BA in Sociology

A ring of students talking in a classroom

In the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program, students build a foundation in sociological research methods, data analysis and theory. Courses include topics as varied as Sociology of Sports, Sociology of the Holocaust and Genocide, Alternatives to Imprisonment, Race and Minority Relations and much more.

Outside the classroom, many BA in Sociology students engage research opportunities or take on internships at social advocacy organizations in the Washington, D.C., area.

This major can be combined with the following programs in the sociology department:

HSSJ minor
Law & Society minor
Health Equity micro-minor

Apply to GW

Declare a Major

Honors and Awards Funding

Sociology Undergraduate Student Handbook (PDF)

Capstone for Sociology Majors

Sociology majors are required to take SOC 4195: Senior Research Seminar. During the course, students bring together their accrued knowledge of sociological research methods, theory and specialized topics in sociology and apply them to a comprehensive, empirical research project. The seminar aims to help every student walk away with a thoughtful, original piece of research that can serve as a high-quality writing sample for students seeking jobs or admission to a graduate program.

When to Register: Students may take SOC 4195 in either the fall or spring semester of their senior year. The course is limited to seniors, though exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. Students must have completed at least one research methods course (SOC 2101 or 2102) and one theory course (SOC 2103 or 2104) before registering for the senior research seminar. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
Research Topics: Each senior research capstone course will focus on a selected sociological subject (such as race, immigration, gender or the sociology of food, among others) and will be taught by faculty with expertise in the given area. Students who have taken a regular subject area course in a particular topic may take a senior research seminar on a similar topic. For example, students who have completed SOC 2179: Race and Minority Relations may register for a SOC 4195 section on race and ethnicity. Topic area courses in SOC 4195 will largely cover new materials, focusing on empirical research and methodological and theoretical approaches to the topic.

Course Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Programs.

Program-specific curriculum (below)

Achievement of a minimum grade of C- in all courses that count toward the degree.

Code	Title	Credits
Prerequisites
SOC 1001	Introduction to Sociology
or SOC 1002	The Sociological Imagination

Code	Title	Credits
Required
SOC 2101	Social Research Methods ^*
SOC 2102	Techniques of Data Analysis ^*
SOC 2103	Classical Sociological Theory
SOC 2104	Contemporary Sociological Theory
SOC 4195	Senior Research Seminar
or SOC 4195W	Senior Research Seminar
Electives
Seven additional upper-level Sociology (SOC) courses, including at least two courses in the 2160 or 2170 ranges.

*Recommended to be taken before the senior year. Completion of one theory and one research methods course is required to register for SOC 4195W Senior Research Seminar.

Note:

A student majoring in sociology may not declare a second major or a minor in criminal justice, or vice versa.
A student majoring in sociology may not declare a second major in human services and social justice, or vice versa.

Note: A student majoring in sociology may not declare a second major or a minor in criminal justice, or vice versa.