Sociology is the systematic study of societies, groups, and human interaction. As a community of social scientists committed to the Christian faith, the SPU sociology faculty seek to educate you in the perspectives and methods of sociology in order to prepare you for faithful service and leadership.
The Department of Sociology’s goals are for you to
- Develop a sociological imagination that allows you to critically apply sociological perspectives to social institutions and problems.
- Learn the skills of research design, data collection, and data analysis.
- Explore the interrelationship between Christian faith and sociology so you can critically and faithfully apply your sociological knowledge in your work, community, and spiritual life.
Find out more about this department’s mission, vision, and learning outcomes.
Majoring in Sociology allows you to do a systematic study of societies, groups, and human interaction. SPU graduates have obtained graduate degrees in sociology, and gone on to practice law, go into social work and counseling, and enter social policy fields.
- A minimum 53 credits are required for this major, including at least 25 upper-division credits.
- Acceptance into this major requires at least a 2.5 GPA in sociology courses at SPU, as well as a minimum 15 credits of completed sociology courses at SPU.
- A maximum 10 credits of SOC 4949 “Internship in Sociology” can apply to the major.
- If you are already majoring in another discipline, this major can be a good second major to complement it.
- This major prepares you to apply sociological perspectives critically to social institutions and problems, and learn the skills of research design, data collection, and data analysis.
The Urban Studies Program (USP) explores the city as a living organism by examining urban development, urban planning and growth, urban livability, and diverse urban communities.
The interdisciplinary curriculum examines how a city’s planning, politics, demography, and social inequality impact modern urban environments. The historical and contemporary forces that impact cities are explored to gain an understanding of the dynamic nature of urban centers. With a degree in Urban Studies, you graduate with the knowledge and skills that equip you to develop new strategies for producing better urban communities.
- A minimum 63 credits is required for this major, including at least 28 upper-division credits.
- Acceptance into this major requires at least a 2.5 GPA in the urban studies curriculum at SPU, as well as a minimum 15 completed credits completed urban studies courses at SPU.
- A maximum 10 credits of URB 4940 “Internship in Sociology”can apply to this major.