愛荷華大學

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

be able to identify how sociological concepts and theories relate to everyday life,
possess a critical lens for understanding human behavior and societies,
articulate the importance of evidence and scientific methods for explanations of social phenomena,
be able to identify the characteristics of high quality data and methods in sociological research,
identify disciplinary standards for both the qualitative and quantitative analysis of data, and
use their sociological knowledge and skills to engage with and impact the world around them.

Overview

A bachelor's degree with a major in sociology provides a liberal arts and sciences education. Sociology provides a broad foundation for a number of careers that require a deep understanding of human interactions and behaviors. Though broad in scope, sociology can be broken down into many marketable specializations including these at the University of Iowa: family, health, and well-being; organizations, networks, and careers; social psychology; and social and political organization.

The Bachelor of Science with a major in sociology requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including at least 45 s.h. of work for the major, with a minimum of 42 s.h. in sociology course work. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in all courses for the major and in all UI courses for the major.

In addition to preparing students for careers in social service, criminal justice, and other areas, this major offers an integrated package of courses, research training, writing enhancement, international perspective, and internships to provide graduates with impressive credentials. The major provides background for employment in fields such as human services, criminal justice, corrections, sales, public relations, advertising, personnel, applied social research, community organization, and teaching social science in secondary schools.

The major also provides a foundation for graduate or professional study in social work, urban planning, law, criminal justice, social policy, and similar areas. Finally, it prepares students to work toward advanced degrees in sociology, which qualify them for college or university teaching and work in academic, private, and governmental research.