Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
George Mason University
Key Information
Campus location
Fairfax, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 4,897 / per semester **
Application deadline
01 Jun 2024*
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* for International student | Domestic student is 1st of February
** in-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 16,980 - out-of-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 1,803 - mandatory student fee
Introduction
Sociology takes you beyond a superficial understanding of the world. It highlights the connections between individuals’ experiences and larger social forces, and how each affects the other. Understanding broad social structures and cultural/historical tendencies at work within societies gives you a strong foundation for making an impact through research, participation, and action.
At Mason, we prepare you to participate in important public debates in the face of continuous social transformation. With our emphasis on public sociology – where research moves from the classroom to the world to address matters of urgent public concern – and on globalization, you will learn how social movements emerge from the collective efforts of individuals, how social forces work to define racial identities and gender roles, and how social inequality shapes your life and the lives of others.
The courses you take, along with experiences such as internships, independent undergraduate research, and opportunities for studying abroad, will immerse you in the theories and practices of sociology. These theories will help you to understand social phenomena while you develop the research skills to investigate the questions that interest you. You will learn how to conduct surveys, interviews, and effective systematic observation of social life, taking advantage of Mason’s proximity to the nation’s capital and its surrounding environment as a site for research and community involvement.
Program Outcome
- Apply a sociological imagination to understand and explain the connections between the lives of individuals and the historical and cultural periods in which they live
- Identify the historical and contemporary theories and empirical methods that are the basis of sociological knowledge
- Develop an understanding of social problems related to inequality, racism, and sexism. Use this knowledge to move toward a just society
- Conduct original research by identifying a social problem and formulating a research question, compiling and summarizing existing research, designing a research strategy choosing from qualitative and quantitative approaches, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings to both sociological and professional audiences
- Identify the processes through which individuals and groups mobilize to change society by examining and analyzing historical and contemporary social movements. Based on this knowledge create strategies for individual social action
- Write clearly and logically, communicate effectively with others from different cultures, and prepare professional presentations for diverse audiences
- Analyze and evaluate the validity of information from social media, print, and scholarly sources
Career Opportunities
The research skills, critical thinking, and strong writing that you will develop are highly valued by prospective employers and graduate schools. Our graduates work in the community and social services, education, management, and human resources. The BA is also a solid foundation for graduate work in sociology.
Curriculum
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Core Courses in the Major
The introductory course must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.00.
- SOCI 101 Introductory Sociology (Mason Core) 3
Total Credits 3
Additional Core Courses
Each of these courses must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.00.
- SOCI 303 Methods and Logic of Inquiry 3
- SOCI 311 Sociological Theory 3
- SOCI 313 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (Mason Core) 4
Total Credits 10
Capstone Experience Course
Select one from the following: 3
- SOCI 485 RS: Sociological Analysis and Practice (Mason Core)
- SOCI 416 Internship in Sociology I (Mason Core)
- SOCI 481 RS: Honors Seminar in Sociology II
Total Credits 3
Electives in the Major
Select 18 credits in SOCI at the 100 to 400 level 1 18
- SOCI 120 Globalization and Society (Mason Core)
- SOCI 208 Introduction to Race and Ethnicity
- SOCI 215 Gender and Society
- Any sociology (SOCI) course at the 300 - 400 level.
Total Credits 18
Students are strongly encouraged to focus four of their elective courses (12 credits) in one of the concentrations which follow, chosen to suit their interests and career objectives. Students who choose a concentration will complete one remaining elective.
Optional Concentrations in the Major
Students can focus 12 of their 15 elective credits to complete one of the following 12-credit concentrations.
- Concentration in Childhood and Youth (CYC)
- Concentration in Deviance, Crime, and Social Control (DCSC)
- Concentration in Global Sociology (GSOC)
- Concentration in Inequality and Social Change (INSC)
Students who graduate with honors in sociology may apply 3 credits of honors coursework to their selected concentration where appropriate and with the prior written approval of the undergraduate director.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in sociology may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing SOCI 303 Methods and Logic of Inquiry, SOCI 412 Contemporary Sociological Theory, or SOCI 485 RS: Sociological Analysis and Practice (Mason Core).
Upper-Level Requirement
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.
Additional Electives
Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.
College Level Requirements for the BA Degree
In addition to the Mason Core program, students pursuing a BA degree must complete the coursework below. Except where expressly prohibited, a course used to fulfill a college-level requirement may also be used simultaneously to satisfy other requirements (Mason Core requirements or requirements for the major).
- Philosophy or Religious Studies
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Foreign Language
- Non-Western Culture
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Foundation Requirements
- Written Communication (ENGH 101) 3
- Oral Communication 3
- Quantitative Reasoning 3
- Information Technology and Computing 3
Exploration Requirements
- Arts 3
- Global Understanding 3
- Literature 3
- Natural Science 7
- Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
- Western Civilization/World History 3
Integration Requirements
- Written Communications (ENGH 302) 3
- Writing-Intensive 3
- Synthesis/Capstone 3
Total Credits 40