The Sociology major offers broad theoretical perspectives and rigorous methodologies to study social life and to analyze the causes and consequences of human behavior. In particular, sociologists examine how race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, class, ability, geography, and other identities are used to create and maintain barriers to access, participation, opportunity, and outcome across all social institutions. Our faculty teach and conduct research on social justice and systemic inequalities; health disparities in physical and mental well-being; environmental justice and natural resource management; deviance, social control, and conflict management; gender, families, and sexualities; social and political movements; nationalism, migration, and ethnic conflict; and culture, technology, and media. Students examine the most pressing social problems in these areas, as well as how different social groups experience and perceive these issues.
Students should listen to these interviews on the department’s website from three recent sociology graduates. Their testimonials describe the varied opportunities in our major and the different career and professional paths they and other sociology majors embark on post-graduation.
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Coursework for the Major
Majors are required to complete 32 credits of coursework in sociology and 3 credits of statistics with minimum grades of C. At least 23 credits of sociology must be in courses numbered 3000 or higher and at least 18 credits must be completed at UF.
To graduate, students must also pass a department exam covering fundamental sociological concepts developed by the sociology faculty.
Required Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SYG 2000 | Principles of Sociology (sociology majors are encouraged to take this as their first class) | 3 |
| SYA 4110 | Development of Sociological Thought (must be taken after 90 credits) | 4 |
| SYA 4300 | Methods of Social Research (should be completed by the end of the sixth semester.) 1 | 4 |
| Additional sociology coursework | 21 | |
| Total Credits | 32 |
- 1
STA 2023 is a prerequisite for SYA 4300.
Students select additional sociology courses to complete the 32-credit minimum by matching interests in different substantive areas.
Majors can only apply two other 2000-level courses besides SYG 2000, for a maximum of nine credits at the 2000 level. There are no prerequisites for 2000-level courses.
Related Coursework
In addition to the 32 credits of sociology coursework, majors are required to complete STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 with a minimum grade of C. STA 2023 must be taken no later than the end of the third semester.
Course Details
All majors should review the department's guidelines or visit the Sociology Undergraduate Coordinator for information about the major, the plan of study worksheet, an informational handout, descriptions of current and prospective courses and other information.
OVERSEAS STUDIES
Majors are encouraged to seek out opportunities for international study, during the summer or for the academic year. The credit generally will be applied toward the major and the degree. Contact the undergraduate coordinator about credit for study abroad. Visit the UF International Center in room 170 of the Hub for more information.
RELEVANT MAJORS, MINORS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
With approximately 600 majors and minors in both Residential and UF Online degree programs, Sociology is one of the largest undergraduate programs at UF. Many of our majors pursue dual degrees, double majors, minors, and certificates in related disciplines, including Psychology, Criminology & Law, Political Science, Anthropology, Sustainability, History, Gender, Sexualities and Women’s Studies, Latin American Studies, African American Studies, Non-Profit Organizational Leadership, Advertising, Marketing, and various foreign languages.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AND CAREER READINESS
Sociology majors participate in community internships, collaborate on faculty projects, and conduct research independently on senior thesis projects. These experiential learning opportunities prepare our graduates to embark upon a wide range of career paths including those in public health, government, research, teaching, and community affairs. Sociology graduates pursue careers in law, medicine, and business. Others work as public policy analysts researching issues related to health and aging; social justice, environmental sustainability, and resource management; urban and community development; crime and delinquency; families and communities; and racial, ethnic, and international relations. Many seek advanced degrees in sociology, psychology, counseling, law, and business.
Combination Degrees
The Department of Sociology and Criminology offers a combination B.A./M.A. degree to eligible undergraduate students. Please see the graduate coordinator for more information regarding this degree option. Sociology majors may also consider various combination degrees with other departments and colleges. For example, a Master of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in management is offered through the Warrington College of Business to eligible students who have majored in sociology. Please see the undergraduate coordinator for more information about such degree options.
- Combination Degrees
Research
The department encourages students to engage in the research process, either by conducting their own projects in collaboration with a sociology faculty member or by working with sociology faculty on their current research. These opportunities may be pursued by conducting a senior honors thesis or registering for SYA 4911 Undergraduate Research credit. Please see the undergraduate coordinator for more information and eligibility requirements.