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Sociology

Society and the consequences of human behavior
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Sociology at BHSU

The Sociology major at Black Hills State University focuses on the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Students in the program gain social awareness and critical thinking skills that will benefit them in their professional and personal lives.

The benefits of gaining this degree from BHSU include:

  • Personal access to professors who have a wealth of experiences in the field

  • Interesting courses that study sociological theories and apply them to the outside world

  • Opportunities for travel to regional and national conferences to present your own research

  • Numerous campus organizations

  • Meaningful internships in the community

Prospective Sociology Majors

As a Sociology major, you will earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sociology. 

Within the Sociology degree, there are three emphasis areas. You are required to specialize in Culture & Society, Law & Justice, or Social Resiliency. This is also a major that requires a minor.

The most common minors for Sociology are Psychology and American Indian Studies, but minors vary depending on the interests of the student. You may also declare a double major in the same degree (B.S.) if you choose. It is a requirement to take at least 42 credits in the field of Sociology.

Future Careers

There are a wide range of job outcomes and future opportunities for Sociology graduates. Some graduates are attending law school or graduate school. Others are working as community organizers, advocating for the rights of children and the developmentally challenged, serving in for profit and non-profit organizations, and a variety of other careers.

A degree can lead to employment opportunities in the following areas:

  • Criminal Justice- In corrections, rehabilitation, law enforcement, the justice system, parole system.

  • Business and Industry- Advertising, Consumer and Market Research, Management of Non-profit organizations, Human Resources, Training and Human Development, Leadership Training.

  • Research and Planning- Governmental and regional planning departments, research firms, evaluation research, public opinion research.

  • Agencies-Social Services, Mental Health Services, Adoption, Child Care, Youth Services, Developmental Disability Services.

  • Government- Social Science Analysis, Census Bureau and other federal agencies, Administration, Policy Analysis, Personnel, Homeland Security.

  • Education- Public and Private Schools, Colleges and Universities, Administration, Alumni Relations, Placement Offices, Educational Research.

  • Advocacy- Environmental, Child Welfare, National Policies, Victims Rights, Labor Rights, Community Organization.

  • Communications- Technical Writing, Newspaper and Magazine Reporting, Public Relations.

Sociology Major

Required Core - 27 semester hours

  • 3 SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology
  • 3 SOC 307 - Research Methods I
  • 3 SOC 308 - Research Methods II
  • 3 SOC 330 - Self and Society
  • 3 SOC 350 - Race and Ethnic Relations
  • 3 SOC 402 - Social Deviance
  • 3 SOC 403 - Sociological Theory
  • 3 SOC 423 - Social Stratification
  • 3 SOC 498 - Research

Choose ONE specialization

Culture & Society - Choose 5 courses from the following:

  • 3 SOC 225 - American Indian Women
  • 3 SOC 355 - Sociology of the Mass Media
  • 3 SOC 356 - Sociology of Religion
  • 3 SOC 382 - The Family
  • 3 SOC 421 - Indians of North America
  • 3 SOC 422 - Issues in Contemporary Indian Life
  • 3 SOC 444 - Siouan Tribal Culture
  • 3 SOC 458 - Sociology of Aging
  • 3 SOC 471 - Medical Sociology
  • 3 SOC 483 - Sociology of Gender Roles
  • 3 SOC 484 - Political Sociology
  • 3 SOC 491 - Independent Study
  • 3 SOC 492 - Topics
  • 3 SOC 494 - Internship

Law & Justice - Choose 5 courses from the following:

  • 3 SOC 150 - Social Problems
  • 3 SOC 201 - Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • 3 SOC 326 - Mediation and Conflict Resolution
  • 3 SOC 351 - Criminology
  • 3 SOC 452 - Prisons and Penology
  • 3 SOC 455 - Juvenile Delinquency
  • 3 SOC 456 - Community Corrections
  • 3 SOC 491 - Independent Study
  • 3 SOC 492 - Topics
  • 3 SOC 494 - Internship

Supportive Electives - Take 1 course from each group below. Courses must be different than those used to satisfy Gen Ed & Major requirements

  • 3 Social Science: AIS/LAKL, ANTH, GEOG, HIST, POLS, SPCM, SOC, PSYC
  • 3 Humanities: ART, ARTH, ENGL, FREN, GERM, HUM, MCOM, PHIL, RUSS, SPAN, THEA

General Education

  • 3 ENGL 101 - Composition I
  • 3 ENGL 201 - Composition II
  • 3 CMST - Gen Ed - Speech
  • 3 MATH - Gen Ed - Mathematics
  • 6 Gen Ed - Social Science
  • 6 Gen Ed - Arts & Humanities
  • 6-8 Gen Ed - Natural Sciences & Lab

A minor is required with this major plus electives to total 120 hours, of which 36 hours must be 300-400 level courses.

