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Jun 03, 2026
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2026-2027 Shepherd University Catalog
Sociology, B.S.
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Shepherd University offers a program in sociology leading to the bachelor of science degree.
Sociology is a dynamic field committed to the scientific study of social life, social change, diverse communities, and interactions. With both a Culture and Society and a Criminology concentration, the sociology program offers students a liberal arts education with a scientific research foundation designed to enhance student understandings of group behavior, cultural values, social inequalities, social problems, and the overall functioning of human society. Dedicated to excellence in student learning, the program also contributes to the core curriculum and specific degree programs across campus and offers minors in Sociology, and Crime and Society.
The purpose of the sociology program includes the following:
- Courses in sociology, and criminology help students develop as individuals and responsible citizens.
- Theoretical and applied learning courses build knowledge and skills applicable to a broad range of opportunities.
- The program prepares students for management and research opportunities in academic, governmental, non-profit, and law enforcement organizations.
- Students are also prepared to pursue graduate studies.
In the four-year curriculum for a bachelor of science degree in sociology, students must also complete Core Curriculum requirements, a concentration, and a minor field of study for a minimum of 120 credits total (this includes at least 42 hours of courses numbered 300 and above).
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Curriculum for a Major in Sociology, Culture and Society Concentration
Specific Core Curriculum requirement:
Total hours required, 42 Hours:
Required courses, 18 -19 Hours:
Restricted Elective courses, 24 Hours:
Complete at least five (15cr) of the following courses: Additional three classes (9cr)
An additional three classes (9cr) may be completed from these interdisciplinary options that examine culture and society. Four-Year Course Progression
Sociology, Culture and Society | FALL | | FIRST YEAR | | | SPRING | | FIRST YEAR | | | Sub./Course No. | Tier | Title | Credit | | Sub./Course No. | Tier | Title | Credit | | Core Curriculum | 1 | First-Year Experience (FYEX) | 1 | | Core Curriculum | 1 | ENGL 102 | 3 | | Core Curriculum | 1 | ENGL 101 | 3 | | Core Curriculum | 1 | Mathematics (MA) | 3 | | Core Curriculum | 1 | Lab Science (LS) | 4 | | Core Curriculum | 1 | Lab Science (LS) | 4 | | Core Curriculum | 1 | History | 3 | | Core Curriculum | 2 | Choose SO-CK, MD, or GL with advisor | 3 | | SOCI 203 | 2 | General Sociology (SO-MD) | 3 | | Core Curriculum | 2 | Choose HM-MD or GL with advisor | 3 | | | | TOTAL | 14 | | | | TOTAL | 16 | | | | FALL | | SECOND YEAR | | | SPRING | | SECOND YEAR | | | Sub./Course No. | Tier | Title | Credit | | Sub./Course No. | Tier | Title | Credit | | Core Curriculum | 2 | Wellness (WE) | 3 | | SOCI 301 | | Social Science Writing (WM) | 3 | | Core Curriculum | 2 | Choose AR with advisor | 3 | | Minor | | Minor | 3 | | Core Curriculum | 2 | Choose HM-GL or MD with advisor | 3 | | Minor | | Minor | 3 | | Core Curriculum | 2 | Choose SO-CK with advisor | 3 | | Major Elective | | Choose Major restricted elective | 3 | | SOCI 205 | | Social Problems | 3 | | Elective | | Elective | 3 | | | | TOTAL | 15 | | | | TOTAL | 15 | | | | FALL | | THIRD YEAR | | | SPRING | | THIRD YEAR | | | Sub./Course No. | Tier | Title | Credit | | Sub./Course No. | Tier | Title | Credit | | SOCI 322 | | Social Theory | 3 | | SOCI 323 | | Social Research Methods | 3 | | SOCI 321 | | Social Stratification OR | | | Major Elective | | Choose Major restricted elective | 3 | | SOCI 403 | | Race and Ethnic Relations | 3 | | Major Elective | | Choose Major restricted elective | 3 | | Minor | | Minor | 3 | | Minor | | Minor | 3 | | Elective | | Elective | 3 | | Minor | | Minor | 3 | | Major Elective | | Choose Major restricted elective | 3 | | | | TOTAL | 15 | | | | TOTAL | 15 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | FALL | | FOURTH YEAR | | | SPRING | | FOURTH YEAR | | | Sub./Course No. | Tier | Title | Credit | | Sub./Course No. | Tier | Title | Credit | | Major Elective | | Choose Major restricted elective | 3 | | SOCI 419 or SOCI 420 | | Field Experience (CP) or Senior Thesis | 3-4 | | SREX 400 | | Career Readiness (recommended) | 1 | | Major Elective | | Choose Major Restricted elective | 3 | | Major Elective | | Choose Major restricted elective | 3 | | Major Elective | | Choose Major Restricted elective | 3 | | Minor | | Minor | 3 | | Elective | | Elective | 3 | | Elective | | Elective | 3 | | Elective | | Elective | 1-2 | | Elective | | Elective | 3 | | | | TOTAL | 14 | | | | TOTAL | 16 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | DEGREE TOTAL | 120 | | | Curriculum for a Major in Sociology, Criminology Concentration
Specific Core Curriculum Requirement:
Total hours required, 42 Hours:
Required courses, 18 Hours:
Required courses in criminology, 6 Hours:
Electives in criminal justice and sociology, 18 Hours:
Complete six additional 300- or 400-level criminal justice (CRIM) courses, SOCI 345 , SOCI 413 , SOWK 201 , or SOWK 320 . Four-Year Course Progression
Sociology, Criminology | FALL | | FIRST YEAR | | | SPRING | | FIRST YEAR | | | Sub./Course No. | Tier | Title | Credit | | Sub./Course No. | Tier | Title | Credit | | Core Curriculum | 1 | First-Year Experience (FYEX) | 1 | | Core Curriculum | 1 | ENGL 102 | 3 | | Core Curriculum | 1 | ENGL 101 | 3 | | Core Curriculum | 1 | Mathematics (MA) | 3 | | Core Curriculum | 1 | Lab Science (LS) | 4 | | Core Curriculum | 1 | Lab Science (LS) | 4 | | GSPE 210 | 1 | History | 3 | | Core Curriculum | 2 | Choose SO-CK, MD, or GL with advisor | 3 | | SOCI 203 | 2 | General Sociology (SO-MD) | 3 | | Core Curriculum | 2 | Choose HM-MD or GL with advisor | 3 | | | | TOTAL | 14 | | | | TOTAL | 16 | | | | FALL | | SECOND YEAR | | | SPRING | | SECOND YEAR | | | Sub./Course No. | Tier | Title | Credit | | Sub./Course No. | Tier | Title | Credit | | Core Curriculum | 2 | Wellness (WE) | 3 | | Core Curriculum | 2 | Choose AR with advisor | 3 | | CRIM 203 | | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 | | Major Elective | | Choose Major Elective | 3 | | Core Curriculum | 2 | Choose HM-GL or MD with advisor | 3 | | SOCI 301 | | Social Science Writing (WM) | 3 | | Core Curriculum | 2 | Choose SO-CK with advisor | 3 | | Minor | | Minor | 3 | | SOCI 205 | | Social Problems | 3 | | Elective | | Elective | 3 | | | | TOTAL | 15 | | | | TOTAL | 15 | | | | FALL | | THIRD YEAR | | | SPRING | | THIRD YEAR | | | Sub./Course No. | Tier | Title | Credit | | Sub./Course No. | Tier | Title | Credit | | SOCI 322 | | Social Theory | 3 | | SOCI 323 | | Social Research Methods | 3 | | SOCI 321 | | Social Stratification or | | | Major Elective | | Choose Major restricted elective | 3 | | SOCI 403 | | Race and Ethnic Relations | 3 | | Major Elective | | Choose Major restricted elective | 3 | | Minor | | Minor | 3 | | CRIM 402 | | Criminology | 3 | | Minor | | Minor | 3 | | Minor | | Minor | 3 | | Elective | | Elective | 3 | | | | TOTAL | 15 | | | | TOTAL | 15 | | | | | | | | | FALL | | FOURTH YEAR | | | SPRING | | FOURTH YEAR | | | Sub./Course No. | Tier | Title | Credit | | Sub./Course No. | Tier | Title | Credit | | SREX 400 | | Career Readiness (recommended) | 1 | | SOCI 419 or SOCI 420 | | Field Experience (CP) or Senior Thesis | 3-4 | | Major Elective | | Choose Major elective | 3 | | Minor | | Minor | 3 | | Major Elective | | Choose Major restricted elective | 3 | | Major Elective | | Choose Major restricted elective | 3 | | Minor | | Minor | 3 | | Elective | | Elective | 3 | | Elective | | Elective | 3 | | Elective | | Elective | 1-2 | | Elective | | Elective | 3 | | | | TOTAL | 14 | | | | TOTAL | 16 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | DEGREE TOTAL | 120 | | | |
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