Undergraduate Program
Add a Sociology major, minor, or concentration!
What is Sociology?
Why do people behave the way they do in elevators, classrooms, and around town? What makes men and women different, and how much of that difference is learned rather than innate? How does the time period in which we are living influence our choices, actions and beliefs?
Sociology is the analytical study of human groups and societies — how they develop, how they are structured, and how they function. Like human society itself, the field of sociology is extremely broad. Sociologists study the social world, from small groups of friends and families, to formal organizations, to entire nations. We look at social relationships and interactions, power and conflict, structures that hold societies together, and how societies change.
The undergraduate program in sociology at the University of Oregon is designed to provide a broad understanding of human society for students in all fields as well as integrated and more advanced programs for sociology majors. It is also a popular choice for students in other fields who wish to double major or minor in an area of study that will enhance their understanding of society and the behavior of people. With 48 credits in the major and 24 credits in the minor, there is plenty of room to take sociology while completing many other academic programs.
Recent graduates are found in every occupation and profession. Some graduates pursue further training in professional schools of social work, business administration, law, public administration and education. Graduate programs in sociology or related fields prepare students for academic careers.
Major in Sociology
Core Major Requirements:
| SOC 204
-OR- SOC 207 |
Introduction to Sociology
-OR- Social Inequalities |
4 credits |
| SOC 310 | Social Theory | 4 credits |
| SOC 311 | Research Methods | 4 credits |
| SOC 312* | Statistical Analysis | 4 credits |
*Can also be fulfilled with MATH 243, 425, 426, 461, or PSY 302.
Electives Requirements:
| SOC electives, any level | 12 credits |
| SOC electives, 300-level or above | 8 credits |
| SOC electives, 400-level or above* | 12 credits |
*Must be numbered 407 or 410-491 and taken at UO.
Concentrations:
Inequalities, Crime & Social Justice Students will focus on the law, public policy, and the public service side of sociology by looking at inequalities within the United States. Students will examine the causes and consequences of racial, gender, and class inequality as well as explore urban, deviance, and crime issues. Environment, Health & Community This concentration looks at the environmental and human conditions within the community and how they affect people living within them. Students learn about how communities work, what makes up communities, and solutions to problems that could be implemented. Critical Thinking with Data Critical Thinking with Data focuses on using social science data to understand social behavior and to inform policy decisions. The capstone of this concentration is the required SOC 413 course in which students will execute an independent research project using a primary data source. Culture, Identities & Institutions Students will examine how cultures, identities, and institutions influence human behavior, life opportunities, and outcomes. This concentration will look at how power operates, how inequalities emerge, and will also consider solutions to social problems. Theories and methods will be used to analyze organizations, trends, and group experience. -OR- SOC 207 -OR- Social Inequalities -OR- SOC 311 -OR- SOC 312* -OR- Research Methods -OR- Statistical Analysis *Can also be fulfilled with MATH 243, 425, 426, 461, or PSY 302. **Minimum 12 upper-division credits required for minor; 400-level credits must be numbered 407 or 410-491. Sociology Major & Minor Requirements
Sociology Major Requirements – UO Catalog
Sociology Concentration Requirements
Sociology Major Planning Worksheet
Sociology Major Map
Minor in Sociology
SOC 204
Introduction to Sociology
4 credits
SOC 310
Social Theory
4 credits
SOC electives, any level**
8 credits
SOC electives, 300-level or above**
8 credits
Sociology Major & Minor Requirements
Sociology Minor Requirements – UO Catalog
Sociology Minor Planning Worksheet
Sociology Minor Map
Add a Sociology major, minor, or concentration!
Get Involved with UO Sociology:
Peer Leader Program
SOC Honors Program
Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD)
Scholarships
Student Resources:
Update your major, minor, or concentration
Advising
Career Resources
Undergraduate Handbook
Four-Year Plan
SOC Grading Standards
Frequently Asked Questions
Graduation & Commencement