Purpose Statement
The sociology program commits itself to developing majors with pre-professional training and non-majors with basic knowledge of and skills in sociology. The program achieves its purpose when its students:
- have acquired knowledge and skills requisite for entry into selected professions, especially pre-professional careers in the behavioral sciences
- have acquired knowledge and skills requisite for entry into graduate programs in sociology and related fields
- can critically analyze their society through exposure to sociological theories and research methods
- have bridged the gap between theory and practice through internships
- have enhanced their sensitivity to others by studying customs, beliefs, and practices that are different from their own
In addition to preparing its majors, sociology contributes to the general education program and serves other majors. Students who wish to double major in sociology and psychology need have only one emphasis.
Sociology Major
Core Requirements (39 hours)
G-SO 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 hours)
SO 206 Social Problems (3 hours)
G-SO 202 Minorities in the U.S. (3 hours)
SO/PY 303 Social Psychology (3 hours)
SO 320 Urban Sociology (3 hours)
SO/PY 335 Research Methods I (4 hours)
SO/PY 336 Research Methods II (4 hours)
SO/PY 375 Junior Seminar (1 hour)
SO 401 Sociological Theory (4 hours)
SO 450 Sociology Proseminar (3 hours)
SO/PY 474 Scientific Writing for the Behavioral Sciences (2 hours)
*SO/PY 475 Senior Seminar/Thesis (2 hours)
G-MA 221 Elementary Applied Statistics (4 hours)
Criminal Justice Emphasis (12 hours)
SO 275 Criminal Justice (3 hours)
SO 355 Juvenile Delinquency (3 hours)
SO 455 Police and Law Enforcement (3 hours)
SO 460 Correctional Institutions (3 hours)
Health and Human Services Emphasis (12 hours)
SO 260 Introduction to Human Services (3 hours)
SO 365 Social Work in American Society (3 hours)
PY 430 Health Psychology (3 hours)
SO 470 Social Gerontology (3 hours)
Total: 51 hours
Recommended supporting courses
PY/SO 308 Counseling (3 hours)
G-BI 101 Principles of Biology (4 hours)
EC 201 Elementary Economics: Macro (3 hours)
G-PS 101 Historical Introduction to Politics (3 hours)
G-PS 102 U.S. Government (3 hours)
G-PY 101 Introduction to Psychology (3 hours)
*G-TE 333 Technology and Society (3 hours)
Foreign Language
Recommended courses for Students interested in Human Services careers
PY/SO 210 Human Sexuality (3 hours)
PY/SO 308 Counseling (3 hours)
G-SO 246 Marriage and Family (3-4 hours)
As much practical experience in human service placements as possible
Sociology Minor
Requirements
G-SO 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 hours)
SO 206 Social Problems (3-4 hours)
SO 401 Sociological Theory (4 hours) or SO 450 Sociology Proseminar (3 hours)
SO/PY 303 Social Psychology (3 hours)
SO/PY 335 Research Methods I (4 hours)
Total: 18 hours
Social Work
McPherson College has well prepared its students majoring in the Behavioral Sciences for entrance into the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree programs. The pre-professional program at McPherson College commits itself to fostering student learning in career-oriented liberal arts so that students are prepared for community service and/or graduate study in social work. Students who have acquired knowledge and skills requisite for entry into the field of social services and graduate social work education demonstrate proficient knowledge, understanding, and application of psychological and sociological theories and concepts.
All accredited graduate programs in social work require a four-year bachelor’s degree for admission. The pre-social work student should plan the liberal arts program to include courses in arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and biological sciences. Although the pre-social work student may choose a major in any field, a strong knowledge of human services, personality theory, counseling, and social problems is strongly recommended. The B.S. in psychology or sociology, with the health and human services emphasis, is recommended.
M.S.W. programs require evidence of relevant paid/volunteer work experience related to human services organizations. The pre-social work student should therefore be prepared to complete at least one internship or field experience related to community/social services. (The College’s Career Connections program is highly recommended.)
The M.S.W. Degree prepares graduates for advanced social work practices in one of three areas—clinical social practice with individuals, families, and groups; social work administration/community practice aimed at social service administration and social policy development; and school social work. With such diverse professional practice concentrations, it is difficult to outline a generic program to prepare all pre-social work students for admission to these practice areas. Students should counsel with the pre-social work advisor to help them identify the type of professional program they are considering, and to assist them in developing a plan for completing the graduate admission requirements of that program or field.
Although M.S.W. programs differ in admissions requirements, the following courses, in addition to the major, are recommended for students interested in entering the social work profession at the graduate level:
PY 405 Personality Theories (3 hours)
PY/SO 308 Counseling (3 hours)
SO 206 Social Problems (3-4 hours)
Courses in the Health & Human Services Emphasis:
SO 260 Introduction to Human Services (3 hours)
SO 365 Social Work in American Society (3 hours)
PY 430 Health Psychology (3 hours)
SO 470 Social Gerontology (3 hours)
PY/SO 388 Career Connections (1-12 hours)
PY/SO 295/495 Field Experience (1-4 hours)