The Sociology major introduces the student to classic and contemporary literature in the study of social interaction and provides a basis for a wide range of career options. Quantitative and qualitative research methods are used for analysis and provide foundation for graduate and professional training in sociology, social work, organizational management, and allied fields. Opportunities are given to practice critical thinking, oral and written communication skills, and applied experiences. Internships in the metropolitan Chicago area are strongly encouraged. An additional focus of the department is the development of biblical advocacy in the promotion of social justice and equity.

Requirements for a major in Sociology are at least 40 hours including:

Sociology Foundation24
SOC 115
Introduction to Sociology
SOC 376
Sociological Theory
SOC 383
Statistics
SOC 482
Social Research
SOC 491
Thesis Research I
SOC 493
Thesis Research II
SOC 494
Senior Capstone
Select either "Required Core Electives" or "Social Work Emphasis" 18
Required Core Electives
Select two of the following for at least 8 credits:
SOC 337
Racial and Ethnic Relations
SOC 347
Gender & Society
SOC 355
Social Class & Inequality
Social Work Emphasis
4 credits required courses, 4-8 credit internship, don't need to take required core electives
SWEL 331
Introduction to Social Welfare
SWEL 332
Human Services Practice
SWEL 496
Social Work Internship
Electives8
SOC 228
Sociology of Sexuality
SOC 238
Social Problems
SOC 241
Social Psychology
SOC 251
Culture, Media, and Society
SOC 321
Sociology of Economic Life
SOC 325
Violence in Minority Communities
SOC 327
Violence Against Women
SOC 341
Social & Political Movements
SOC 356
The Family
SOC 359
American Suburbanization
SOC 364
Urban Sociology
SOC 366
Sociology Of Religion
SOC 367
Crime & Delinquency
SOC 371
Asians in America
SOC 373
Sociology of Education
SOC 385
Social Change in Latin America
SOC 399
Social Network Analysis: Theory and Methods
SOC 496
Internship in Sociology (if 8 credits, 1/2 counts toward major)
CORE 348
AIS: Wheaton College as an Institution
One Anthropology course - 2 or 4 credits - numbered 200 or above can count for Sociology Electives credit.
Total Credits40
1

If choosing the Social Work Emphasis, students should notify their faculty advisor and the department office coordinator.

In addition to these electives, the Sociology program occasionally offers experimental courses, which are listed in the course schedule.

All Sociology or Social Work courses taken at the 200, 300, and 400 level that do not fulfill the Foundations and Core Electives requirements will count towards meeting the 8 required hours of Electives.