The Major

These requirements apply to students entering the University of Massachusetts in fall 2018 or later. For requirements for earlier entry years see archived Guides to Undergraduate Programs.

The Basics

  • Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of C (2.0) across their Sociology classes.
  • Students must take at least 20 credits within the UMASS Amherst Sociology Department.
  • Students must take at least 11 courses in Sociology.
  • Must complete at least 40 credits of sociology coursework
  • To count toward major requirements, all courses in Sociology must be graded (not Pass/Fail).
  • Only one 100 level course may count toward major requirements.

Required Core Courses

Sociology majors begin the major with an Introductory level course.

The following 100-level courses are regularly offered:

  • SOC 103 — Social Problems
  • SOC 105 — Self, Society, and Interpersonal Relations
  • SOC 106 — Race, Gender, Class, and Ethnicity
  • SOC 107 — Contemporary American Society
  • SOC 110 — General Introduction to Sociology

All students must take the following four (4) courses:

  • SOC 212 Statistics
  • SOC 213 Data Collection and Analysis
  • SOC 301 Writing in Sociology (fulfills the Junior Year Writing requirement)
  • SOC 302 Sociological Theories and Perspectives (fulfills the Integrative Experience requirement)

It is expected that SOC 212 and 213 be taken during the sophomore year and SOC 301 and 302 during the junior (preferably) or senior year.

Distribution Requirement

Take at least one course from each of the following distribution areas:

  • Crime, Law and Deviance
  • Culture, Organizations, and Institutions
  • Social Inequality and Diversity

Sociology Elective Credits

To complete the major, students must also take twelve (12) sociology elective credits, eight (8) of which must be at the 300 level or above.


International / Intercultural Requirement

This requirement can be fullfilled by:

  • Taking one of our international/intercultural course offerings within the Sociology department
  • Studying a foreign language
  • Completing a UMass approved study abroad program

Note: A maximum of five courses may be transferred from other institutions to fulfill major requirements. Other maxima include no more than 6 credits, with approval, each of Independent Study at the 296, 396, and 496 levels. In addition, in accordance with University regulations, students are limited to a total of 18 credits in internships and practica, including any combination of courses numbered 298, 398 or 498.

Students interested in the major are encouraged to contact the department directly, or to visit our website at http://www.umass.edu/sociology/

Enrollment in the major is open throughout the semester. Students should visit the Undergraduate Advising Offices 1008-1012 Thompson to review major requirements and declare the major.

Walk-in advising is available in 1010-1012 Thompson, or by appointment.