Notes: This program guide serves as a resource for you. For official program requirements, please check with the official catalog.

*Updated *

Minor in Sociology - 21 semester hours

  • 3 SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology (gen ed)
  • 3 SOC 150 - Social Problems (gen ed)
  • 3 SOC 403 - Sociological Theory
  • 3 SOC 423 - Social Stratification
  • 9 SOC Electives - Take any 3 courses from SOC

Minor in Sociology - Teaching - 21 semester hours

  • 3 SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology (gen ed)
  • 3 SOC 150 - Social Problems (gen ed)
  • 3 SOC 350 - Race and Ethnic Relations
  • 3 SOC 403 - Sociological Theory
  • 3 SOC 423 - Social Stratification
  • 3 SOC Electives - Take any course from SOC
  • 3 SEED 415 - 7-12 Social Science Methods

Social & Cultural Awareness (12 Credit Hours)

Required Course

  • 3 SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology

Elective Courses (select any three)

  • 3 SOC 225 - American Indian Women
  • 3 SOC 350 - Race and Ethnic Relations
  • 3 SOC 355 - Sociology of the Mass Media
  • 3 SOC 356 - Sociology of Religion 
  • 3 SOC 382 - The Family
  • 3 SOC 421 - Indians of North America
  • 3 SOC 423 - Social Stratification
  • 3 SOC 432 - Collective Behavior and Social Change
  • 3 SOC 440 - Urban Sociology
  • 3 SOC 444 - Siouan Tirabl Culture
  • 3 SOC 458 - Sociology of Aging
  • 3 SOC 483 - Sociology of Gender Roles

Required Courses

  • SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology OR SOC 150 - Social Problems

  • SOC 201 - Introduction to Criminal Justice 

Elective Courses (select any two)

  • SOC 325 Domestic & Intimate Violence

  • SOC 326 Mediation and Conflict Resolution

  • SOC 351 - Criminology

  • SOC 354 - Victimology

  • SOC 402 - Social Deviance

  • SOC 416 - Drugs and Society

  • SOC 452 - Prisons and Penology

  • SOC 455 - Juvenile Delinquency

  • ​SOC 456 - Community Corrections

  • SOC 470 - Child Abuse and Neglect

 

**Current students, please refer to the DegreeWorks Dashboard in MyBHSU to confirm your major requirements.**

Sociology Plan of Study
Dr. Laura Colmenero-Chilberg Headshot

Dr. Laura Colmenero-Chilberg

"A background in sociology benefits relationships in all parts of our lives including family and community relationships. We are all members of social groups, and understanding how they function helps improve our ability to successfully and effectively participate in all areas of our lives."

GET INVOLVED

International Travel

BHSU has many study abroad programs for students of every major, including Sociology and other social science areas. Check out all of our study, teach, and internship abroad programs at https://www.bhsu.edu/international/Study-Abroad/ to find a program that’s right for you. Questions? Reach out to the Study Abroad Advisor at international@BHSU.edu.

Internships

As a Sociology major at BHSU, you will recognize the importance of real life experience. By investigating and participating in local internships, you will gain the hands-on experience you need to be successful in your future career. BHSU Sociology graduates who have taken an internship have a 100% job placement rate!

Quotes From Sociology Students

"BHSU is a unique campus that is surrounded by the Black Hills and has a supportive, creative community. Along with this, class sizes are small, so gaining professional connections with professors and other students was appealing to me and my career goals." -Student Lorraine Coronato
"Here [at BHSU], you’re not just another number- you’re a person and your thoughts and questions matter!" -Student Elyssa Cummings
"I have learned to keep an open mind and never stop thinking about what could be affecting the data or what could be the actual truth about a given situation. Sociology is a field where you will never stop learning." -Student Lorraine Coronato
"Sociology is a great major for absolutely anyone! If you’re thinking about being a sociology major- just do it! Become friends with the other students and go into office hours- your professors really do care about you and want you to do well!" -Student Elyssa Cummings

Contact Info

Laura Colmenero-Chilberg, P.H.D
Laura.Chilberg@BHSU.edu
Phone: 605.642.6365

Behavioral Sciences
Black Hills State University
1200 University St.
Spearfish, SD, USA 57799