The Department of Sociology provides a program of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts Degree. Students are expected to meet the requirements of the Sociology Department and the College of Arts and Sciences. The department is simultaneously committed to the Mission Statement of Xavier and the discipline of Sociology.

The goals of the department are:

• To prepare majors for graduate study in sociology leading to the terminal degree;
• To prepare majors for graduate and professional study in fields related to sociology;
• To prepare students for employment in business and industry, education, government, media, and public and social service;
• To provide students with a global perspective of society, cultures, and institutions; and
• To develop critical and analytical reasoning skills of students most especially through the use of sociological research methods.

Students electing the major in sociology must earn 39 hours in sociology. In order for a major course to be counted for degree credit, a student must earn a “C” or better. SOCI 1010 is a prerequisite for all other sociology courses. The following courses are required for the B. A. in sociology: SOCI 1010, 2010, 2510, 2520, 3030, 3042, 3080, 4020, 4045, 4050, and three Sociology electives. Social Psychology, BHSC 3010, is also required.

In addition to offering the major in sociology, the department offers an accelerated major in the Sociology of Public Service, and three different programs for students who elect to minor in sociology. In order for a course to be counted for a minor, a student must earn a “C” or better.