Our Lady of the Lake University’s (OLLU) Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is an innovative program with emphasis on quantitative demographic information-studying people and the community around them. The degree is offered through the School of Professional Studies and provides fundamental knowledge and problem-solving skills for those who wish to learn the practice of sociology. This program makes students more competitive for entrance into top graduate studies programs that require proficiency in research, particularly, quantitative research methods, or for careers in a variety of industries. Sociologists study the behavior and interactions of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members. By focusing activities on health, immigrant issues, demographic patterns, social science and social services, the program provides students with a wealth of knowledge and skills they can take into their careers.
OLLU’s sociology program also makes students more competitive in the STEM (science, technology engineering and mathematics) fields by teaching them to think critically, identify ethical issues in research, evaluate different research methods and interpret the results of data gathering, among other skills. Recent changes in the requirements for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) call for more training in sociology and other social sciences. Specifically, the emphasis calls for courses in sociology that can prepare medical students to understand the contextual influences on health-related behaviors, also known as “the social determinant model.” This model has been taught in the OLLU sociology curriculum for years, it is also the model faculty use in their research and work in the community.
A Sociology minor is also available and is a great fit for students studying biology, social work and psychology.
Formal admission into the program involves the submission of an application form to the Undergraduate Sociology Program Director. Criteria for acceptance are:
- Student’s GPA must be at least 2.00 at time of application or he/she must receive probationary acceptance by the Program Director; and
- Student’s interests, goals, and expectations must be compatible with the program, as demonstrated on the application and/or during the follow-up interview. Following acceptance, the student will meet with the Program Director to review the program learning objectives, and create a plan of study, and discuss possible career options.
This major requires a minor.
Total number of hours required in this degree:
120 semester hours
Total number of hours required (not including prerequisite courses from other disciplines):
36 semester hours
Total number of advanced hours required in this major:
27 semester hours
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