The Bachelor of Arts in sociology presents a general program to prepare students for a wide variety of positions in business, industry, government, health-related services, or social services. The sociology minor enables students to focus on areas of sociological interest.
The minor in Deviance explores the nature of transgressive behavior and related theoretical perspectives and societal reactions.
The minor in Environment and Society offers comprehensive interdisciplinary study of human-environment interactions, providing the skills to think holistically about environmental problems and solutions.
To declare Sociology as your major or to add one of our minors, please stop by Cassety Hall Room 146 and talk to speak with a faculty or staff member.
Major and Minors
Major: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (BA)
The B.A. degree in sociology presents a general program to prepare students for a wide variety of positions in business, industry, government, health-related services, or social services. It is also designed to prepare undergraduate students for graduate work in the study of sociology, law, public administration, media studies, demography, crime/deviance, or other social science disciplines. Its emphasis upon scholarly research culminates in Senior Seminar (SOC490). The freedom of choice in selection of courses permits students to develop a particular specialty within sociology, either to meet special career interests or to meet graduate program requirements.
Sociology majors are prepared for careers in community organizations, criminal justice units, and government agencies as advisers, internal or external consultants, and counselors. Students who attend graduate school usually pursue sociology, anthropology, education, business, or law.
Graduates have been hired as site managers for social service agencies, college admissions counselors, research assistants, counselors, police officers, case workers, and skills-development specialists for the developmentally disabled. Typical hiring firms include social service agencies, nonprofit advocacy organizations, and businesses requiring individuals with analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Recent graduates have been hired by companies and agencies such as Ingram Micro, U.S. Customs Service, Crisis Services, Niagara Mohawk, People Inc., KidsPeace, Niagara County Department of Social Services, Gateway-Longview, Research Institute on Addictions, Compass House, Buffalo Urban League, Stepping Stones Learning Center, and Bailey Delavan Community Services.
As part of the 120 credit hour requirement to earn a degree from SUNY Buffalo State, Sociology students must complete the requirements for the BA in Sociology. A semester-by-semester Academic Roadmap of suggested courses is available.
Minor in Sociology
The Minor in Sociology Program introduces students to the basic coursework and concepts in the discipline. By requiring an introductory course and emphasizing sociological theory, the program provides a structured introduction and the freedom to select three elective courses.
Program Requirements
Required Courses (9 credit hours)
SOC 100 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY 3
SOC 204 FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIOLOGICAL THOUGHT 3
SOC 330 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 3
or SOC 350 POWER, CLASS, AND INEQUALITY
Electives (9 credit hours )
May be fulfilled by any SOC courses not already taken 9
Total Credit Hours 18