Undergraduate Degree(s):

The Department of Sociology offers coursework leading to two degrees: the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Master of Arts (M.A.). A minor in Sociology is also offered for students pursuing undergraduate degrees in departments where they are required to declare a minor. Interested students may secure information from the Department of Sociology office located in the Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs building.

Students interested in the Master of Arts Degree in Sociology should refer to the Graduate School Bulletin of Texas Southern University.

The mission of the Department of Sociology at Texas Southern University is to become a nationally recognized leader in the urban sociological training of students who will enter graduate/professional school or career oriented professions. Students are trained with a special emphasis on sociological theory, methodology, and the substantive areas of social inequality and urban sociology. The major in Sociology will, both orally and in written form, demonstrate how this discipline advances scientific knowledge, demonstrate an understanding of sociological theory and methodology, and be able to successfully complete a scientific research project. Within the curriculum, students will be challenged to develop their critical thinking skills, to utilize technology in the acquisition and analysis of data and to participate in service learning activities in the Houston metropolitan community.

Upon completing this program, the Sociology major will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the following:

1. The discipline of Sociology and its role in contributing to our understanding of social reality, such that the student will be able to:
   1. describe how Sociology differs from and is similar to other social sciences;
   2. describe how Sociology contributes to a liberal arts understanding of social reality; and
   3. apply the sociological imagination, sociological principles and concepts to his/her own life.
2. The role of theory in Sociology, such that the student will be able to:
   1. define theory and describe its role in building sociological knowledge;
   2. compare and contrast basic theoretical orientations;
   3. demonstrate how theories reflect the historical context of times and cultures in which they were developed; and
   4. describe and apply basic theories and theoretical orientations in at least one area of social reality.
3. The role of evidence and qualitative and quantitative methods in Sociology, such that the student will be able to:
   1. identify basic methodological approaches and describe the general role of methods in building sociological knowledge;
   2. compare and contrast the basic methodological approaches for gathering data;
   3. design a research study and explain why various decisions are made; and
   4. critically assess a published research report and explain how the study could have been improved.
4. The technical skills involved in retrieving information and data from the internet and using computers appropriately for data analysis. The Sociology major should also be able to do scientific technical writing that accurately conveys data findings and to demonstrate an understanding and application of principles of ethical practice as a sociologist.
5. In depth knowledge of at least two specialty areas within Sociology, such that the student will be able to:
   1. summarize basic questions and issues in the areas;
   2. compare and contrast basic theoretical orientations and middle range theories in the areas;
   3. demonstrate how Sociology helps the understanding of the area;
   4. summarize content research in the area; and
   5. develop specific policy implications of research and theories in the areas.

The major in Sociology requires a total of thirty-six (36) semester credit hours in Sociology courses. Only grades of “C” or better are accepted (grades of “C-“ are unacceptable). First-time degree seeking students pursuing this degree must declare a minor in a second academic discipline. Once admitted to the University, Sociology majors are assigned an academic advisor who will advise them of the curriculum courses that are required to receive the B.A. degree in Sociology. The academic advisor should be consulted in the selection of a required minor for the B.A. in Sociology. 

Students interested in seeking the undergraduate degree (B.A. in Sociology) or the Sociology minor must first gain admission to the University, satisfy admissions testing requirements, satisfy deficiencies assessed at the time of admission through the Office of Student Academic Success Services Center, and petition the Department for admission as test requirements are completed. Students must schedule at least two academic conferences per semester for course approval and status verification for progress toward graduation. In no case will students qualify for graduation at the undergraduate level with fewer than 120 semester credit hours satisfactorily completed. An exit examination is required of all Sociology candidates for the B.A. degree in Sociology. Transfer students may substitute FS 102 Freshman Seminar/ first Year Experience with any college level course to complete the total credit hours required for graduation by their degree plan.

Minor in Sociology, click here.

Sociology majors and all interested students are encouraged to become members of The Sociology Scholars Association and to participate in the Spring and Fall semester Sociology Lecture Seminars. The Department of Sociology strives to enhance the student’s college experience by providing the opportunity to develop leadership skills, participate in research oriented forums, strengthen interpersonal communication skills, and make contributions to the community by participating in service-oriented projects.

Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) is an international academic Sociology honor society and an integral component of the Department of Sociology at Texas Southern University. The Honor Society’s focus promotes the scientific study of society through research and service to mankind. The purpose of this honor society is to promote scholarship, both at the graduate and undergraduate levels. To become a member of AKD, a student must be an officially declared Sociology major or have a serious interest in Sociology within an official program of the University; must be at least a junior; have maintained a 3.0 in Sociology courses; has accumulated the equivalent of an overall grade point average of 3.0 on a four point scale and rank in the top 35% of their class in general scholarship; and has completed at least four regular courses in sociology prior to initiation.

In summary, interested students must first gain admission to the University, meet their admissions test responsibility, satisfy any deficiencies assessed at the time of admission, and petition the Department for admission. To ensure proper progression toward graduation students are required to seek advisement from an academic advisor. An exit examination is also required of graduating majors. For further information regarding the Sociology major or minor requirements contact the Department at (713) 313-7250.

Sociology Courses