Sociology/Social Work Curriculum and Course Descriptions

The Sociology program helps students understand the role and influences of our society both present and past.  The program is designed not only for general students, but for sociology, counseling, and social work majors to continue their education at a four-year institution.

A student’s class choices should be planned with the requirements of the transfer institution in mind.  See your advisor for enrollment information and transfer institution requirements.

Recommended Courses

These courses are also recommended for students pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice or Police Science.

To complete an associate degree the program emphasis credit hours and the general education credit hours, which must be taken from the list approved by the General Education Committee, must total at least 64 credit hours.  Also see specific curriculum guide for program emphasis.  Certain general education courses are preferred for different programs.

Associate in Arts Degree

Most sociology/social work majors opt for the Associate in Arts degree.  This degree is meant to transfer to a baccalaureate degree granting institution. The student must complete 64 semester hours with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or above. There is a minimum cumulative general education requirement of 36 semester hours. A minimum number of semester credit hours will be required in each of the fields listed below. NOTE: No courses numbered below 100 apply.

Associate in Arts Degree Requirements

Descriptions of Courses

FACS-107.  Marriage and the Family.  3 Hours.  This course is a study of all kinds of relationships within the marriage and family experience, including premarital relationships.  The differences among families and marriages, family structures and functions, changes throughout the family life cycle, and the history of marriage and family in American culture will be examined.

SOCI-101.  Introduction to Sociology.  3 Hours.  This course is designed for both the general student and the behavioral science major.  Basic concepts, terms and works of prominent figures who have contributed to sociology are included. 

SOCI-124.  Introduction to Criminal Justice.  3 Hours.  This is an introductory course designed to give an overview of the various components of the justice system.  This course is designed for men and women at the beginning of their academic careers and for those who are working in the field of criminal justice and want to broaden their knowledge and advance professionally.  Criminal justice is a practical science exploring the roles of law enforcement, the courts, corrections and criminal behavior and their relationships within the larger framework of public policy. 

SOCI-201.  American Social Problems.  3 Hours.  This course examines the social problems which confront today's society.  Prerequisite: Introduction to Sociology or permission of instructor. 

SOCI-250.  Seminar in Stress Management.  3 Hours.  This course develops basic skills necessary to deal with personal stress.  Students should be able to recognize stress in others and understand the problems of dealing with stressful situations. 

SOCI-290.  Problems in Sociology.  2 Hours.  Independent research or a reading program in some field of the student's interest is used in this course which is taught in specially arranged conferences with the instructor.  Prerequisite:  Consent of instructor.