Sociology: Major-by-Contract (BA.SSC.SOC)

This major is for students who want to design a program of study that comprises two academic disciplines, one of which must be Sociology. The contract is designed and signed by the student, a Sociology faculty sponsor, and a faculty sponsor from another complementary discipline. Among the complementary disciplines that a student may choose from are Economics, Geography, History, Politics, Psychology, Women’s and Gender Studies, or another appropriate academic discipline chosen by the student in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor. The program must include at least 30 credits, with at least 18 credits at the upper level. Credits in the major should be balanced between the two selected disciplines. The contract must include an Independent Study or Seminar at the 4000 level, but may include only one Independent Study per discipline.

Normally, the contract should be approved by the time the student has reached the fifth semester or 75 credits. The contract must be reviewed and signed by the student’s faculty advisor and the chair of the sponsoring department and ratified by an academic dean. The contract may be reviewed and modified, but any changes must be approved by all parties to the contract. A student may terminate the contract by electing another major.

In addition to the major, students will also be required to complete 12 credits in related work chosen in consultation with the faculty advisor, or a minor of 18-24 credits in a third social science or another appropriate academic discipline. A second major may be substituted for the related work or minor. Approval of the sponsoring department chair is required.