Be sure to refer to the Suggested Academic Plan and consult with your adviser regarding the proper sequence of courses.
Courses are designed to maximize employment opportunities after graduation. For example, students seeking a career in politics may choose Political Sociology (SOC 446). Students entering human service professions will start with Introduction to Human Service Organizations (BESC 376). Students who aspire to work in public education can choose Sociology of Education (SOC 416). Students who want to work with diverse populations can take a course in Race and Ethnicity (SOC 409). Aspiring city planners can choose Urban Sociology (SOC 015).
Each course successfully combines theory, research, and practice to ensure that students develop skills in evidence-based practice that will allow them to excel on a chosen career path. In addition, all students are required to complete an internship that provides hands-on learning and the opportunity to build connections in the community.
Faculty function as teachers, advisors, and mentors, helping students achieve long-term goals and develop as community leaders.
What students say about our program
“The most influential aspect of the Sociology program at Penn State Harrisburg is the individual passion of each professor and their love for the discipline. The unique combination of each professor’s individual focus and expertise has instilled many practical life skills onto my educational experience. As a result of this dedication and guidance, I have been able to reach my highest potential. I am confident that I am leaving this program well-rounded and prepared for the next chapter of my life.”
—Jaime Maddox
“I have found a very supportive environment in the Sociology program at Penn State Harrisburg. The faculty and staff are genuinely concerned about student well-being and committed to giving them a quality education. Faculty members are willing to spend a great deal of time outside the classroom mentoring me to enhance my understanding on sociological issues. I feel that the mentoring relationships I made with faculty have prepared me to excel in my future endeavors. I attribute my academic success and enthusiasm as a sociologist to the outstanding faculty of Penn State Harrisburg.”
—Diana Swartz
A degree in sociology can take you wherever you want to go!
In addition to General Education requirements (45 credits), this major requires the following:
ELECTIVES: 9-15 credits
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR: 67-73 credits
(This includes 7 credits of General Education course requirements: 3 credits of GWS courses; 4 credits in GQ courses)
COMMON REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR (ALL OPTIONS): 46-52 credits
PRESCRIBED COURSES (18-24 credits)
ENGL 202A GWS(3), SOC 001 GS(3) (Sem: 1-4)
SOC 207(3), SOC 400W(3), SOC 405(3), SOC 495(3-9) (Sem: 5-8)
ADDITIONAL COURSES (28 credits)
At least 9 of these credits must be at the 400-level
A. Statistics. Select 4 credits from PSYCH 200 GQ(4), STAT 200 GQ(4) (Sem: 1-4)
B. Social Institutions. Select 9 credits from SOC 030(3), SOC 055(3), SOC 403(3), SOC 411 US(3) or HD FS 416 US(3), SOC 416(3), SOC 429(3), SOC 430(3), SOC 446(3), SOC 456/WMNST 456(3) (Sem: 5-8)
C. Social Change and Global Perspectives. Select 9 credits from SOC 015(3), SOC 109(3), SOC 297(3), SOC 424(3), SOC 425(3), SOC 432(3), SOC 445(3), SOC 448(3), SOC 454 US(3) (Sem: 5-8)
D. Diversity. Select 6 credits from AF AM 212 US(3), BE SC/WMNST 464 US(3), SOC/AF AM/WMNST 103 US(3), SOC/WMNST 110 GS;US(3), SOC/AF AM 409 US(3), SOC 428(3), SOC 435 or HD FS 434 (3), SOC/RL ST 461 US;IL(3), WMNST/CED 420 US;IL(3) (Sem: 5-8)
GENERAL SOCIOLOGY OPTION: (21 credits)
ADDITIONAL COURSES (9 credits)
Select 3 credits from each of sections B, C and D above (Sem: 5-8)
SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS (12 credits)
Select 6 credits (minimum of 3 credits at the 400-level) in consultation with adviser from AAA S, AF AM, BE SC, GEOG, SOC (Sem: 5-8)
Select 6 credits (minimum of 3 credits at the 400-level) in consultation with adviser from AM ST, ANTH, ART, ART H, COMM, CRIMJ, ENGL, HD FS, HIST, I HUM, MGMT, MUSIC, PL SC, PSYCH, PUBPL, THEA, WMNST (Sem: 5-8)
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES OPTION: (21 credits)
PRESCRIBED COURSES (6 credits)
BE SC 370(3) (Sem: 5-8)
SOC 005 GS(3) (Sem 1-4)
ADDITIONAL COURSES (9 credits)
Select 3 credits from each of A, B, and C below (Sem: 5-8)
A. Organization and Leadership: BE SC 376(3), BE SC 408(3), MGMT 321(3), MGMT 331(3)
B. Community Contexts: SOC 015(3), SOC 103 US(3), SOC 406(3), SOC 412(3)
C. Group Processes and Dynamics: BE SC 407(3), BE SC 459(3), SOC 003 GS(3), SOC 403(3), SOC 404(3)
SUPPORTING COURSES AND RELATED AREAS (6 credits)
Choose 6 credits (minimum of 3 credits at the 400-level) in consultation with adviser from AF AM, AM ST, ANTH, ART, ART H, BE SC, COMM, CRIMJ, ENGL, GEOG, HD FS, HIST, I HUM, MGMT, MUSIC, PL SC, PSYCH, PUBPL, SOC, THEA, WMNST (Sem: 5-8)
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