APPLIED SOCIOLOGY
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Mercyhurst University's bachelor of arts degree in applied sociology provides a core of knowledge, first hand experience with conducting research, and the necessary social values to prepare students for careers or advanced degrees in the field of sociology. The program maintains an educational philosophy characterized by the sharing of learning between professor and student. Students with sociological research and theoretical skills will find themselves with a critical vantage point to prepare for the emergent occupational roles within our rapidly changing society. The department offers senior students options for a thesis, local internship, paid cooperative education placement or a Washington, D.C. internship. Topics of study include Sociology, Families in a Changing Society, Human Needs and Global Problems, Contemporary Social Problems, Sociological Research Methods, Human Trafficking, Contemporary Sociological Theory, Statistics in Social Science, and Diversity, Oppression, and Social Justice.
Mercyhurst offers a criminology concentration to Applied Sociology majors interested in the study of crime and criminals. Applied Sociology students must have a 2.5 GPA or higher in major courses for this concentration. In addition to the six core requirements for all Applied Sociology students, the requirements for the concentration include:
- CRJS 220: Drugs Crime and Crim Justice (3 credits)
- CRJS 230: Criminology (3 credits)
- CRJS 240: Victimology (3 credits)
- SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
- SOC 101: Contemporary Social Problems (3 credits)
- SOC 204: Diversity in Society: Oppression and Social Justice (3 credits)
- SOC 300: Sociological Research Methods (3 credits)
- SOC 301: Contemporary Sociological Theory (3 credits)
- SOC 342: Global Problems and Social Change (3 credits)
- STAT 120: Statistics for Research (3 credits)
- CRJS 214: Courts and Legal Concepts (3 credits) or CRJS 310: Constitutional Law in Criminal Procedure (3 credits)
- CRJS 290: Race and Justice (3 credits) or PSYCH 350: Antecedents of Aggression (3 credits)
- SOC 475: Sociology Internship (0-12 credits) or SOC 490: Senior Project (3 credits)
- Two (2) Criminology Electives (6 credits)
A 21-credit gerontology minor is offered for students wishing to enhance their chosen degree program. Students in this program must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA in minor courses. The course requirements for the gerontology minor include:
- SOC 214: Grief and Loss (3 credits)
- SOC 312: Services and Resources for the Aged (3 credits)
- SOC 475: Sociology Internship at an approved site serving older adults (3-6 credits)
- Three (3) Electives: Must support content on aging and be approved by advisor.
The program in Sociology maintains an educational philosophy characterized by the sharing of learning between professor and student. Students with sociological research and theoretical skills will send themselves with a critical vantage point to prepare for the emergent occupational roles our rapidly changing society is bringing forth. The department offers senior students options for a thesis, local internship, paid cooperative education placement, or Washington, DC internships.
A 21-credit Sociology minor is offered for students wishing to enhance their chosen degree program. Students in this program must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA in minor courses. The courses required for this minor are:
- SOC 100: Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
- SOC 101: Contemporary Social Problems (3 credits)
- SOC 204: Diversity in Society: Oppression and Social Justice (3 credits)
- SOC 342: Global Problems and Social Change (3 credits)
- Three (3) Approved Electives (9 credits)
An 18-credit Social Justice minor is offered for students wishing to enhance their chosen degree program in gaining a holistic and hands-on approach to many of the injustices and societal complexities in our world today. Students in this program must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA in minor courses. The course requirements for the Social Justice minor include:
- SOC 101: Contemporary Social Problems (3 credits)
- SOC 204: Diversity in Society, Oppression, and Social Justice (3 credits)
- SOC 342: Global Problems and Social Change (3 credits) OR SOCW 307: Social Work Practice I (3 credits)
- SOCW 107: Introduction to Social Work (3 credits)
- SOCW 220: Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (3 credits)
- SOCW 304: Social Welfare Analysis (3 credits)
Resources
Contact Us
Elizabeth Sanders, MSSA, LCSW
Chair, Department of Applied Sociology/Social Work
Office: Preston 108
Phone: 814-824-2693
Email: esanders@mercyhurst.edu
