The discipline of applied sociology advances our collective knowledge of social phenomena, solves problems, and/or improves social interaction. Applied sociology encompasses evaluation research, needs assessment, market research, social indicators and demographics. It also includes the understanding of the uses of the sociological perspective, sociological theory, and sociological research in such areas as medicine, mental health, complex organizations, work, and sports to name a few. Applied sociological research will produce descriptions, analyses and findings that can be translated into ideas and problem specific solutions for groups, organizations, and communities.

A bachelor’s degree in applied sociology is excellent preparation for graduate work in sociology or entry level positions throughout the business, social service, and government sectors. Graduates with an applied degree will be very appealing to potential employers because of their unique set of analytical skills and the ability to apply them in a variety of organizational settings. Since its subject matter is intrinsically fascinating, applied sociology also offers valuable preparation for careers in journalism, politics, public relations, business or public administration or other fields that involve investigative skills and diversity training.

The applied sociology program at Fontbonne University is designed to provide a solid foundation in the perspective, principles and applicability of the major under the guidelines of the Commission on Applied and Clinical Sociology. Some of the goals of the major are to enable students to:

• Define and determine a client-based problem and make recommendations
• Identify and demonstrate how social structures are formed
• Understand the structure-person connection
• Develop and use teams and groups in the analytical process
• Develop processes which enhance leadership
• Identify and understand cross-cultural issues and globalization
• Understand and organize change
• Identify trends and interpret change
• Understand and employ fundamental elements of demography in applied settings

The major consists of 57 hours of required courses. A minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale is required for acceptance into the major, to remain in the program and for graduation.

Baccalaureate Degree Requirements
The requirements for all undergraduate degrees are listed in the academic policies and regulations section of the catalog. These requirements include a course in religion or theology.

General Education Requirements
The 42 credit hours of general education requirements are presented in the academic information section in this catalog. A course that meets a general education requirement may also meet a course requirement in the major or a course requirement in another discipline.
The following specific general education courses must be chosen to meet the requirements for the applied sociology major:
SOC100 Survey of Sociology
Students in the applied sociology major are required to complete six hours of language courses, not to include computer language. The language requirement will be waived for students who have had at least three years of one language or four years of two languages in high school

Courses Required in the Applied Sociology Major

• SOC 100 Survey of Sociology (3 hours) (FA, SP)
• SOC 115 Social Problems (3 hours) (FA)
• SOC 215 Introduction to Applied Sociology (3 hours) (FA)
• SOC 225 Contemporary Sociological Theory (3 hours) (SP)
• SOC 235 Social Stratification (3 hours) (SP)
• SOC 245 Social Theory (3 hours) (FA)
• SOC 255 Sociological Statistics w/lab (4 hours) (SP); Math 115 recommended
• SOC 265 Diversity & Social Justice (3 hours) (FA, SP)
• SOC 310 Social Psychology (3 hours) (FA, SP)
• SOC 325 Ethics in Sociology (2 hours) (FA)
• SOC 335 Program Evaluation (3 hours) (SP)
• SOC 345 Sociological Research Methods (3 hours) (SP)
• SOC 450 Senior Seminar in Sociology I (3 hours) (FA)
• SOC 451 Senior Seminar in Sociology II (3 hours) (SP)
• SOC 460 Sociology Internship I (3 hours) (FA)
• SOC 461 Sociology Internship II (3 hours) (SP)
• SOC 3XX or 4XX elective

Language requirement not to include computer language (6 hours )
Elective Courses
Applied sociology majors must complete one elective course (at the 300 or 400 level).

Courses
Applied Sociology

SOC 100 Survey of Sociology (3 hours)
Definition, scope, and basic concepts of sociology; scientific approach to the study of society; practical application of concepts learned. FA, SP

SOC 115 Social Problems (3 hours)
An examination of contemporary American social issues, such as alcohol and drugs, sexual deviance, prejudice, poverty, and mental illness. Students deal with theories as well as actual problem situations. Prerequisite: SOC100. FA

SOC 215 Introduction to Applied Soc (3 hours)
An introduction to applied sociological principles, encompassing sociological theory, concepts and methods to examine and find solutions to contemporary problematic social behavior and issues in organizations. Topics include strategic planning, needs assessment, focus group research, action research, and policy analysis. FA

SOC 225 Contemporary Sociological Theory (3 hours)
Covers major works in contemporary sociological theory since 1950 with an emphasis on applied theory. Theories include structural functionalism, symbolic interactionism, hermeneutical approaches, phenomenological perspectives, and network and globalization theories. SP

SOC 235 Social Stratification (3 hours)
An examination of the changing patterns of social stratification in the US with an emphasis on class, gender, and race. Topics include principles and theories of stratification, inequality, income, education, and social mobility. SP

SOC 245 Social Theory (3 hours)
Covers major works of classical social thought from the Enlightenment period to 1950. Emphasis on social and intellectual contexts, conceptual frameworks and methods and contributions to contemporary social analysis. Writers include Rousseau, Hume, De Tocqueville, Marx, Durkheim, Weber, and Freud. Prerequisite: SOC 100. FA

SOC 255 Sociological Statistics w/lab (4 hours)
Examines and utilizes statistical tools for sociological research, including descriptive statistics, univariate and bivariate analyses, and inferential techniques. Provides training in the use of statistical packages like SPSS. SP

SOC 265 Diversity & Social Justice (3 hours)
An introduction to central debates in the sociological literature on diverse groups. Discussion of issues, such as power and inequality, prejudice and discrimination, social justice, and policy. Prerequisite: SOC 100. FA,SP

SOC 310 Social Psychology (3 hours)
An examination of human social behavior. Primary focus is on the behavior of individuals in social groups. The course examines scientific theories and research on the ways people think about, influence, and relate to one another. Prerequisite: SOC 100 or PSY 100. FA, SP

SOC 325 Ethics in Sociology (2 hours)
An overview of ethical standards in the field, as well as the practical application of ethics in sociological practice. The course will be held in a seminar format. FA   

SOC 335 Program Evaluation (3 hours)
Provides skills for conducting program evaluations using applied sociological methods and techniques. Includes report writing, evaluation briefings, and the presentation of results on client-based projects.  SP  

SOC 345 Sociological Research Methods (3 hours)
Covers qualitative and quantitative research design and methods of data analysis, including database research. SP

SOC 450 Senior Seminar in Sociology I (3 hours)
A capstone course for all applied sociology majors. This course represents the design phase of the senior seminar project. FA

SOC 451 Senior Seminar in Sociology II (3 hours)
A capstone course for all applied sociology majors. This second phase of the capstone series gives students the opportunity to conduct an original project to fulfill the requirement for the major . The project can be an original research study, theoretical analysis, or an applied project. A paper and oral presentation are the culmination of this project. SP

SOC 460 Sociology Internship I (3hours)
Covers consulting and client-centered skills in preparation for field work in the Sociology Internship II course. FA

SOC 461 Sociology Internship II (3 hours)
Provides the opportunity to experience service learning in an approved sociological setting under academic supervision. Students will be applying sociological theory, methods, and data analysis techniques with a client-centered focus. SP

SOC 3XX or 4XX Sociology Elective (3 hours)
Any 300 or 400-level sociology course that is not required. FA,SP