Sociology - James Madison University

Sociology from James Madison University is a Campus Bachelor Sociology degree that prepares you for a Human Services career. Mission Statement The mission of the sociology program is to develop students' ability to analyze the social world by using diverse sociological theories and research methods that stress the importance of social, cultural and historical contexts for understanding relationships between social actors and structures. Goals To fulfill its mission, the sociology program cultivates the sociological imagination by: 1. Developing students' appreciation of the social component of all dimensions of human experience, including: understanding human diversity and alternatives in social orientations and practices within and across societies. the importance and usefulness of viewing oneself and others in social and historical contexts of diverse locations and cultures. the varied and contested nature of different views of the social world. 2. Instructing with regard to schools of thought and methodological skills within the sociological tradition by providing students with: an understanding of the theories that explain, interpret and critique patterns of social relations. an ability to place the development of sociological research and practice within a social and historical context. an understanding of the logic and use of sociology's various methodological skills and their relations to theoretical and philosophical commitments. analytical skills required in the application and evaluation of sociological research methods 3. To nourish disciplined, creative and spontaneous participation in the sociological endeavor by cultivating: the importance in scholarly inquiry of honesty, introspection, logical consistency and openness to alternative ideas the norms of the scholarly community and a democratic society (openness to testing, reinterpretation and refutation, openness to public scrutiny, collegiality) the scholarly traits necessary to practice sociology (objectivity, value clarity, skill development, perceptiveness, creativity, logical consistency, hard work and discipline) the importance of social science to social policy decisions; political, social and cultural activity; and personal growth. Career Opportunities and Marketable Skills Working as a professional sociologist most often requires a graduate degree , but the following careers, some supplemented with collateral training, are representative of our previous graduates. Criminologist, probation/parole officer, police officer, corrections officer Teacher, professor, social worker, researcher, case manager, biostatistician Admissions officer, demographer, data analyst, personnel interviewer Nursing home director, hospice coordinator, day care provider/director, epidemiologist Mediator, congressional aide, writer/author, advocacy worker, job analyst Population specialist, management trainee, sociologist, market research analyst Secret service agent, customs/immigration officer, labor relations specialist Personnel administrator, public relations specialist, public health statistician Urban/regional planner, race relations specialist, underwriter, fund raiser Education specialist, community services director View more details on James Madison University . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Sociology courses.