Sociology Major

Chair: Allison Ann Payne, Ph.D.
Program Director: Melissa Hodges, Ph.D.
Office Location: Saint Augustine Center, Room 204
Telephone: 610-519-4742
Website

About

Sociologists study the impact that the social environment has on our behavior throughout our lives. Sociologists believe that people’s actions are strongly influenced by the conditions and situations in which they live, work, and play. Everybody makes decisions, but we recognize and study how social structures and institutions affect and constrain those decisions.

PRIMARY MAJOR (122 credits)

Required Major Courses (33 credits)

The Major consists of 33 credits. One of the Sociology electives for the Major can be satisfied by an internship for credit with approval from the department Chair, provided that the student has at least 15 credits toward the Major.

Program Notes:

  • A student taking an internship in a field setting in the second semester of their junior year or during their senior year should consult with the department Chair.
  • Students must have at least three full semesters remaining at Villanova University to declare a Sociology major. 
Course
Title
Credits
15
3
Sub-Total Credits
33

Core Curriculum Requirements (38 credits)

Sociology Majors meet the following core requirements in the major and therefore are omitted from the summary below: 

  • Social Sciences (6 cr) - met by SOC 1000, SOC 5400
Course
Title
Credits
3
8
3
3
3
3
Sub-Total Credits
38

Free Elective Requirement (51 credits)

Students with a Sociology primary major have fifty-one (51) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 33 credits
  • Core Credits: 38 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 51 credits
  • Total Required Credits: 122 Credits

Note: The above credit totals are based on the minimum number of required credits in each degree area. The minimum number of required credits in each area listed above must be met. Credits taken beyond the required minimum for one area may not be applied to another area. 

SECONDARY MAJOR

Students who declare Sociology as a secondary major must complete the Required Major Courses to achieve this major. Students are able to count any eligible course taken in their primary major, the core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives toward these requirements.