Minors Offered | Department of Sociology

Our department offers two minors: Sociology and Criminology, Law and Society. We also offer the Sociology major and Criminology, Law, and Society minor combination that only requires 41 credit hours. If you need assistance declaring or have questions: set an advising appointment or email soc-advising@illinois.edu

Students can use this form anytime to: Declare a Minor

Sociology Minor

The study of Sociology allows you to be analytic and reflective about social structure and culture. It can help you in almost any career including business, education, public administration, social work, as well as preparation for graduate or professional studies. The minor is designed to teach students the basic theoretical and methodological approaches in Sociology and explore the wide range of topics, social groups, and social interactions studied by Sociologists. From social inequalities and social problems to examining the underlying patterns of social relations in formal organizations, in legal institutions and in the economic and political arena to understanding the interplay among science, technology and society, the diversity of courses allows Sociology minors to explore courses relevant to their interests.

Requirements for Minor in Sociology

Students must also learn about the substance of sociology in some depth and are thus required to take at least two sociology courses at an advanced level and a total of at least 18 hours of sociology courses. The course work must include the requirements listed below:

Course Requirements (minimum 18 hrs of “SOC” credit)

SOC 100

Introduction to Sociology

An overview of the topics of sociology and of various sociological perspectives, and of how scholars in the discipline study social phenomena. This course is a prerequisite for most two-hundred level courses.

4 hrs

SOC 280

Introduction to Social Statistics

An introduction to the statistical measures and techniques used in the social sciences. This course is a prerequisite for Sociology 380.

4 hrs

SOC 200

Introduction to Sociological Theory

This course is an introduction to the foundations of sociological theory. Topics may include the problem of social order and the nature of social conflict; capitalism and bureaucracy; the relationship between social structure and politics; and the evolution of modern societies. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

3 hrs

Advanced Level Sociology Courses (6 hrs)

Select at least two 300- or 400- level Sociology courses (Course Catalog)

Elective Sociology Hours (3 - 6 hrs)

Select two – three 100-, 200-, 300- or 400- level Sociology courses to complete the 18 credit hour minimum requirement. (Refer to Course Catalog)

Notes:

*	If using transfer credit for Introductory Sociology, some schools grant only 3 credits for SOC 100.
**	Other courses that meet this requirement: STAT 100, PSYCH 235, ECON 202, MATH 161. Also Parkland College's MATH 108 and MATH 160.\| If a statistics course is taken outside of Sociology to fulfill this requirement, that course does not count toward the 18 hours of Sociology courses.

Criminology, Law and Society Minor

The Criminology, Law, and Society Minor provides a foundation for students seeking to supplement their major area of study, to develop knowledge and skills needed for criminological, law, and justice related occupations, or to lay foundation for law school or graduate study in sociology, criminology, or justice fields. Students take a range of courses that provide theoretical and practical knowledge while exposing students to current sociological, legal, and justice issues. Requirements for the CLS minor for Sociology students differ from those for non-majors.

Requirements for the Minor in Criminology,
Law and Society (Non-Majors)

The minor course work is specifically designed and provides a foundation for students seeking to supplement their major area of study, to develop knowledge and skills needed for criminological, law, and justice related occupations, or to lay foundation for law school or graduate study.

Choose three courses from the minor catalog (9 hours minimum); at least 3 hours must be at the 300- or 400-level: Course Catalog

Sociology Major + Criminology, Law and Society Minor Combination Requirements

For students wishing to complete a major in Sociology and a minor in Criminology, Law, & Society they may do so in a reduced number of hours (41 total) than typically required for a major and minor. See the Sociology Major + Criminology, Law, & Society Minor Planning Form for a course breakdown.