Department of Sociology

Grise Hall
Office 101, Phone: (270) 745-3759, Fax: (270) 745-6493
Website: www.wku.edu/pcal/index.php?page=sociology

Dr. Paul R. Wozniak, Head
e-mail: Paul.Wozniak@wku.edu

Professors: E. Bohlander, J. Faine, A. Goetting, S. Groce, M. Pruitt, P. Wozniak
Associate Professors: J. Kanan, A. Krull, J. Musalia, A. Onyekwuluje, D. Smith
Assistant Professors:    J. Daday, H. Drummond, D. Lovell, K. Nemoto, C. Trojan
Instructor: D. DuCoff
Undergraduate Advisor: P. Wozniak
Optional Retirees:  C. Taylor
Professors Emeritus: F. Baali, H. Dansereau, T. Dunn, J. Grimm, K. Kalab, J. Krenzin, J. Schock

The Department of Sociology offers programs and course work designed to further awareness and understanding of social life including the social causes and consequences of human behavior in groups, organizations, societies and various cultures. Completion of the curriculum in sociology or criminology provides a broad background for students pursuing a variety of careers; and students develop the skills most desired by today’s employers including the ability to communicate effectively, frame and solve problems realistically and in teamwork situations, plan and evaluate projects and programs, prepare clear and concise reports, and speak effectively in varied group situations. The programs provide preparation for research and administrative positions, for pursuing graduate degrees in sociology, and for the training of teachers.

When planning a program of study in this department, each student should be aware of the University’s academic requirements and regulations contained in this catalog in the chapter “Academic Information.” Specific attention should be given to the subsections in the chapter entitled (a) Academic Programs, (b) General Education Requirements, and (c) Academic Requirements and Regulations. Students should be aware that some academic programs may require additional scholastic regulations and standards not specified in the catalog. To obtain a copy of these regulations, students should contact the department head.

Major in Sociology
A major in sociology (reference number 775) requires a minimum of 31 semester hours of sociology course work and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. At least half of the total semester hours earned must be in upper-division courses (courses numbered 300-499). A minor or second major is required. The following courses are required for a major: SOCL 100, 300, 302, 304, 499, and one course to be selected from among the following: SOCL 210, 220, 230, 240, and 260. Not more than 3 hours earned in SOCL 495 “Directed Study” in Sociology may be counted toward the first 31 hours required for the major.

A student may work with an advisor to develop an individualized program to fit his or her personal interests or career goals. Some may wish to sample a variety of topics, while others may wish to focus on a particular area of study. Some examples of topical areas would include, but not be limited to, social psychology, research methods and evaluation, or criminology and deviance.

Minor in Sexuality Studies
The minor in Sexuality Studies (reference number 454) requires a minimum of 18 semester hours, including three required courses: PSY 345, PH 365, and SOCL 359. Students will fulfill the remaining nine hours of the minor by choosing from among the following elective courses: ANTH 343, BIOL 302, CFS 311, CFS 495, ENG 360, HIST 420, PHIL 201, PH 464, PH 468, SOCL 220, SOCL 355 and SOCL 466. Students may not apply more than nine credit hours from one discipline toward the minor.  The minor in Sexuality Studies is a cross-disciplinary exploration of human sexuality. Students who complete the minor gain a better understanding of human sexuality and acquire valuable background knowledge applicable to a wide variety of humanities and social science fields, and to careers in education, counseling, social work, social service agencies, and public health.

Minor in Sociology
The minor in sociology (reference number 461) requires a minimum of 21 semester hours of sociology course work. At least 12 hours earned in the minor must be in upper-division courses (courses numbered 300-499). The following courses are required for a minor: SOCL 100, 300, 302, 304. Not more than 3 hours earned in SOCL 495 “Directed Study” in Sociology may be counted toward the first 21 hours required for the minor.

Minor in Criminology
The minor in criminology (reference number 342) requires a minimum of 21 semester hours of course work. The following courses are required: SOCL 230, 330, 332, and 430. An additional 9 elective hours are to be selected from approved courses in sociology, government, social work, history, psychology, health and safety, or management. Students should consult with advisors in the criminology program concerning approved elective courses.

Graduate Degree Programs
Graduate courses are offered from which the student may select a sequence of advanced study leading to the Master of Arts degree in sociology. Graduate teaching and research assistantships are available to qualified students. Students may also pursue an online Master of Arts degree in Criminology.  For further information see the departmental website, Graduate Studies Catalog or contact the Graduate Advisor, Department of Sociology, Western Kentucky University.

Suggested Program of Study
A suggested program of study that illustrates how one can graduate in four years with an AB (Bachelor of Arts) in Sociology is available on our website.