Declaring the Major | Progressing in the Major
Description of the Major
The sociology program develops your ability to analyze the social world by using diverse sociological theories and research methods. It stresses the importance of social, cultural, and historical contexts for understanding relationships between and among individuals and the social structures that make up societies. You will gain the ability to think broadly and critically about the diversity of social organization and practice locally and globally. You will also develop the ability to take a disciplined and scholarly approach to understanding the world in which we live.
The major in sociology strongly develops skills in critical thinking, research, analysis, writing and communication. Sociology students frequently go on to post-graduate education and/or careers in both public and private employment sectors.
Degrees Offered
B.A.
B.S.
Concentrations
Applied Sociology
Deviance and Criminology
Diverse Cultural Experiences
Family and Lifestyles
Occupations and Bureaucracy
Social Psychology
Sociology of Education
Minors
Sociology
Declaring the Major
New Freshmen and Transfer Students
Declare the sociology major when you register for orientation.
New Transfers:
If you are a new transfer student, you are admitted to the major after earning at least a "B-" in SOCI 200 and at least a "B-" in one of the following courses taken at JMU: GSOCI 210, GSOCI 240 or SOCI 101. If you have JMU transfer credit for one of these courses, you will be admitted after at least a "B-" earned in SOCI 200).
Currently Enrolled Major Changers
Meet the progression standards and submit a "Change or Declaration of Major” form and obtain the signature of the program coordinator in Sheldon Hall, room 118.
Progressing in the Major
You are unconditionally admitted if you meet one of the following:
1. Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5; OR
2. You have earned at least a "B-" in SOCI 200 and at least a "B-" grade in one of the following introductory courses: GSOCI 210, GSOCI 240, or SOCI 101.
Students with cum GPA of at least 2.0 and who have not met the prerequisites may apply for a limited number of spaces. To download an application, visit the sociology department website at http://www.jmu.edu/sociology.
Application Deadlines
March 1 for the Fall semester.
October 15 for the Spring semester.
Submit completed application materials to Ms. Ginger Usry, MSC 7501, 122 Sheldon Hall, JMU, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 by the deadline.
Note: Applications via e-mail are not acceptable.
Once admitted to the major, students must earn at least a "C-" in all sociology courses. If a student earns below a "C-" in a course he or she can retake the course once in order to meet the "C-" standard.
