Welcome to the Department of Sociology Home of:

Anthropology, Archaeology, Geography, Gerontology, and Sociology

Objectives

The department offers programs in the areas of anthropology, archaeology, geography, gerontology and sociology.  There are courses and course packages designed to meet the occupational, academic and personal goals of most students. For example, a major in Sociology, which is the study of human groups and society, can prepare a student to do graduate work in a behavioral science such as Sociol­ogy, Psychology, Social Psychology, Anthropology, and Political Science as well as graduate work in professional programs such as law and ministry. It will also pre­pare one for numerous occupations in the public and private sectors of the economy. The department also offers a major in gerontology, which is interdisciplinary in nature. Gerontology, the scientific study of the aging, is growing steadily and offers abundant rewards in terms of meaningful job opportunities.

Mission

 

The mission of the Department of Sociology is to (1) provide undergraduate students the opportunity to develop a general understanding of anthropology, archaeology, geography, gerontology and sociology (2) provide non-majors at both the undergraduate and graduate levels with courses designed to meet their specific needs, (3) assist in preparing students for subsequent educational, occupational and life experiences, (4) expand the existing body of knowledge in anthropology, archeology, geography, gerontology and sociology (5) provide discipline related information to the larger community and region.

 

Majors and Minors in Sociology (B.A. or B.S. Degree)

 

First Major

 

This major requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of which at least 18 must be advanced. Required courses are SOC 137, 253, 471, 378, 379; ANT 231; and 12 additional hours of sociology, nine of which must be advanced. Students with a first major in sociology may choose either the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sci­ence degree.

 

Second Major

 

This second major requires a minimum of 24 semester hours of which at least 12 must be advanced. Required courses are: SOC 137; SOC 253 or ANT 231; and SOC 378; plus 15 additional hours in sociology, nine of which must be advanced.

 

Second Major with First Major in Rehabilitation

 

This second major requires SOC 137; SOC 138 or SOC 253 or ANT 231; SOC 378; plus 15 hours from SOC 139, 305, 330, 331, 335, 351, 353 (or 354), 357, 362, 363, 370, 430.

 

Second Major with First Major in Criminal Justice

 

This second major requires SOC 137, 353, 354, 378, plus 12 additional hours of sociology, three of which must be advanced.

 

Minor

 

A minor in Sociology requires 18 semester hours of which at least nine must be advanced. Required courses are SOC 137; SOC 253 or ANT 231; plus 12 ad­ditional hours in sociology, nine of which must be advanced.

 

Geography Majors and Minors (B.A. or B.S. Degree)

 

A first major in geography (30 hours) requires a nine hour common core (GEO 130, 131 and 132) and at least one course from each of the following groups: techniques (GEO 220, 315, 320 or 410); physical 9GEO 234, 305 or 443); human (GEO 230, 310, 365 or 439); and regional (GEO 330, 332, 344 or 450). GEO 375 may be substituted, as appropriate. Nine additional hours of geography electives may be selected in any combination from one or more groups. Students with a first major in geography select either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor or Science degree.

A second major in geography (24 hours) requires the nine hour core, three hours from each group, and one elective.

The minor in geography (18 hours) requires the nine hour core plus three hours from three of the four groups.

 

Suggested Programs

 

Geographers have broad interests and career goals. With that in mind, each student should plan a course of study in consultation with a departmental adviser who facilitates those interests and goals. Those considering graduate study should follow a general course of study within the field of geography, should take MTH 220 and SOC 378 and 379 and should spread the required nine hours of geogra­phy electives over three of the four groups listed above. Those considering a profes­sional career should concentrate the nine hours of electives in the techniques group.

 

Teaching Certification

 

Students who expect to qualify for teaching certificates in Composite Social Stud­ies should also see the appropriate programs listed in the College of Education.

 

Urban Studies Emphasis

 

The major program requires a first major of 30 semester hours in geography and a second major of 27 semester hours in political science. The student must complete GEO 220 and 439; 12 semester hours from GEO 130, 230, 310, 315, 410; and 12 hours from appropriate courses in sociology. The requirements for the second major include PSC 449 and 450; 12 hours from PSC 344, 345, 412, 475, and 499; three hours of advanced political science approved by the chair; and six hours from appropriate courses in economics (such as ECO 341, Urban Economics).

The remaining course work, after the basic degree requirements are met, should be selected so as to develop various urban-oriented skills such as design-illustra­tion, communication, computer science-statistics or business-management. For the specific courses recommended, see the coordinator of geography.394 Stephen F. Austin State University

 

A minor in geography with an urban studies emphasis includes GEO 220, 230, and 439 plus nine hours of appropriate courses from sociology, political science and/or economics. For the specific courses which may apply, see the coordinator of geography.

 

Anthropology / Archaeology

 

Minor in Anthropology

 

This minor consists of 22 semester hours. Required are ANT 231, 248, 251 and 12 hours from ANT 277, 350, 352, 382, 440, 441 and 477.

 

Gerontology

 

Minor in Gerontology

 

This minor requires 21 semester hours. Students must take SOC 137, SOC 305, SOC 370, SOC 430 and nine additional hours selected with adviser’s approval.

Contact us:

Jerry Williams, Chairperson
Stephen F. Austin State University
Department of Sociology
Box 13047 - SFA Station
Nacogdoches, Texas 75962
by phone: (936) 468-4405
by fax: (936) 468-2162