Sociology

Mission Statement

The Sociology Department at Central Methodist University offers a program of study designed to complement and strengthen a broad liberal arts education. In the major, students acquire knowledge and skills related to sociological thought, research methods, and the study of institutions.

Students majoring in sociology acquire a broad understanding of the discipline with special emphasis on the sociological perspective, social theory, social research methods, and data analysis. Students develop abilities to explain and analyze a variety of social problems with an emphasis on the complex problems of inequality based on race, class, gender, and sexuality. Within the curriculum, students develop skills in writing and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to engage in active learning in the classroom and in the community.

The department seeks to provide a challenging and well-rounded education serving as a solid foundation for students who pursue professional or graduate studies or who embark on a career after earning their bachelor’s degree.

Sociology Program Outcomes

Sociological Reasoning

Demonstrate sociological reasoning by describing how individual biographies are shaped by social structures and/or social interactions.

Research Methods

Demonstrate understanding of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.

Theory

Demonstrate understanding of classical and/or contemporary sociological theorists.

Social Inequalities

Demonstrate knowledge of social inequalities based on race, class, gender or sexuality.

Field of Study

Demonstrate knowledge in a substantive field, for example: deviance, criminology, social psychology, family, or popular culture.

Professional Employment

Secure professional employment.

The Sociology major has the option of graduating with a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. As a requirement for graduation, all Sociology majors must sit for a nationally normed exit examination during their Senior year.

CMU's chapter of Student Sociological Association is for students studying sociology (advisor: Dr. Brent Myer).

CMU has a chapter of Pi Gamma Mu, an international social science honor society (advisor: Dr. Kristin Cherry).