Here are some questions about a sociology major that often come up. Maybe they are on your mind too.

How do I declare a sociology major?

First identify a sociology faculty member who will be your academic advisor and discuss your academic and career plans with him/her. Then complete the Sociology Major Declaration and Course Plan form along with the Registrar's Declaration of Major form.

 

Make two photocopies of the Sociology Major Declaration and Course Plan. Give one copy to your sociology advisor, keep one copy for your own records, and give the original along with the Registrar's Declaration of Major form to the department secretary in 218 Tisch Learning Center. Finally, give your Declaration of Major form to the Office of the Registrar.

Can I combine sociology with other academic interests?

Yes. Skidmore offers interdepartmental majors in Sociology-Anthropology, Economics-Sociology, Government-Sociology, and Psychology-Sociology. Sociology courses also contribute key elements to Skidmore's interdisciplinary minors in Law and Society, Environmental Studies, and Women's Studies.

I want to go abroad in my junior year. Can I do that if I major in sociology?

Yes, indeed. In fact, sociology faculty know that study abroad nicely complements a sociology major for many students. But be sure to plan ahead so that you have taken required courses in statistics, methods, and theory before you go abroad so that you are ready to take SO 375 Senior Seminar in Sociology in the fall of your senior year.

Click here for department policies on study abroad.

Is there a minor in Sociology?

Yes. Requirements are at least 18 credit hours in sociology, including at least two courses at the 300 level. One of the six courses must be SO 226 Social Research Analysis, 227 Social Research Design, 324 Development of Sociological Thought, or 325 Contemporary Social Theory. Students minoring in sociology should declare their minor by the end of the junior year.

Are internships available in sociology?

They certainly are. In fact, both 200-level and 300-level sociology internships are available in such areas as business, government, radio and television, human services, and criminal justice. Internships are particularly useful to explore careers.

What are the requirements for honors in sociology?

Graduating with honors in sociology requires a 3.00 overall grade point average, a 3.50 grade point average in sociology courses, and successful completion of a senior thesis in sociology. Skidmore also has a chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, an international honorary society dedicated to recognition of outstanding academic achievement in sociology. The department annually presents the Everett V. Stonequist Award and the Nancy Beth Rautenberg Memorial Award to outstanding students in sociology. Department majors with exceptional academic records are are also regularly elected to the Periclean Society and Phi Beta Kappa.

How can I get more information about majoring in sociology?

Talk with any sociology faculty:

Name (Click for Resume)	Office in TLC	Phone	e-Mail Address
Catherine Berheide	222	5415	cberheid
John Brueggemann	229	5421	jbruegge
Kristie Ford	230	5425	kford
William Fox	327	5419	wfox
David Karp	229	5413	dkarp
Rik Scarce	221	5416	rscarce
Susan Walzer	224	5424	swalzer

All Skidmore e-mail addresses are @skidmore.edu.

All sociology offices are in Tisch Learning Center.