Sociology and Social Work
253.535.7294
www.plu.edu/sociology-social-work
Faculty: Gregson, Chair; Ciabattari, Leon-Guerrero, Keller, Luther, McNalley, Moran, Russell (Social Work Director).
Click here to view Sociology (SOCI) courses
Sociology and social work, as distinct disciplines, are concerned with understanding contemporary social issues, policies, and solutions. While sociology emphasizes research, interpretation, and analysis, social work emphasizes intervention and practice. The disciplines share an interest in human relationships and experience, contemporary family life and family policies, ethnic diversity and race relations, poverty and social stratification, social justice and community organization. Both disciplines encourage hands-on learning through field placements, internships, and service learning projects.
Students may major or minor in either sociology or social work, or complete a double major in sociology and social work. Social work majors are encouraged to minor in sociology.
Sociology
Sociology examines the processes and structures which shape social groups of all sizes, including friends, families, workplaces, and nations. The study of sociology provides students with unique interpretive tools for understanding themselves and others in a changing world. Sociology has broad appeal to those who are interested in developing practical skills and analytical talents. Some of the practical pursuits enabled by sociological training are in the areas of program development, counseling, research, criminal justice, management, and marketing. The academic preparation is valuable to those interested in pursuing degrees in law, administration, social work, theology, or the social sciences.The department’s curriculum offers a variety of courses in sociological analysis while permitting an optional concentration in the specialized areas of family/gender or crime/deviance. The curriculum is deliberately flexible to permit students to study individual subject areas, or to pursue majors or minors in the field. Students majoring in business, nursing, education, and computer science find the sociological minor particularly useful for broadening their understanding of social rules and relationships, programs and solutions, and continuity and change.
The faculty is attentive to the individual needs of students in their efforts to provide academic excellence to a diverse student body.
Bachelor of Arts
General Major
40 semester hours, including:
- SOCI 101, 232, 240, 330, 496, 499
- 12 semester hours in sociology chosen in consultation with the department
- STAT 233 for Sociology and Social Work majors
Major with Concentration in Family/Gender
40 semester hours including:
- SOCI 101, 232, 330, 440, 496, 499
- 12 semester hours in sociology chosen in consultation with the department
- STAT 233 for Sociology and Social Work majors
Major with Concentration in Crime/Deviance
40 semester hours including:
- SOCI 101, 232, 336, 413, 496, 499
- 12 semester hours of sociology chosen in consultation with the department
- STAT 233 for Sociology and Social Work majors
Requirements for those majoring in both sociology and social work
80 semester hours including:
- SOCW 245, 250, 350, 360, 460, 465, 475, 476, 485, 486, and 499
- SOCI 101, 232, 496, 499
- 16 elective credits (recommended courses include: SOCI 240, 296 and 330)
- STAT 233 for Sociology and Social Work majors
- BIOL 111 and PSYC 101
Minor
20 semester hours, including:
- SOCI 101
- 16 semester hours of sociology chosen in consultation with the department
- STAT 233 may be included in the minor
- Sociology minors are required to attain a minimum grade of C- in sociology classes
Continuation Policies
- To remain in the major, junior and senior level students must:
- maintain a minimum 2.50 overall grade point average, and
- maintain a minimum 2.50 grade point average in sociology courses.
Transfer Student Policy
The department accepts, for transfer credit from another college or university, only those courses equivalent to SOCI 101 (Introduction to Sociology) and SOCI 240 (Social Problems). If students wish to have additional courses considered for transfer to either their major or minor requirements, they must first meet with the department chair. The student should bring to this initial meeting the following:
- College/university transcripts
- College catalogs
- Course syllabi and other supporting materials (from the term when the course was completed)
- Completed coursework (exams, papers)
Declared majors/minors will be required to fill out one petition per transfer course.
Honors in Sociology
Departmental honors are awarded by vote of the sociology faculty to outstanding majors. Criteria for selection include a high grade point average, election to Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society, and exceptional performance in senior seminar.Prerequisite Note: SOCI 101 or consent of instructor is prerequisite to all 300- and 400-level courses.