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Sociology

Undergraduate Programs

The department offers a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, and a minor in sociology. A bachelor's degree with a major in sociology provides a liberal arts and sciences education. Although it does not prepare students for a specific career, it provides background for employment in fields such as human services, criminal justice, corrections, sales, public relations, advertising, personnel, applied social research, community organization, and teaching social science in secondary schools. It also provides a foundation for graduate or professional study in social work, urban planning, law, criminal justice, social policy, and similar areas. Finally, the B.A. and B.S. prepare students to work toward advanced degrees in sociology, which qualify them for college or university teaching and work in academic, private, and governmental research.

Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts in sociology requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including at least 34-35 s.h. of work for the major. Several courses required for the major have specific prerequisites, and in some cases, students must earn a minimum grade in a prerequisite course. In planning to complete the major, students must be careful to take courses in the proper sequence.

The following sociology courses may not be used to complete requirements for the major: 034:029 First-Year Seminar, 034:197 Teaching Internship, and 034:198 Directed Individual Study.

In addition to specific courses required for the degree, students are advised to take 6 s.h. of course work in at least one of these departments: anthropology, economics, geography, political science, or psychology. Students also must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences General Education Program.

Transfer students majoring in sociology must meet the same requirements as other sociology students. They must take at least 12 s.h. in sociology at The University of Iowa and must have transfer course work approved for credit toward the major by a sociology advisor.

INTRODUCTORY COURSES

These courses should be taken early, to lay the foundation for all other work in the major. 

THEORY AND METHODS COURSES

These courses should be completed as early as possible. The college-level mathematics course is a prerequisite for 034:010 Quantitative Data Analysis. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in 034:009 Sociological Theory, 034:010 Quantitative Data Analysis, and 034:011 Research Methods in order to complete the major. Students must take 034:009 Sociological Theory and 034:010 Quantitative Data Analysis before enrolling in 034:011 Research Methods. 

ELECTIVES

Students complete 15 s.h. of elective course work in sociology, chosen from all the courses offered by the department (except 034:029 First-Year Seminar, 034:197 Teaching Internship, and 034:198 Directed Individual Study). Two electives must be taken after completing 034:011 Research Methods (except 034:002 Social Problems, 034:029 First-Year Seminar, 034:197 Teaching Internship, and 034:198 Directed Individual Study).

CAPSTONE COURSE

The capstone course illustrates the student's accomplishments in the major. It is usually taken during the student's last semester of course work for the major. In order to enroll in the capstone course, students must complete 034:011 with a grade of C or higher. 

SOCIOLOGY MAJOR PORTFOLIO

When each student graduates, he or she is required to provide the department with documents that will constitute his or her Sociology Major Portfolio. The portfolio provides a record of the student's development in the department. It also is an attractive set of materials that can serve as evidence of interests and work for prospective employers and graduate schools.

The portfolio should include at least three documents: a paper from the first two years of sociology classes, such as a book review or statement comparing competing theories; a research paper that reports the findings of original research; and a statement summarizing an experience in which the student applied sociological knowledge, such as a report on an internship, a consideration of contributions that sociological information made to a summer job, or a reflection on a period of study abroad.

Together, the materials should display development toward technical correctness in citing others' work, accurate use of sociological concepts, technical proficiency in using research methods, and the ability to explain implications of research findings.

The portfolio may be submitted electronically. Contact the department for more information.

Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in sociology requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including at least 45 s.h. of work for the major, with a minimum of 30 s.h. in sociology. Several courses required for the major have specific prerequisites, and in some cases, students must earn a minimum grade in a prerequisite course. In planning to complete the major, students must be careful to take courses in the proper sequence.

The following sociology courses may not be used to complete requirements for the major:  034:029 First-Year Seminar, 034:197 Teaching Internship, and 034:198 Directed Individual Study.

In addition to the specific courses required for the degree, students are advised to take 6 s.h. of course work in at least one of these departments: anthropology, economics, geography, political science, or psychology. Students also must complete the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences General Education Program.

Transfer students majoring in sociology must meet the same requirements as other sociology students. They must take at least 12 s.h. in sociology at The University of Iowa and must have transfer course work approved for credit toward the major by a sociology advisor.

INTRODUCTORY COURSES

These courses should be taken early, to lay the foundation for all other work in the major. 

One of these sequences: 

THEORY AND METHODS COURSES

These courses should be completed as early as possible. The college-level mathematics course is a prerequisite for 034:010 Quantitative Data Analysis. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in 034:009 Sociological Theory, 034:010 Quantitative Data Analysis, and 034:011 Research Methods in order to complete the major. Students must take 034:009 Sociological Theory and 034:010 Quantitative Data Analysis before enrolling in 034:011 Research Methods. 

One of these: 

ELECTIVES

Students complete 15 s.h. of elective course work in sociology, chosen from all the courses offered by the department (except 034:029 First-Year Seminar, 034:197 Teaching Internship, and 034:198 Directed Individual Study). Two of the electives must be taken after completing 034:011 Research Methods (except 034:002 Social Problems, 034:029 First-Year Seminar, 034:197 Teaching Internship, and 034:198 Directed Individual Study).

