Department of Sociology

Departmental Office
Chilton Hall, Room 300

Mailing address:
1155 Union Circle #311157
Denton, TX 76203-5017
940-565-2296

Sociology Degree Planning Office
Chilton Hall, Room 289E
940-565-4115

Daniel Rodeheaver, Chair

The Department of Sociology offers a variety of degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a major in sociology; a Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS), both with majors in sociology and in long-term care, housing and aging services; and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with a major in sociology. In addition, students may minor in both sociology and applied gerontology at the undergraduate level.

Faculty teach and conduct research in a variety of areas, including sustainable societies, applied gerontology, sociology of disaster, globalization, medical sociology, sociology of the family, sociology of culture, environmental sociology, economic sociology, sociology of religion, and other topics.

The undergraduate degree with a major in sociology focuses on developing a core set of marketable skills required by all sociologists and then allows students to investigate specific social institutions or structures of interest. Through a combination of required and elective courses, students develop well-rounded skills, grounded in both theory and research methods.

The program is designed to prepare students for graduate study in sociology or for professional careers in a variety of fields, including research, education, government, social services, probation, law enforcement and aging services. A minor in sociology provides useful background for those pursuing a degree in areas such as business, psychology, art, communications, education and music.

Programs of Study

The department offers an undergraduate program in the following area:

Bachelor of Arts with a major in sociology

The department also offers minors in applied gerontology and sociology . The department works with the anthropology department to offer a minor in ethnic studies .

Degree Plan

Degree plans are worked out in consultation with the Office of Student Services. Call 940-565-4464.

Teacher Certification

Students who intend to teach sociology in secondary schools must meet the requirements of the State of Texas for teacher certification as listed in the College of Education section of this catalog. This will include all sociology courses that are required and within the Sociology Minor .

Graduate Degrees

The department offers graduate programs in the following areas:

Master of Arts, and
Master of Science, both with majors in sociology and in long-term care, and senior housing and aging services; and
Doctor of Philosophy with a major in sociology.

Graduate courses in aging and sociology are also open to students in master’s and doctoral programs in related fields. Graduate students in related fields may minor in sociology or applied gerontology. For further information, consult the Graduate Catalog.