If I’m a Sociology major, do I have to have a minor?

No, students are not required to have a minor to earn a BA at Kent State University; however all students are required to complete a total of 42 upper-division credits as part of all their BA degree. Like most other social sciences, a number of credits needed to major in Sociology is less than the required 42 needed for a Bachelor’s degree. Depending upon the elective courses students select, completing the Sociology major can include a maximum of 31 upper-division credits. Therefore, Sociology majors must complete at least 11 additional upper-division credits (or four 3-credit courses) beyond those that can be earned as part of the major.

How can I obtained the additional upper-division credits needed for a BA?

Students majoring in Sociology have at least three options for earning the additional upper-division credits needed for a BA degree:

• Building on your major by selecting more upper-division “electives” in Sociology than those needed to complete the major.
• Following your interests by selecting additional upper-division “electives” that interest you from any department or program at Kent State. You can cluster the 11-12 credits in one department or field (e.g., four courses in literature or psychology) or spread them across four departments (e.g., one course each from anthropology, music, theater, and history). Students choosing this option need to complete the specified prerequisites required for each upper-division course.
• Developing a second substantive concentration by adding a minor which typically consist of 18-21 credits in a second department or program.

What should my minor be if I am a Sociology major?

You may choose any minor offered at Kent state that you want. Some students select a minor based on their personal interests; they use their minor to follow their “passion” for poetry or drama or Spanish. Most students select a minor to compliment their Sociology major and further prepare them to reach their career objectives. To give just one example, students planning to work with people in a community agency – such as homeless shelters, crises centers, senior programs, juvenile treatment programs – find that a psychology minor works well with their Sociology minor. Meeting with the Undergraduate Coordinator is an excellent way to evaluate your options when deciding on a minor.