CAPSTONE COURSE

The capstone course illustrates the student's accomplishments in the major. It is taken during the student's last semester of course work for the major. In order to enroll in the capstone course, students must complete 034:011 Research Methods with a grade of C or higher. 

SOCIOLOGY MAJOR PORTFOLIO

When each student graduates, he or she is required to provide the department with documents that will constitute his or her Sociology Major Portfolio. The portfolio provides a record of the student's development in the department. It also is an attractive set of materials that can serve as evidence of interests and work for prospective employers and graduate schools.

The portfolio should include at least three documents: a paper from the first two years of sociology classes, such as a book review or statement comparing competing theories; a research paper that reports the findings of original research; and a statement summarizing an experience in which the student applied sociological knowledge, such as a report on an internship, a consideration of contributions that sociological information made to a summer job, or a reflection on a period of study abroad.

Together, the materials should display development toward technical correctness in citing others' work, accurate use of sociological concepts, technical proficiency in using research methods, and the ability to explain implications of research findings.

The portfolio may be submitted electronically. Contact the department for more information.

B.A. or B.S. with Teacher Licensure

Students who wish to obtain teacher licensure in the social sciences while majoring in sociology should contact the Department of Teaching and Learning in the College of Education.

Four-Year Graduation Plan

The following checkpoints list the minimum requirements students must complete by certain semesters in order to stay on the University's Four-Year Graduation Plan. (Courses in the major are those required to complete the major; they may be offered by departments other than the major department.)

Note: Sequencing of course work is important in meeting the four-year plan.

Bachelor of Arts

Before the third semester begins: at least one-quarter of the semester hours required for graduation

Before the fifth semester begins: 034:001 Introduction to Sociology Principles or equivalent, and at least half of the semester hours required for graduation

Before the seventh semester begins: a college-level math course numbered 22M:009 Elementary Functions or above, 034:009 Sociological Theory, 034:010 Quantitative Data Analysis, and at least three-quarters of the semester hours required for graduation

Before the eighth semester begins: 034:011 Research Methods

During the eighth semester: enrollment in all remaining course work in the major, including the capstone course and two electives in the major (excluding 034:002 Social Problems, 034:029 First-Year Seminar, 034:197 Teaching Internship, and 034:198 Directed Individual Study), all remaining General Education courses, and a sufficient number of semester hours to graduate

Bachelor of Science

Before the third semester begins: at least one-quarter of the semester hours required for graduation

Before the fifth semester begins: 034:001 Introduction to Sociology Principles or equivalent, 034:009 Sociological Theory, one sociology elective, and at least half of the semester hours required to graduate

Before the seventh semester begins: 034:010 Quantitative Data Analysis, 034:011 Research Methods, calculus I-II, one more sociology elective, and at least three-quarters of the semester hours required for graduation

Before the eighth semester begins: 22S:120 Probability and Statistics and one more sociology elective

During the eighth semester: enrollment in all remaining course work in the major, including the capstone course and two electives in the major (excluding 034:002 Social Problems, 034:029 First-Year Seminar, 034:197 Teaching Internship, and 034:198 Directed Individual Study), all remaining General Education courses, and a sufficient number of semester hours to graduate 

Honors

The University of Iowa Honors Program provides a stimulating and integrative educational experience for undergraduate majors who perform at a high level. Membership in the honors program requires that students maintain a cumulative University of Iowa g.p.a. of at least 3.33 (contact the University of Iowa Honors Program for more information).

To qualify for the honors program in sociology, students must have a cumulative University of Iowa g.p.a. of at least 3.33 and a g.p.a. of at least 3.33 in the major in sociology courses.

To earn a degree with honors in sociology, students complete the following:

034:100 Honors Proseminar, taken spring semester of the junior year

At least one advanced undergraduate course numbered above 034:100, or a graduate course (instructor's permission to enroll for honors designation is required)

034:199 Honors Research, the senior honors thesis

The honors thesis is conducted under faculty supervision;  it gives students an opportunity to conduct sociological research in close consultation with a faculty member of the student's choice.

Minor

The minor in sociology requires a minimum of 15 s.h. in sociology courses, including 12 s.h. in courses taken at The University of Iowa. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in the minor. Course work in the minor may not be taken pass/nonpass. The minor must include 034:009 Sociological Theory.

A minor in sociology is a good complement to a number of majors, particularly other social sciences, business, elementary education, or nursing.

National Honor Society

The department sponsors a chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society. Students who have a cumulative and sociology g.p.a. of 3.00 or higher and have attained junior or higher standing are considered for membership. Consult the Alpha Kappa Delta faculty advisor for details.

Graduate Programs

The department offers a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy in sociology. Graduate study in sociology focuses on the Ph.D. Students are awarded the M.A. as they fulfill requirements for the Ph.D.

