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B.A. Sociology

Online Sociology Degree

The School of Arts & Sciences’ online sociology degree prepares you for a career in a variety of careers that demand a critical understanding of trends in social change, and data analysis. Because students majoring in sociology learn to systematically collect and analyze information about people and social life, they often work as project analysts, administrators, researchers, and consultants for a wide range of employers, including Federal, State, and local governments, international organizations, nonprofit and advocacy groups, educational institutions, social service agencies, research and testing services, law enforcement agencies, marketing firms, public relations agencies, real estate, and other businesses.

Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions people form, as well as various social, religious, political and business organizations. The results of sociological research help educators, lawmakers, administrators and others interested in resolving social problems and formulating public policy.

Sociology courses explore:

• Sociological theory
• Social problems
• Race and ethnic relations
• Quantitative and qualitative social research methods
• Social interaction in everyday life

In addition to the analytical tools and technologies necessary to solve complex sociological problems, the online sociology degree program emphasizes leadership skills within Saint Leo University’s core values and traditions.

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Degree Requirements

General Education Core (48 credits)

• MAT 131 College Mathematics 3

  Topics include number theory, numeration systems, geometry, counting methods, probability, and statistics.

  Prerequisites: Complete MAT-131 or higher. Business majors must complete MAT-141

• ENG 121 Academic Writing I 3

  The techniques of effective writing, logical thinking and intelligent reading, with special emphasis on expository writing.

  Prerequisites: Passing grade in ENG 002 or satisfactory score on the English Placement Test

• ENG 122 Academic Writing II 3

  A continuation of ENG 121. Expository writing based on analytical study of literary genres.

  Prerequisites: ENG 121

• COM 140 Basic Computer Skills 3

  Required for all business majors. Students will use commercial software packages in the microcomputer laboratory to gain an advanced understanding of business functions of computers and to develop personal competency in practical applications of microcomputers for business. Provides business students with the specific knowledge and capabilities in various computer skills necessary to be effective in both business classes and the business world. Course fee may apply.

• FAS 101 The Integrated Arts 3

  This is an interdisciplinary course that introduces students to visual, written, and musical works of art designed to increase the student's understanding and aesthetic pleasure as well as to develop acquaintance with techniques and terminology in the arts. Regular classroom lectures/discussions may be complemented by live or virtual performances and exhibits as appropriate to the course format to enhance the student's experience of the arts.

• ART 123 Art Appreciation 3

  Basic terms, theories and techniques of the artist; major art movements; media in the visual arts.

  Prerequisites: FAS 101

• Core English Options : (3 Credits)3

  • ENG 226 Survey of World Literature II

    Designed to introduce non-English majors to the world literature in translation from the 18th century through the 20th century. Continued emphasis on literary devices writers use and on expository writing based on analytical study of the literature of the course.

    Prerequisites: ENG 122

  • ENG 311 Survey of Major Writers of the 20th Century

    A study for non-English majors of the most significant and influential movements of the twentieth century as those movements have shaped the course of human experience. Provides an opportunity for students to discuss and analyze a broad range of writers from several countries, drawing on cultural and ethnic issues particularly relevant to those writers.

    Prerequisites: ENG 122

• SSC 102 The Global Perspective 3

  A survey of various global issues arising in the world since World War II. The course combines the disciplines of history, political science, and economics. Emphasis will be placed on the interaction of the superpowers during the Cold War, the post-colonial emergence of the Third World, the ascendancy of regional and international economic and political institutions, the ambiguous blessing of technological innovation, and the reshaping of contemporary Europe.

• ECO 201 Principles of Macroeconomics 3

  An introduction to the study of the determination of income, output, employment and prices in the U.S. economy. Emphasis on fundamental economic concepts, gross domestic product and its components, monetary and fiscal policy, and contemporary macroeconomic issues.

  Prerequisites: SSC 102

• SSC 101 The Human Behavior Perspective 3

  An interdisciplinary course designed to provide students with the opportunity to consider the many ways in which human beings function as individuals, as members of larger groups and demographic segments, and as members of a particular culture. This course explores the disciplines of sociology, psychology, and anthropology within the framework of the scientific method, social constructivism, ethics, and values. Value systems, including the core values of Saint Leo University, and the ways in which they affect social structure are also explored.

• PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology 3

  A survey of the major areas in psychology. Principal topics covered are: physiological bases of behavior, personality, mental disorders and treatment, social influences and other basic issues. The course introduces students to the broad spectrum of theories used in understanding human behavior.

  Prerequisites: SSC 101

• PHI 101 The Quest for Wisdom 3

  The course examines human beings as present to themselves, as having a narrative self-understanding, and as being on a quest for meaning and orientation in life. Some of the topics are: the mystery of existence; thinking and prejudice; the good, conscience, and the power of choice; the state and the dignity of the person; the problem of materialism and scientism; and the place of imagination in articulating life's meaning.

• Core Religion Options : (3 Credits)3

  • REL 123 Foundations of Christian Faith

    This course involves an introduction to the field of theology as an academic discipline with a body of writing, methods, and interpretations. It is concerned with how to successfully study theology, including basic library research methodology and critical thinking. Students will build a basic understanding of the whole of theology through an introduction of its parts: Old Testament and New Testament Literature, Who Is Jesus?, What Is the Church?, Grace and the Sacraments, Christian Morality, Social Justice, Judaism and the Church, the Islamic Religion and the Church, and Catholic Theology in a Global Context.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 124 Introduction to the Old Testament

    A basic introduction to the literature and theology of the Jewish Scriptures.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 201 Introduction to the New Testament

    A basic introduction to the literature and theology of the New Testament, including exposure to critical methods such as form and redaction criticisms.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 223 Religions of the World I: Western Religions

    A study of Western religions, including religions of non-literate societies and ancient religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

• Any 300 or 400 level Religion course (3 credits)

• SCI 101 Integrated Physical Science 3

  This course is designed to provide integrated knowledge and basic understanding of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings of the physical sciences, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, oceanography, atmospheric sciences, and earth sciences. Major integrated themes include the nature and history of the universe, the solar system, and the Earth; the four forces; the ultimate structure and development of matter; types and nature of chemical bonding; plate tectonics; the rock cycle; biogeochemical cycles; oceanic and atmospheric circulation; global climate change; the unified nature of the laws and forces of the universe; the scientific world view; the scientific method; and the major differences between the scientific way of knowing and other ways of knowing. Emphasis is placed on oral and written scientific literacy through effective interpretation and communication of written, quantitative, graphic, and tabular scientific information.

• SCI 102 Integrated Life Science 3

  This course is designed to introduce non-science majors to the concepts and practical applications of the life sciences so that students will be informed citizens in an increasingly science and technology based society. Specific themes focused on will include cell structure and function, cell reproduction, DNA, genetic engineering, evolution, the origins of life, and the environment. Ethical and moral considerations will be discussed where appropriate. There will be several demonstrations and/or student experiments during the semester. This is the second of two integrated science courses required of all non-science majors. This course requires substantial writing and reading.

  Prerequisites: Recommended Prerequisites: SCI 101 strongly recommended

Sociology Core (36 credits)

• SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology 3

  A survey of the major issues and ideas in sociology, including basic concepts and theories, as well as an examination of major social institutions, the dynamics and processes of social interaction, and the structure and organization of social groups.

  Prerequisites: SSC 101

• SOC 321 Methods of Social Research I: Quantitative Methods 3

  The first of two courses in the research methods sequence. This course covers techniques and methods of quantitative social research as they relate to sociological theory construction and social work practice: hypothesis testing, research design, measurement, quantitative data collection methods (surveys, experiments, and single subject design), statistical data analysis and ethics including development and submission of an IRB proposal. This course also covers descriptive and inferential methods of statistical analysis emphasizing measures of central tendency and dispersion, construction of graphs and tables, univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis including tests of statistical significance. Students will use SPSS to apply statistical techniques.

