The Sociology curriculum at PLU is cumulative (Cumulative Competencies document), such that the skills developed in lower-division courses set the groundwork for the skills to be developed in upper-division classes. We advise students to select their courses with this curricular philosophy in mind.
Our program aligns with the university's pathways to distinction: Global Education, Student-Faculty Research, and Purposeful Learning. Sociology faculty are involved in Global Education through participation in study-away courses (e.g. SOCW 325 "Educational, Health, and Social Services in Tobago"), the International Honors Program, and the Global Studies program. Majors have opportunities to engage in student-faculty research both through participation in faculty member's research projects and in their own research which is closely supervised by faculty mentors.
Students are required to complete 40 credit hours in the major. In addition to the required courses, listed below, students also take several electives. Students may choose to concentrate these electives in areas of particular interest to them, for example Family/Gender, Crime/Deviance, or Stratification/Inequalities. Many students also complete internships as part of their elective coursework in the major.
Majors are expected to maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or above. Click here for more information.
Plus 8 hours of SOCI electives
Total: 40 credits
The Sociology Minor requires 20 semester hours, including SOCI 101. Minors are required to maintain a minimum C- GPA in Sociology classes.
To declare a Sociology major or minor, please make an appointment with the Department Chair.