Oct 13, 2024  
College Catalog 2024 - 2025 
  
College Catalog 2024 - 2025

Sociology Concentration, A.A.


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The Department of Behavioral Sciences aspires to develop and foster a passion for lifelong learning and academic excellence. The department integrates students’ diverse backgrounds into the teaching and learning experience, creating a civically engaged community of learners who are able to think critically of current issues in our complex world.  Graduates of the program will carry with them a strong sense of collegiality and responsibility that will help them succeed in their long-term academic, professional, and personal goals.

The vision of our department is carried out through our mission of:

  • Teaching foundational behavioral science courses that support the general education mission of the college and engage our students in the broad domains and applications of Psychology, Sociology, and Cultural Anthropology;
  • Offering concentration courses that help our students develop a firm understanding of the various fields within a specific behavioral science discipline;
  • Engaging our students in research that allows them to apply critical thinking skills using scientific approaches;
  • Supporting our majors as they prepare to transfer to four-year institutions and/or successfully navigate the professional world through the application of the principles, concepts, and theories that they have learned from the program;
  • Supporting our students to apply what they learn towards becoming civically engaged and lifelong learners.

* Milestone Courses should be taken in the order shown. This will help you stay on track and graduate on time.

Semester 1


Total Credits: 15


Semester 1 Advising Note

  • Students enrolling in this degree program can earn World Studies Emphasis certification simultaneously.
  • New degree-seeking students enrolled in 9 credits or more must take a Learning Community Seminar or a Learning Community Cluster within their first year.
  • HUM-120  satisfies the Learning Community Requirement
  • Attend Behavioral Sciences Group Advising Workshop: Transfer, Job Shadowing / Internship, Educational Planning
  • The department encourages students to explore curricular or extra curricular Student and Community Engagement Activities (recommendation: join Behavioral Sciences Club).
  • Create Eportfolio and Upload participation.

Semester 2


Total Credits: 16


Semester 2 Advising Note

  • Upload in ePortfolio required Sociology majors courses artifacts SOC-109  and SOC-211  
  • Participate in Sociology Discipline conference offered by department
  • Begin exploring transfer options: attend a transfer workshop and the College transfer fair.
  • Meet with an advisor to begin career planning activities.

Semester 3


  • Elective - Elective Credits: 3 *
  • Elective - Behavioral Science Elective Credits: 3
  • Elective - Math Elective Credits: 3-4
    Recommended: MAT-171  or MAT-172  or MAT-173
  • GenEd -CW Creative Work Credits: 3
  • Elective - Literature Elective Credits: 3
    Choose one course from LIT

Total Credits: 15-16


Semester 3 Advising Note

  • Upload in ePortfolio: required Sociology majors courses artifacts from SOC-204  and/or Learn and Earn Placement; conference participation
  • SOC-204  is recommended or students unable to do a Learn and Earn Internship because of required hours. This course provides job shadowing opportunities to explore career options in Sociology.
  • Speak to an Advisor about the World Studies Emphasis certification.
  • Continue preparations for transfer: write essays for transfer institution, collect letters of recommendation, apply for transfer.

Semester 4


Total Credits: 16


Semester 4 Advising Note

  • SOC-203  - ePortfolio to be completed and presented
  • Apply for graduation

Upon Completion of This Concentration Graduates Will Be Able To:


  • a basic knowledge and understanding of the different principles and concepts of Sociology (foundational knowledge)
  • the ability to apply learned concepts to intrapersonal experiences, social institutions, and social issues embedded within diverse cultural contexts
  • the ability to evaluate, compare and contrast, critique various theoretical perspectives and complex/debatable and current issues as they relate to the various domains of Sociology
  • the ability to use learned knowledge to actively engage in and produce scientific research

Career Outlook


Graduates of this concentration qualify for entry-level positions in the general field of Sociology. Students will be able to choose which career track they intend to pursue by taking classes that are relevant to their interest. Graduates may wish to transfer to a four-year college or university, or will be able to work in the community with an associate’s degree.

Explore Career Options

Transfer Options


Transfer Advising Guides

MassTransfer A2B Map

  • Bridgewater State University
  • Fitchburg State University
  • Westfield State University
  • Worcester State University
  • University of Massachusetts Boston
  • University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
  • University of Massachusetts Lowell

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