Ethnicity
  • SOC 355 Sociology of Gender
  • SOC 365 Qualitative Research Methods
  • SOC 435 Sociology of Work
  • SOC 441 Sociology of Youth Violence

Popular Culture Minor (21 hours)

SOC 133, 269 and an additional 15 hours from ART 121, ENG 213, 313, 314, 315, 400, 401, 410; HIS 105, 352, 436; MUS 107, POL 344, SOC 325, 355, 380, 430; SPA 315, THD 422. Six hours must be upper-level courses. 

Social and Behavioral Sciences Minor (21 hours)

POL 140, PSY 180, SOC 133, and an additional 12 hours from ECO, LST, PHI 350 or PHI 382, POL, PSY, or SOC. Six hours must be upper-level courses. 

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