The Doctor of Philosophy emphasizes research and aims primarily to prepare sociologists for academic positions in colleges and universities or for research positions in academic, private, and government institutions. Opportunities for research using survey, experimental, and observational methods are readily available in the department.

Master of Arts

The Master of Arts in sociology requires 30 s.h. of graduate credit with thesis or research paper, and 38 s.h. of graduate credit without. The program without thesis is intended for students seeking a terminal degree and for whom a wider range of course content in sociology is appropriate.

All M.A. students must complete the following with grades of B-minus or higher. 

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy in sociology requires a minimum of 72 s.h. of graduate credit. In addition to 034:214 Introduction to Sociological Data Analysis and 034:216 Linear Models in Sociological Research, which are required for the M.A., students must complete two 200-level elective courses in methods/statistics, and 034:202 Theory Construction and Analysis.  Most courses for the Ph.D. are taken in the student's two areas of interest. Candidates also must pass two area examinations, write and defend a dissertation prospectus, and write and successfully defend a dissertation.

Doctoral students take two area exams--one from list A, the other from list A or B. List A has five standing committees: crime, law, and deviance; family; political sociology; social psychology; and stratification. For the list B exam, a student may propose any area that is not covered under List A and for which there is adequate faculty support.

For a detailed statement of graduate study regulations, contact the Department of Sociology. Prospective doctoral students should examine this document carefully.

Joint Ph.D./J.D.

The Department of Sociology and the College of Law offer the joint Juris Doctor/Doctor of Philosophy. The program is highly individualized, allowing students to explore varied aspects of the relationship between law and society. Joint Ph.D./J.D students may count up to 12 s.h. of graduate credit toward both degrees, with approval from the Department of Sociology and the College of Law.

Separate application to each degree program is required. Applicants must be admitted to both programs before they can be admitted to the joint degree program. For information about the J.D., see Juris Doctor (College of Law) in the Catalog.

Teaching Assistantship Training

All new graduate students are expected to attend a three-day orientation for teaching assistants before classes begin. In addition, 034:382 Teaching Sociology is required for students who wish to teach their own courses.

Admission

Admission to graduate study in sociology usually requires an undergraduate g.p.a. of at least 3.25 and a score of 1100 or higher (quantitative and verbal) on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. Students whose first language is not English should submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see Manual of Rules and Regulations of the Graduate College or the Graduate College section of the Catalog. Applicants also must complete the sociology department application and use the department's personal reference forms to obtain three letters of recommendation; forms can be printed from the Department of Sociology web page.

All application materials for fall admission must be received by January 1. The deadline for applying for departmental financial support is January 1. Evaluation of applications begins in early January.

Admission decisions are based on consideration of prior academic performance, personal reference letters, scores on the GRE General Test, and the applicant's statement of reasons for pursuing advanced work in sociology at The University of Iowa. The department has no specific undergraduate course requirements for admission, but a background in the social sciences with some mathematical training is useful. A foreign language is not required for admission, and there is no foreign language requirement for a graduate degree in sociology. To inquire about admission, consult the chair of the admissions committee, Department of Sociology.

Financial Support

The Department of Sociology offers teaching assistantships and research assistantships for graduate students. Students who receive one-half-time teaching or research assistantships work 20 hours each week for faculty members on either teaching or research assignments. Out-of-state students who hold assistantships are assessed tuition at the resident rate. Graduate students also may be eligible for fellowships offered by the Graduate College.

Research Centers and Facilities

Center for Asian and Pacific Studies

The Center for Asian and Pacific Studies provides excellent opportunities for studying Asia from a social science perspective. It supports related Asia studies and offers a monthly seminar that features lively discussions by scholars from many different disciplines.

Center for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies

The Center for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies is an interdisciplinary research and teaching program for the study of crime, law, deviance, social control, and mental health. It sponsors a colloquium series in crime, law, and social control, in which affiliates, graduate students, and outside speakers present their ongoing research, and a working-paper series in which members disseminate research papers to the academic community. The center also provides research support and a research infrastructure for faculty and graduate students and offers graduate research assistantships for interested students. Internship in Criminal Justice and Corrections (034:148) is administered through the center.

Center for the Study of Group Processes

The Center for the Study of Group Processes has an 18-room small-group laboratory with eight computer-controlled subject rooms that provide audiovisual and psychophysiological recording capabilities, two large-group rooms with an adjoining observation room, an audiovisual control room, a sociophysiological instrumentation lab, a virtual social environment lab, and other flexible research office spaces.

Institute for Inequality Studies

The Institute for Inequality Studies (IIS) promotes research on the causes and consequences of social inequality's many forms--class, gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, and disability. The institute's mission is to stimulate interdisciplinary exchange; encourage scholarly engagement in research through seminars highlighting current policy-relevant research and methodology; train the next generation of demography and inequality scholars; provide technical and administrative support to researchers working with survey and population data; and facilitate development of collaborative proposals for external funding. IIS also promotes the visibility of social inequality scholarship by sponsoring symposia on inequality research issues that attract community interest.