Sociologists study just about everything connected with life in society. Some sociologists focus on basic institutions such as education, religion, families, and the workplace. Others investigate the nature of social change, conformity and deviance, and social inequality. Still others look for long-term social patterns that shape our everyday attitudes and interactions.

Sociology courses provide immediate practical value. Students enrolled in sociology courses learn to study, analyze, and explain their own daily social interactions. This knowledge is valuable in understanding and resolving the many problems and conflicts found in human relations.

Sociology is a multi-purpose field for those seeking careers in government and the private sector. It is an ideal subject for anyone whose current job or career goal involves working with people. Sociology students find work in a broad range of areas, including criminal justice, business and management, social work, social research, and teaching.

As a career field, sociology is useful in a variety of employment opportunities that deal with human relations and groups. Supplementing your sociology coursework with specialties such as computer studies, management, and/or a foreign language will help increase your employment options.

For more information on career opportunities, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Peterson’s Job Opportunities, and other specialized guides to the job market.

Minor in Sociology

1. UMUC students in Asia may seek an academic minor in sociology.
2. Students who earn the minor will be able to:
   
   
   • Understand different perspectives through which human societies may be viewed.
   
   
   
   • Discuss fluently a wide range of information arising from social investigation.
   
   
   
   • Critically analyze evidence of social change and organization.
   
   
   
   • Communicate effectively about society.
   
   


3. A minor in sociology requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in sociology and other related areas as appropriate. Students must take:

Employers and the military recognize a college degree as a major academic achievement. An associate or bachelor's degree from UMUC distinguishes you as a graduate of one of America's leading public universities.

UMUC participates in the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Degree Programs for Military Personnel, so you can complete your degree in Asia or at a future duty location.

Your UMUC degree may be closer than you realize. Learning acquired through military experience, examinations, and course work from other schools may be applied to your degree. UMUC may accept as many as 45 credits from these sources toward an associate degree and up to 90 credits toward a B.A. or B.S. degree.

A wide variety of online courses in computer studies and other fields are available through UMUC's distance education (DE) programs, and are helping many students make progress towards UMUC degrees. For lists of courses offered, visit the UMUC Asia DE Web site and click on “Schedule of Classes.”

Contact a UMUC Academic Advisor to arrange for an evaluation of your course work and experience to determine where you stand in your degree program.

1. Enroll first in SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology. This course covers the basic concepts in sociology and introduces students to sociological theories and methods. Take SOCY 100 before taking any other sociology courses.

 

2. Take STAT 200 Introduction to Statistics early in your college career. A statistics course will help you understand the material covered in many SOCY courses.

 

3. Be sure to take basic courses in English, communications, history, and the other social sciences. These courses will provide a foundation for all your subsequent sociology course work. They also help fulfill UMUC’s General Education Requirements.

 

4. While all SOCY offerings will contribute to your program, make a special effort to take basic courses covering sociological theory and social science research methods.

 

5. UMUC SOCY courses focus on a variety of social institutions, processes, and problems. Your interests and career ambitions should guide your choices.

 

6. Make yourself more marketable by taking courses in areas that enhance your study of sociology. Many students complement their SOCY program with courses in business and management, economics, psychology, or Asian studies.

UMUC Asia Academic Advisors are based at Yokota, Kadena, and Yongsan, and also travel frequently to most education centers. They advise students in person, by telephone, and by e-mail, and prepare evaluations of students’ academic progress. Your local UMUC Asia Field Representative can put you in touch with an Academic Advisor.

UMP-104 (4M 9/06)