  Prerequisites: One course in mathematics (MAT 131 or above)

• SOC 322 Methods of Social Research II: Qualitative Methods 3

  The second of two courses in the research methods sequence. This course covers techniques and methods of qualitative social research as they relate to sociological theory construction and social work practice: in-depth interviewing, observation, focus groups, unobtrusive research methods, and case studies. Also covered are review of the social science literature, conceptualization, sampling, ethical issues in qualitative research, analysis of qualitative data, reporting of research findings and program evaluation. This course requires the completion of a qualitative research project compliant with IRB requirements.

  Prerequisites: Completion of SOC 321 /SWK 321 and approval of the student’s IRB proposal

• SOC 323 Sociological Theory 3

  This course is designed to provide an analysis of the fundamental principles and concepts underlying social theory. Attention will be given to an evaluation of major sociological theories, both classical and contemporary. It is also designed to provide students an arena in which to learn and practice the skills of theoretical critique, construction, and how theory can be useful in application and intervention.

  Prerequisites: SOC 121

• SOC 496 Comprehensive Exam in Sociology 0

  Final comprehensive written examination for students majoring in sociology. Examination is administered in the SOC 499: Senior Seminar in Sociology course. Test fee.

  Prerequisites: SOC 499

• SOC 499 Senior Seminar in Sociology 3

  Designed as a capstone course in sociology. Students will conduct directed research and develop and present in oral and written form a senior thesis on a specified social problem or issue.

  Prerequisites: Senior standing. Corequisite: SOC 496

• SOC 222 Social Problems 3

  An introduction to such contemporary social problems as poverty, unemployment, energy, pollution, sexual deviance, delinquency, drugs and alcohol. Emphasis will be placed on underlying causes and on pointing the way to solutions.

• SOC 331 Global Social Change and Environment 3

  Focusing on the dynamics of global development and globalization, this course examines the roots and nature of social change in the contemporary world. It reviews various theories of social change, as well as the social, cultural, technological, political, and economic dimensions of global change. It also provides students with an opportunity to investigate how they may become change agents themselves.

  Prerequisites: SSC 101 and SSC 102

• SOC 332 Social Interaction in Everyday Life 3

  An examination of how individuals interact in interpersonal, work, and family situations. Furthermore, an examination of the effects of culture and social structure upon the behavior, thoughts, and identities of individuals, including a consideration of how the individual exists in society and how society exists in the individual.

  Prerequisites: SSC 101

• SOC 333 The Family in Cross-Cultural Perspective 3

  The course provides an overview of the nature of intimate relationships and family life, comparing various cultural groups within the United States and around the world. It examines issues related to the selection of romantic partners, marriage rituals, non-traditional living arrangements, the raising of children, the rules for separation, and other social issues that families face.

  Prerequisites: SSC 101

• SOC 343 The Social Ladder: Diversity and Inequality in America 3

  This course examines how our social class, race, ethnicity, and gender all intersect to shape the challenges and opportunities we face. Students will learn to identify the types, causes, and consequences of social stratification and critically assess the role of inequality, especially privilege versus poverty and deprivation, in the United States and in their own lives.

  Prerequisites: SSC 101

• SOC 345 Deviance and Social Control 3

  Providing an overview of the social aspects of deviance and deviant behavior, the course examines the definition of deviance and its social and cultural roots. It includes a review of the sociological theories that explain deviant behavior, the process of becoming deviant, and the consequences of deviance; an analysis of various types of deviant behavior; and a critical assessment of the mechanisms society uses to address deviance.

  Prerequisites: SSC 101

• SOC 350 Race and Ethnic Relations 3

  A critical examination of race, ethnicity, and their persistence in institutions from a sociological perspective, the course examines how race and ethnicity are socially and politically defined; how sociological theories have traditional and contemporarily analyzed racial and ethnic inequalities; the most up-to-date research on the extent of racial/ethnic inequalities across several key social institutions; and social justice/social change efforts to reduce racism, along with social and political barriers to such efforts. Issues are considered from a US and global perspective.

  Prerequisites: SSC 101

Electives (36 Credits)

Total Semester Credits 120