Programs of Study

First Semester - 14 SCH

ENGL 1301 - Composition I
HIST 1301 - United States History I
SOCI 1301 - Introduction to Sociology
PSYC 1100 - Learning Framework
BIOL 1408 - Biology for Non-Science Majors I

Second Semester - 16 SCH

ENGL 1302 - Composition II
HIST 1302 - United States History II
MATH 1342 - Elementary Statistical Methods
COSC 1301 - Introduction to Computing
BIOL 1409 - Biology for Non-Science Majors II

Third Semester - 15 SCH

ARTS 1301 - Art Appreciation
GOVT 2305 - Federal Government
SOCI 1306 - Social Problems
SPAN 2311 - Intermediate Spanish I
SPCH 1321 - Business and Professional Communication

Fourth Semester - 15 SCH

COMM 1307 - Introduction to Mass Communication
GOVT 2306 - Texas Government
SPAN 2312 - Intermediate Spanish II
ENGL 2331 - World Literature
PSYC 2301 - General Psychology

Marketable Skills

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems as they pertain to societal issues.
• Empirical and Quantitative Skills - Manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions regarding various research methods, and their characteristics, used in the scientific study of sociology.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding objective variables that contribute to why people think, feel, and behave as they do.
• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Oral Comprehension - the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times to increase tolerance, appreciation of diversity, and, overall, understanding of social structure and its influence.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively and appropriately.
• Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate the ability to apply sociological principles and theoretical perspectives to major social problems in contemporary society.  
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret human society, social institutions, and individuals and how they affect one another.
• Demonstrate ability to apply principles and theories in written and oral communication which could include but are not limited to social stratification, gender, race/ethnicity, and deviance.

Expected Salary

Texas wage data: workers on average earn $59,490; 10% of workers earn $44,850 or less; 10% of workers earn $118,790 or more. US wage data: workers on average earn $86,110; 10% of workers earn $52,640 or less; 10% of workers earn $143,020 or more.

Career Opportunities

AA Minimum: Social Services Assistant, Psychiatric Technician, Teacher’s Aide, Home-Care Aide, Family/Victim Advocate, Research Assistant, Correctional Officer, Community Service Manager, Administrative Service Manager. BA Minimum: Substance Abuse Counselor, Career/Employment Counselor, Activities Director, Probation/Parole Officer, Teacher, Social Worker, Public Relations Specialist, Family Intervention Specialist, Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional, Human Resources Specialist. MA Minimum: Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Psychological Associate, Sociology Professor, Clinical Sociologist, Counseling Sociologist, Experimental/Research Sociologist, Sports Sociologist.

High School Endorsements

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Transfer Path / Requirements

For Texas A&M Commerce

• A student completing the Paris Junior College core curriculum is considered Core complete at Texas A&M Commerce.
• No more than 60-66 SCH from PJC will be applied to a bachelor degree at TAMU-Commerce.  Another 60 or more must be completed at TAMU-Commerce.
• For the Sociology major, nine advanced courses are required by TAMU-Commerce.
• Students who are considering teaching in high schools or middle schools must follow guidelines set for teacher certification.