Sociology Degrees
The degrees offered by the Department of Sociology fulfill the Idaho State Board of Education’s mandate that Boise State University serve as the lead institution for the social sciences and public affairs. We offer baccalaureate degrees in sociology, in social science, in ethnic studies, and in social science teacher education. We offer an A.A. in Social Science, and minors in Sociology, Ethnic Studies, and in Mexican-American Studies.
Sociology is devoted to the study of human societies. The goal of the sociology degree program is to train students to engage in social scientific analysis and to think critically about public affairs. Each student is required to complete courses in theory, social research methods, and statistical analysis.
Sociology
Sociology is devoted to the study of human societies. The goal of the sociology degree program is to train students to engage in social scientific analysis and to think critically about public affairs. Each student is required to complete courses in theory, social research methods, and statistical analysis. We also offer a minor in sociology.
Social Science
The social science degree is a cooperative program involving the departments of anthropology, communication, criminal justice, economics, environmental studies, gender studies, global studies, history, political science, psychology, sociology and urban studies. Its purpose is to provide students with the opportunity to pursue an interdisciplinary program of study in social science tailored to their specific academic and vocational interests.
Ethnic Studies
The Ethnic Studies major is an interdisciplinary program leading to a B.S. degree. The primary emphasis of the major is producing professionals capable of identifying sources of intercultural conflict, promoting intercultural conflict resolution, and advocating multicultural access to all facets of U.S. society. Course work examines current issues, trends, controversies, and practices involving multiculturalism and diversity in the U.S. We also offer a minor in Ethnic Studies.
Labor Studies Minor
The Labor Studies Minor is an interdisciplinary program that focuses upon work as a practice that shapes and is shaped by other social institutions. Labor is an economic phenomenon, and labor organizations play a role in the political process and in the management of many workplaces. Paid and unpaid labor is a key feature of family life, and segregated labor markets are central to systems of ethnic and gender inequality. Students should complete the minor as more effective participants in our workplaces and in civic affairs, and will be more appreciative of the centrality of work in our lives, families and relationships.
Mexican-American Studies Minor
The Mexican-American studies minor introduces students to the issues and problems facing Mexican-Americans in the United States and Idaho. Students will have the opportunity to explore Mexican-American culture and how America’s social institutions and social organizations relate to and react to the Mexican-American population. Special emphasis in the sociology classes is placed on examining the work of practitioners from applied sociology, clergy, legal profession, and social service agencies to ameliorate the problems facing Mexican-Americans.
Teacher Education
The Sociology, Social Science, Secondary Education B.A., and the Sociology Endorsement, are cooperative, multidisciplinary programs designed to assist students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions essential for success in teaching the social sciences in secondary schools. Course work combines content knowledge, theories of learning and human development, study of curriculum, and methodology. Candidates who complete this program demonstrate evidence of meeting the Idaho Beginning Teachers Standards and are eligible for recommendation for state certification.
Sociology across Campus
Our faculty also participate in the delivery of many other programs, including Criminal Justice, Dispute Resolution, Environmental Studies, Gender Studies, Family Studies, Gerontology, Health Science Studies, Human Resource Management, Kinesiology, Latin American Studies, Nonprofit Management, Nursing, Radiologic Sciences, Social Work, Sustainability, Technical Communication, and the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Degree Requirements
Specific requirements for each degree may vary from one academic year to another — consult the University’s Catalogs at https://www.boisestate.edu/registrar-catalog/.