Sociology

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The study of sociology increases students' understanding of the relationship between the individual and society. By developing a sociological perspective, students sharpen their powers of observation and analysis which assists them in all aspects of human relations. Sociology assists students in understanding contemporary social problems and the difficulties in developing social policy solutions. It also broadens students' awareness of the diversity of human experience around the world.

Career Opportunities

Sociology is the study of human society and social behavior. Sociologists examine how individuals act in small and large groups, as well as how such groups are formed and function.

Sociology students explore social problems and public policy. Plus, they investigate a range of topics, including the intimacies of family relationships; the demographics of urban and rural spaces; and the consequences of race, gender, and class divisions across societies.

Specialties within sociology are criminology, demography, cultural traditions, family relations, social psychology, gerontology, social welfare, race relations, and social change.

The sociology major gains the basic knowledge and skills needed to pursue a variety of applied careers: social work, social services, corrections and juvenile treatment, environment and resource allocation, social gerontology, and community health services.

Sociology courses also contribute to students' preparation in other professions including human resources and personnel management, marketing and advertising, international studies, education, law, and medicine.

Sociology graduates are employed with state and local government, hospitals, nursing homes, educational settings, research institutes, advertising and marketing firms, environmental agencies, and corporations. An advanced degree is recommended for employment with this major.

Internship and Directed Study Opportunities

As a sociology major, your chances to gain real world learning experiences through internships and directed studies are almost boundless.

Students at Cottey College participate in internships throughout the year with a variety of businesses, organizations, and non-profit agencies. A successful internship provides students with an opportunity to apply their classroom learning to the workplace.

Employers and graduate schools agree that students who have put classroom concepts and skills to work in a "real world" environment are more realistic and productive than those who have not.

With the assistance of faculty and the transfer and career planning coordinator, sociology majors can find a variety of local and national internship experiences.

Opportunities exist locally to intern with government agencies, a domestic violence shelter, local health-care facilities, summer camps, secondary schools and more.

Directed study opportunities are available in all disciplines. Under the supervision of faculty, students can pursue academic credit on a topic or project that is related to, but beyond the scope of regular course offerings.

Directed study topics can be tailored to your interests, whether it is conducting individual scientific research, studying girls' punk music, or conducting advanced computer programming.

Get Involved

Want to have fun and develop your leadership skills and your resume at the same time? Then get involved at Cottey College and in the Nevada community.

Cottey College has more than 35 student clubs and organizations in which to be involved. Plus, the Nevada and surrounding community offer an abundance of service opportunities.

Here are a few activities you might consider pursuing as a sociology major: join Psi Beta (honorary society for anthropology, psychology, and sociology); join BACCHUS; be a Cottey Big Sister; join Cottey's Diversity Corps; volunteer in the community; participate in Women's Studies events; join AIDS Activists Coming Together (ACCT) or Cottey's chapter of Amnesty International.

4-Semester Sample Schedule

Students should consult the catalog of the college to which they plan to transfer for specific requirements in their major. This suggested schedule is designed to provide the Associate in Arts degree candidate with the appropriate Cottey College core curriculum and enough coursework in their field to complete the 62 hours required for an A.A. degree. Schedules may vary based on available classes and interests.

* Courses recommended for major

Other Relevant Courses Also Highly Recommended As Electives

Faculty Advising

Preparing a class schedule, investigating majors, and researching transfer institutions can be confusing for a firstyear student. At Cottey College, academic advising assists the individual student in clarifying and achieving her educational goals.

Each student is assigned a full-time faculty member as an academic advisor. Together the advisor and student devise a balanced academic program, which encompasses the student's educational and career ambitions. The advisor reviews all registration decisions, the advisee's academic progress, and suggests transfer and career options.

This personalized approach to student advising allows the student to take responsibility for her own academic program, while tapping into faculty expertise.

For more information contact:
Enrollment Management
1000 West Austin
Nevada, MO 64772
1-888-5-COTTEY
www.cottey.edu
enrollmgt@cottey.edu