• What are the requirements to become a Sociology major?

If you did not enter Framingham State College with Sociology as your declared major, you will need to apply to become a Sociology major. Sociology majors must have a minimum QPA of 2.0 and have completed at least 4 courses at Framingham State College. Interested students must apply to the major by filling out an application form and being interviewed by the department Chair. (See Contact Information on the department website for information and an application form.)

• When do I have to declare my intention to major in Sociology? To whom do I talk about this?

Before the start of your junior year you should approach the Chair of Sociology department, Dr. Marian Cohen, Crocker Hall, room 217.

• What degrees does the Sociology department offer?

The department offers an undergraduate degree in Sociology. You may choose from among several concentrations within the department. (See the section on Concentrations on the department website.)

• Can one major in Anthropology at FraminghamState College?

No. However, the department offers a concentration in Anthropology within the Sociology major program. This enables students to direct their studies toward Anthropology courses and courses related to Anthropology.

• Who are the faculty members in the Sociology department?

See the section on Faculty on the department website. You will find photos and information about each faculty member, as well as information about how to contact each member.

• What Sociology courses are appropriate for General Education?

52.101 Introduction to Sociology 9, 12

52.130 Social Problems 9, 12

52.161 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 9, 11

52.172 Interpreting the Past: Archaeological Perspectives 9, 11

52.212 Sociology of the Family 12

52.220 Sport in Society 12

52.230 Law and Society 10

52.234 Investigating Social Forces in American Society 9

52.243 Unity and Diversity in Native American Cultures 11, 12

52.245 Race and Ethnic Relations 9, 12

52.248 Social Structure and the Self 12

52.258 Critical Approaches to Men and Masculinities 12

52.263 Social Stratification 12

• What are the General Education requirements for a Sociology major?

All students at Framingham State College must satisfy a general education requirement consisting of eleven (11) courses outside of the Sociology department. The General Education Goal 11 (Non-western studies) requirement is satisfied through the completion of the Sociology major. This means that students must satisfy ten (10) goals through other departments.

• What can I do with a degree in Sociology (or Anthropology)?

Sociology is a valuable liberal arts major that prepares students for employment in careers that emphasize critical thinking skills and a general understanding of human social behavior.

Students with sociology degrees are employed in a wide range of industries such as human service administration, health care administration, politics, non-profit organization administration, business, education, social research, criminal justice, social work, and public administration. (See the section Graduates, What can you do with a Sociology degree? on the department website.)

Sociology provides a useful background for students interested in pursuing graduate study in law, social work, business, education, medicine, and community planning.

(See What is Sociology? and What is Anthropology? on the department website for further information on careers in these two fields. You can also talk with one of your instructors in the department or make an appointment to meet with the Chair of the Sociology Department.)  

• What skills will I learn as a Sociology major?

Sociology students develop oral and written communication abilities; critical thinking abilities; analytical reasoning; and clarity and precision of argumentation. In addition, Sociology students learn specific work-related skills such as how to conduct research and analysis, and how to communicate in a wide variety of "social" and "cultural" settings.

• Is there an opportunity to be involved in fieldwork while getting my degree in Sociology?

Sociology students have several opportunities to become involved in fieldwork. The most common opportunity is through our internship courses. (See Internships on the department website.)

• Will I have an opportunity to participate in research?

In addition to the original research which students are required to conduct in our Research Methods sequence (see Course Descriptions on the department website), students may be offered opportunities to become involved in faculty research projects. (See individual Faculty pages for more information on their current research.) Students may also engage in research through the Center for Social Research. (See Links on the department website.)