Sociology at BU
Sociology offers a powerful lens for understanding the world — from the role that consciousness raising and legal reform has to play in advancing racial justice to improving the financial security of the vulnerable.
Sociology majors and minors learn critical analytic skills; broad knowledge of social relations, social systems, and processes; and substantive expert knowledge in a variety of sociological sub-fields, from medical sociology to urban sociology; from global and transnational social relations to gender inequality and organizational forms; from law and social processes to racial and ethnic relations. Sociology graduates work in fields that range from medicine and law to market research, business, journalism, social work, criminal justice, policy analysis, and nonprofit organizations.
Sociology also provides excellent preparation for graduate study. For example, pre-law students may wish to take courses in the sociology of law, criminology and criminal justice, or the sociology of deviance and social control. Students pursuing careers in business may wish to take courses in the sociology of work, formal organizations, or the sociology of technology. Students interested in pursuing graduate study in the social sciences may wish to deepen their experience in the field by working with Department faculty on a research project or investigating a sociological research question in a Work for Distinction.
The variety of paths sociology majors are taking is reported in the American Sociological Association’s (ASA) publication titled, “What are they Doing with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology?”. The ASA is the major scholarly association for professional sociologists in the U.S., and students are welcome to join (ASA).
The Department is also proud to have a unique student group, the award-winning Boston University Undergraduate Sociology Association (BUUSA). Students majoring and minoring in sociology are encouraged to join this independent organization, which provides a number of services and programs for students including University-wide panel discussions of public interest topics, film showings, service projects, social events, and participation in departmental planning and policy through the Undergraduate Programs Committee.
Sociology Major Requirements
Majors in Sociology are required to take 10 courses in sociology plus one course in statistics. Courses required are as follows:
- CAS SO 100 Principles of Sociology;
- CAS SO 201 Sociological Methods;
- CAS SO 203 Introduction to Sociological Theories;
- CAS SO 303 Substantive Themes in Sociological Theory;
- Two additional CAS sociology courses at the 200 level or above;
- Two additional CAS sociology courses at the 300 level or above;
- Two additional CAS sociology seminars at the 400 level or above; and
- One course in statistical analysis chosen from CAS MA 113, 115, 116, 213, or QST QM 221, QM 222
Students are expected to take CAS SO 201 and CAS SO 203 in their sophomore year or the first semester after declaring the major. It is recommended that CAS SO 303 be taken in the semester following completion of CAS SO 203. Click here for the major worksheet.
Sociology Minor Requirements
Minors in sociology are required to take 6 courses in sociology. Courses are required as follows:
- CAS SO 201 Sociological Methods
- CAS SO 203 Introduction to Sociological Theories
- Two additional sociology courses at the 200 level or above*
- Two additional sociology courses at the 300 level or above
*Students should note that CAS SO 100 may be substituted for one of the two additional required 200-level courses. Click here for the minor worksheet
Sociology Courses
Check out a full list of our courses on the BU Bulletin. For the most updated information on semester course offerings, students should view these courses on through the BU StudentLink.
Transferable Credits within the University
College of General Studies (CGS):
Sociology majors admitted to CAS from the College of General Studies (CGS) who have completed CGS SS 101 and SS 102 OR CGS SS 103 and CGS SS 104, each with a grade of C or higher, will receive credit for completing the introductory sociology course, CAS SO 100 Principles in Sociology.
Core Curriculum (CC):
Students who have completed the two Core Curriculum social science courses (CC221,previously CC211, and CC222) with grades of C or higher will receive credit toward the major for the introductory sociology course, CAS SO 100 Principles in Sociology.
Metropolitan College (MET):
Students who complete a sociology course within the Metropolitan College (MET) may receive 200-level elective credit for no more than one course and only with department approval.
Transferable Credits from outside the University
Students pursuing a major or minor may receive credit for no more than two courses taken outside of Boston University, and only with department approval. Credit will not be given for CAS SO 201, 203, 303, or any seminar (400-level) course, all of which must be taken within the department. CAS Students should submit this form, along with the full course syllabus, to the Undergraduate Program Coordinator. Click here for the transfers major worksheet.
