Sociology may also be combined with a variety of majors as a minor program.  The Sociology Minor consists of two required courses (SOC 201 Introductory Sociology, 1 semester, 3 credits; and SOC 209 Social Research Methods, 1 semester, 3 credits) as well as five other departmental electives.  These additional sociology courses should be selected on the basis of the student’s interests and career plans after consultation with his/her faculty advisor.  Students who minor in sociology are strongly encouraged to take SOC 450, Senior Capstone, as one of their sociology electives.

Sociology students are encouraged to be creative and to take the initiative in designing their programs of study.  For example, both majors and minors have an opportunity to get involved with a faculty member in his/her research and may then go on to publish their work.  Students may also design and carry out their own research projects (Senior Thesis) or engage in focused reading and research on a particular topic of interest, under the direction of a faculty advisor (Independent Study).

In addition, sociology majors and minors may participate in an Internship/Field Experience in an organization or agency located in the Providence area.  Internships provide excellent opportunities for students to link academic learning with the world outside the classroom.  Thus, participating in an internship allows students to practice many sociological skills they have learned and to gain new ones as well.  Interns may make contacts for future work through their internship and get letters of reference from site supervisors.