Vaughn R. A. Call, Chair
2008C JFSB, (801) 422-4453

College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences Advisement Center
151 SWKT, (801) 422-3541

Admission to Degree Program

All degree programs in the Department of Sociology are open enrollment. However, special limitations apply for teaching majors.

The Discipline

Sociology explores social life and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists study people, their organizations, and their cultures. The organizations include families, tribes, communities, and societies, along with a variety of social, religious, political, and business institutions. The study of culture examines language, beliefs, and knowledge in societies.

Career Opportunities

Sociologists may be involved in the scientific study of deviance, family, minority groups, communities, or any of a variety of other subject areas. Some sociologists conduct surveys or social experiments. Growing numbers apply sociological knowledge in corrections and penology, education, public relations in industry, and regional and community planning. Some study urban or rural settings, and cross-national research is increasing.

One of the primary subject areas in the social sciences, sociology is a broad liberal arts major, rather than a narrow occupational specialty. Students who major in sociology are not trained for a single occupation, but instead they are qualified for a wide range of jobs and graduate programs. Job opportunities are greater for students with skills in research methods and social data analysis.

Graduation Requirements

To receive a BYU bachelor's degree a student must complete, in addition to all requirements for a specific major, the following university requirements:

• The university core, consisting of requirements in general and religious education. (See the University Core section of this catalog for details. For a complete listing of courses that meet university core requirements, see the current class schedule.)
  
• A minimum of 30 credit hours in residence
  
• A minimum of 120 credit hours
  
• A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
  

Undergraduate Programs and Degrees

BS	Sociology Emphasis (optional): Research and Analysis
Minors	Sociology (General) Sociology Teaching

Students should see their college advisement center for help or information concerning the undergraduate programs.

Graduate Programs and Degrees

MS	Sociology
PhD	Sociology

For more information see the BYU 2006–2007 Graduate Catalog.