Sociology (Social Science)

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Faculty:
Wells-Lewis - Chair, Greer, Gubera, Locher
Webster Hall 245 • 417-625-9565

Mission

The primary mission of the Sociology Program is to prepare our students for dynamic leadership and responsible citizenship in their communities, their nation, and the world. The program also contributes to the broader mission of the University by providing students the opportunities to cultivate critical thinking, communication, and technological skills that will develop an awareness of and engagement with the complex social issues of the 21st century. The faculty seeks to offer substantive instruction and intellectual nurture in Sociology, and to assist the advancement of higher-order thinking students can apply to their own lives as individuals, professionals, and citizens. The program’s mission includes an emphasis on opportunities to engage the broader international world, consistent with the University’s international mission. Finally, the Sociology Program seeks to build bridges and avenues of communication between the University and the community, through academic internships, public events, and partnerships with local institutions, and the sponsorship of academic programs and events for local students and their teachers.

A Bachelor’s degree in Sociology prepares students for a variety of occupations and graduate programs. The student may select from a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sociology. A Bachelor of Science in Education degree - Social Studies major, Sociology emphasis is also available, in conjunction with the Teacher Education program and certifies a student to teach on the secondary school level. Sociology graduates pursue many different careers, which include but are not limited to those in human and social services, human resources, business, or teaching. Advanced graduate or professional school training would also be a choice for the student who successfully completes one of our bachelor degrees.

A minor in sociology provides students majoring in other areas with specialized interpersonal, group, and organizational knowledge and skills.

Our department sponsors a variety of student organizations including the Sociology Club and Alpha Kappa Delta (the national honor society for sociology students).

For additional information contact:
Dr. Ree Wells-Lewis
Webster Hall 245
417-625-9565 • wells-r@mssu.edu

Programs

• Sociology Education Major, Grades 9-12, (Social Studies), BSE, ES03
• Sociology Major, BA, SO00
• Sociology Major, BS, SO01

• Sociology Minor, SO82

Courses

• SOC 0110 - Introduction to Sociology
• SOC 0210 - Social Problems
• SOC 0221 - Marriage and Family
• SOC 0298 - Topics in Sociology
• SOC 0301 - Sociology of Religion
• SOC 0302 - Cults in the U.S.
• SOC 0303 - The Arab World
• SOC 0306 - Social Gerontology
• SOC 0311 - Social Stratification
• SOC 0312 - Juvenile Delinquency
• SOC 0319 - Social Interaction
• SOC 0322 - Sociology of Work and Leisure
• SOC 0341 - Gender Roles
• SOC 0351 - Criminology
• SOC 0354 - Medical Sociology
• SOC 0361 - Social Demography
• SOC 0362 - Deviant Behavior
• SOC 0370 - The Sociology of Death & Dying
• SOC 0382 - Ethnic Relations
• SOC 0391 - Penology and Corrections
• SOC 0395 - Collective Behavior
• SOC 0396 - Sociology of Education
• SOC 0401 - Social Science Research Methods
• SOC 0402 - The Community - Rural and Urban
• SOC 0405 - Social Science Statistics
• SOC 0406 - Sociology of Child Abuse
• SOC 0482 - Sociological Theory
• SOC 0491 - Internship in Sociology
• SOC 0498 - Advanced Topics in Sociology
• SOC 0499 - Independent Study

Return to: School of Arts and Sciences