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Why Sociology at Illinois State?

Sociology is the study of human interaction in social groups, organizations, societies, and other social systems. Sociologists investigate social and cultural factors that flow from, and influence, human interaction.

At Illinois State University, our diverse faculty exposes students to an invaluable breadth of sociological inquiries, including stratification, population, environment, family, social problems, globalization, minority relations, sex roles, deviant behavior, institutions, criminology, and many others.  Sociology--invaluable to well-educated people--is important in social, familial, economic, and political areas of everyday life, and has relevance for almost any occupation or profession.

As American sociologist Lester Frank Ward pointed out, sociological knowledge gives one “the means of self-orientation.” It enables us to be aware of social and cultural forces that influence our choices and behavior, allows us to evaluate changes in those forces, and helps us to deal with the issues of our time and place.

Sociology Undergraduate Program

Commitment to Excellence in Undergraduate Education

The Department of Sociology & Anthropology has many outstanding characteristics that have distinguished it as a unique and distinctive academic department. First is its commitment to quality academic programs.

The department’s programs exemplify a commitment to individualized attention through

  • strong student-faculty connections with small class sizes in major, core courses
  • a commitment to active learning inside and outside of the classroom
  • encouragement of an inclusive and diverse community environment aimed at preparing students to be engaged, ethical participants in a global society
  • a commitment to innovation, engagement, and excellence in undergraduate and graduate programs
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Commitment to Preparation for the Workforce

The department also remains committed to preparation of its students for the workplace. The faculty focuses on helping students to develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for successful careers post-graduation.  The Department of Sociology and Anthropology was one of the first departments on campus to develop a required “careers” course (sociology undergraduate major program) that orients students to career planning well before they complete their degrees.

Programs Offered

The Department of Sociology & Anthropology offers two baccalaureate degree programs, three minor programs, and two master’s degree programs.

Sociology Baccalaureate Program

The sociology undergraduate program requires completing a minimum of 37 credit hours in the major, as well as 6 cognate hours in anthropology. Both B.A. and B.S. degrees are offered. Of the total sociology credit hours, 19 are required courses,

  • Introduction to Sociology (SOC 106, 3 hrs.)
  • Sociological Inquiry (SOC 206, 3 hrs.)
  • History of Sociological Thought (SOC 270, 3 hrs.)
  • Introduction to Sociological Research Methods (SOC 271, 3hrs.)
  • Social Statistics (SOC 275, 3hrs.)
  • Careers for Sociology Majors (SOC 292, 1 hr.)
  • Senior Experience in Sociology (SOC 300, 3 hrs.).

The core courses above are highly sequenced, while the other 18 credit hours in the major are electives, a wide range of which are offered every semester. In addition, one General Education sociology course may count both toward General Education and the major.

Sociology Minor Program

The sociology minor is an 18 credit hour program that includes one required course, Introduction to Sociology (SOC 106, 3hrs.). The additional 15 credit hours may be completed from other sociology courses, most typically electives at the 100, 200, or 300-levels.