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Applied Sociology


Bachelor of Arts

Introduction
The program in Applied Sociology maintains an educational philosophy characterized by the sharing of learning between professor and student. Students with applied sociological research skills and theoretical knowledge will find themselves prepared for the emergent occupations in our rapidly changing society. The department offers senior students options for a thesis or internship opportunities both locally or outside of the Erie community.

Mission Statement
The  Applied  Sociology  program  provides  students  with  the  necessary  skills   to understand human behaviors and the dynamics of our global society. Our curriculum is based on liberal arts and strives to enhance students’ critical thinking skills through a strong foundation of theory and research. A degree in applied sociology affords a strong foundation for graduate education and opens the doors to a wide range of career paths such as data analytics, law, social services, public policy, business, and communication.

Program Outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical background of the field of Applied Sociology
  • Understand the importance of different types of scientific research, to formulate research questions, and demonstrate an understanding of data collection and data analysis
  • Demonstrate knowledge of social problems and their impact on human behavior and well-being.
  • Demonstrate skills in critical thinking and ethical decision making.
Program Requirements:

The Applied Sociology major must have a 2.5 GPA or higher in major courses

REACH
Mercyhurst - REACH and outREACH
39
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
Course Code:
SOC 100
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course introduces students to the discipline of sociology-the scientific study of human behavior as shaped by collective forces and self-reflections. The primary aim of this course is to enhance students' ability to interpret and evaluate the social and cultural influences around us. To achieve this aim, the course compares and contrasts sociological theoretical paradigms, as well as discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
SOC 100
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
3
CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Course Code:
SOC 101
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course is designed to provide a context for students to critically explore selected social conditions that have been determined to constitute social problems in contemporary society. Each of the issues selected will be looked at from different perspectives using the lens of various theories. The contributions of opposing ideologies and ideas, and a critique of research related to the phenomena will be utilized to facilitate an understanding of the complexity of the phenomena and clarify one's perspective.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
SOC 101
CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL PROBLEMS
3
DIVERSITY IN SOCIETY: OPPRESSION & SOCIAL JUSTICE
Course Code:
SOC 204
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course is designed to provide students with a knowledge base concerning human diversity from a sociological perspective. Diversity is broadly defined to encompass many aspects of social life, including gender and sexuality, social class, race and ethnicity, and ability. Students will learn how to use each of these concepts in conversation and in writing, and to view them in combination using an intersectional lens. Phenomena such as stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination will be studied. The dynamics of oppression will be examined and ways to create a more just society explored.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
SOC 204
DIVERSITY IN SOCIETY: OPPRESSION & SOCIAL JUSTICE
3
SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH METHODS
Course Code:
SOC 300
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course is focused on learning the basics of conducting social science research as well as critiquing and utlizing existing research. Students are exposed to key aspects of the research process including: choosing a research topic; identifying the population of interest; conducting a literature review; selecting a research design; collecting data; and descriptive analysis.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
SOC 300
SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH METHODS
3
CONTEMPORARY SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY
Course Code:
SOC 301
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Randomly
Course Description:

This course aims to familiarize students with contemporary sociological theories and how they build upon classical theorists such as Marx, Weber and Durkheim. Examples of contemporary theories covered include works from Giddens, Bourdieu, Smith, Hooks, Goffman, Foucault and others.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
SOC 301
CONTEMPORARY SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY
3
GLOBAL PROBLEMS & SOCIAL CHANGE
Course Code:
SOC 342
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course explores socio-cultural factors that connect human needs to global issues. Using a sustainable development paradigm, students will develop an understanding of the linkage between global problems such as overpopulation, food production/distribution disparities and environmental disasters with human/societal needs such as poverty, race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, aging, education, health and medicine, drug use, and war and terrorism. This course will introduce the perspectives and competencies required to prepare for citizenship in the global community of the 21st century.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
SOC 342
GLOBAL PROBLEMS & SOCIAL CHANGE
3
SOCIOLOGY INTERNSHIP
Course Code:
SOC 475
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Randomly
Course Description:

The internship affords the student an opportunity to operationalize sociology concepts in a variety of work environments. The educational experience is administered by the Career Development Center. 

Credit:
0-12
Instruction methods:
Field
Total hours: 45
x
SOC 475
SOCIOLOGY INTERNSHIP
0-12

OR

SENIOR PROJECT
Course Code:
SOC 490
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Randomly
Course Description:

Students can complete the sociology degree requirements by completing a research thesis which includes developing, implementing and successfully writing about an original research project. Oversight is provided by a faculty member from Sociology, Social Work or Criminal Justice.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture, Project
Total hours: 45
x
SOC 490
SENIOR PROJECT
3
STATISTICS FOR RESEARCH
Course Code:
STAT 120
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course will provide an introduction to statistical methods used in research with an emphasis on describing, organizing, applying and interpreting a variety of basic statistical techniques.  Topics include measurement scales, elements of experimental design, probability, hypothesis testing, descriptive statistics, correlation, t-tests, analysis of variance, chi-square tests, regression techniques, and non-parametric statistical methods.  Students will gain experience in basic data management using a data entry platform, such as Excel.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
x
STAT 120
STATISTICS FOR RESEARCH
3

AND Five (5) Applied Sociology electives (15 credits)

Sociology Minor

Required Sociology Minor Courses
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

**The Sociology Minor must have a 2.5 GPA or higher in minor courses.

Related Programs

BAAPSOCCR

Applied Sociology - Criminology Concentration

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