Sociology Major

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This major is for students interested in careers that require an understanding of human social behavior. The program emphasizes both theory and methodology, and the major offers an opportunity to investigate a variety of substantive areas such as environmental sociology, social class, race, gender and sexuality, family, religion, death, dying, and grief, and social justice and social change. Students who hold this degree are well prepared for graduate study. The major is valuable in a variety of fields, including community work, government services, health services, business, public relations, research and social services.

Students majoring in sociology must earn at least a “C-” in any sociology course counted toward the major and achieve at least a 2.50 cumulative grade point average in all sociology courses (NMU and transfer).

For department information or additional degree requirements, go to the Sociology and Anthropology department page.

For related information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/sociologists.htm

Total Credits Required 120 Credits

General Education 30-40 Credits

Required Courses in Major 36 Credits

General Sociology or Social Justice Concentration

In addition to the above required courses in the sociology major, students must select one of two concentrations: 1) General Sociology or 2) Social Justice.

General Sociology Concentration 20 credits

Sociology Electives (any level) * 12 credits

Sociology Electives 300 level and above * 8 credits

*Up to four credits in SO 295, SO 298, SO 495 or SO 498 may be counted toward the Sociology Major if approved by the program adviser.

Social Justice Concentration 20 Credits

Choose 12 credits from the Social Inequality Cluster and 8 credits from the Social Justice and Social Change Cluster.

Social Inequality Cluster 12 Credits

SO 322 - Social Class, Power and Mobility [SOCR] 4 Credits
SO 362 - Gender and Society [PERS] 4 Credits
SO 372 - Minority Groups [SOCR] 4 Credits
Up to four credits in SO 295, SO 298, SO 495 or SO 498 may be counted toward the Sociology Major if approved by the program adviser.

Social Justice and Social Change Cluster 8 Credits

SO 287 - Culture, Society, and Happiness [INTT] 4 Credits
SO 351 - Social Change [PERS] 4 Credits
SO 433 - Environmental Sociology 4 Credits
Up to four credits in SO 295, SO 298, SO 495 or SO 498 may be counted toward the Sociology Major if approved by the program adviser.

Note:

Incorrectly listed as “SO 208 or SO 308”. Corrected to both courses required on 10/31/2025.