Department of Sociology and Demography

The Department of Sociology and Demography offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Aging and Society. The Department also offers a Minor in Sociology and a Minor in Health, Aging and Society. At least 42 semester credit hours of sociology coursework are required to fulfill a Sociology major. The 42-hour total is considered a minimum, and students are encouraged to deepen and broaden their grasp of their major through careful allocation of their elective semester credit hours. At least 36 semester credit hours of Health, Aging, and Society coursework are required to fulfill the Health, Aging and Society (HAS) major. The 36-hour total is considered a minimum, and students are encouraged to deepen and broaden their grasp of the major through careful allocation of elective semester credit hours.

Capstone Experience

The Department of Sociology and Demography encourages its students to participate in an integrative capstone experience during their junior or senior year. These experiences might include the Senior Seminar capstone course, an internship, an Honor's project, or another undergraduate research opportunity. The Senior Seminar is a hands-on research-based course in which students work individually or in groups on a semester-long research project. A sociology internship entails a supervised experience, usually within selected organizations in the San Antonio area. The majors are asked to find their internship placements, which are then approved by the Department of Sociology and Demography's internship coordinator. Further information can be obtained from the internship coordinator.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology

The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Sociology, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120. Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level.

All candidates for this degree must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements and the degree requirements, which are listed below.

Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)

Students seeking the B.A. degree in Sociology must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. The courses listed below will satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements; however, if these courses are taken to satisfy both requirements, then students may need to take additional courses in order to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.

SOC 1013 Introduction to Sociology should be used to satisfy the core requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences and a major course requirement.

SOC 2013 Social Problems or SOC 2023 Social Context of Drug Use may also be used to satisfy the core requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences or a Social Problems, Deviance, and Change Track course requirement. Any Core Curriculum course not previously used to satisfy a core component area requirement that has been applied to the major or a track may also apply to the core requirement of the Component Area Option.

Click here to view the list of all Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements.

Gateway Course

Students pursuing the B.A. degree in Sociology must successfully complete the following Gateway Course with a grade of "C-" or better in no more than two attempts. A student who is unable to successfully complete this course within two attempts, including dropping the course with a grade of “W” or taking an equivalent course at another institution, will be required to change their major.

SOC 1013Introduction to Sociology

Sociology Degree Requirements (without a track)

A. Required Courses
It is strongly recommended that theory and research methods requirements be completed by the first semester of the junior year.
SOC 1013Introduction to Sociology (core and major)3
SOC 3323Introduction to Social Research3
SOC 3353Sociological Theory3
SOC 3373Qualitative Research Methods3
or SOC 3393 Quantitative Research Methods
B. Sociology Electives24
Select 24 additional semester credit hours of Sociology electives as approved by the student's advisor, at least 12 semester credit hours of which must be upper-division. Students are encouraged to take a broad variety of courses.
C. HCAP Electives15
Students should complete at least 15 semester credit hours of HCAP courses (CRJ, DEM, HCP, HTH, KIN, NDT, NTR, PAD, PSY, SOC, SWK), 6 of which must be upper-division.
D. Free Electives27
Select at least 27 semester credit hours of electives, dependent on completion of Core Curriculum Coursework, and enough upper-division credits to meet the 39 minimum upper-division credit requirement.
Total Credit Hours78

Degree Requirements—Data Analytics and Social Research Track

A. Sociology major courses12
It is strongly recommended that theory and research methods requirements be completed by the first semester of the junior year.
Introduction to Sociology (core and major)
Introduction to Social Research
Sociological Theory
Quantitative Research Methods
B. Concentration Courses12
Select four courses from the courses listed below
Population Dynamics and Demographic Techniques
Qualitative Research Methods
Social Policy Development
Visualizing Society with Big Data
Geographic Information Systems for Population Analysis and Policy
C. Sociology Electives12
Select 12 semester credit hours of Sociology electives, of which 3 semester credit hours must be upper-division.
D. HCAP Electives15
Students should complete at least 15 semester credit hours of HCAP courses (CRJ, DEM, HCP, HTH, KIN, NDT, NTR, PAD, PSY, SOC, SWK), 6 of which must be upper-division.
E. Free Electives27
Select at least 27 semester credit hours of electives, dependent on completion of Core Curriculum Coursework, and enough upper-division credits to meet the 39 minimum upper-division credit requirement.
Total Credit Hours78

Degree Requirements—Social Problems, Deviance, and Change Track

A. Sociology major courses12
It is strongly recommended that theory and research methods requirements be completed by the first semester of the junior year.
Introduction to Sociology (core and major)
Introduction to Social Research
Sociological Theory
Quantitative Research Methods
Qualitative Research Methods
B. Concentration Courses15
Select five courses from the courses listed below. At least 6 semester credit hours must be upper-division.
Social Problems (core or major)
Social Context of Drug Use (core or major)
Deviance and Difference
Social Change and Development
Criminology
Poverty
Violence and Society
Behavioral Profiling
Social Policy Development
C. Sociology Electives12
Select 12 semester credit hours of Sociology electives, of which 6 semester credit hours must be upper-division.
D. HCAP Electives15
Students should complete at least 15 semester credit hours of HCAP courses (CRJ, DEM, HCP, HTH, KIN, NDT, NTR, PAD, PSY, SOC, SWK), 6 of which must be upper-division.
E. Free Electives24
Select at least 24 semester credit hours of electives, dependent on completion of Core Curriculum Coursework, and enough upper-division credits to meet the 39 minimum upper-division credit requirement.
Total Credit Hours78

Degree Requirements—Race and Latino/a in the Americas Track

A. Sociology major courses12
It is strongly recommended that theory and research methods requirements be completed by the first semester of the junior year.
Introduction to Sociology (core and major)
Introduction to Social Research
Sociological Theory
Quantitative Research Methods
Qualitative Research Methods
B. Concentration Courses15
Select five courses from below.
Race and Ethnic Relations
Latinas in U.S. Society
Sociology of the Mexican American Community
Mexico: Development, Institutions and Policies
Race and Ethnicity in Latin America
The Sociology of Migration and Immigration
C. Sociology Electives12
Select 12 semester credit hours of Sociology electives, of which 6 semester credit hours must be upper-division.
D. HCAP Electives15
Students should complete at least 15 semester credit hours of HCAP courses (CRJ, DEM, HCP, HTH, KIN, NDT, NTR, PAD, PSY, SOC, SWK), 6 of which must be upper-division.
E. Free Electives24
Select at least 24 semester credit hours of electives, dependent on completion of Core Curriculum Coursework, and enough upper-division credits to meet the 39 minimum upper-division credit requirement.
Total Credit Hours78

Course Sequence Guide for B.A. Degree in Sociology

This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UT San Antonio undergraduate Sociology degree requirements. This is merely a guide, and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.

B.A. in Sociology (no track) – Four-Year Academic Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
AIS 1273 AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy 3
SOC 1013 Introduction to Sociology (core for Social and Behavioral Sciences) 3
WRC 1013 Freshman Composition I (core) 3
American History (HIS) core 3
Mathematics core 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
WRC 1023 Freshman Composition II (core) 3
American History (HIS) core 3
Life & Physical Sciences core 3
Free elective 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall
SOC 3353 Sociological Theory 3
Creative Arts core 3
Component Area Option core 3
Life & Physical Sciences core 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
SOC 3323 Introduction to Social Research 3
Free elective 3
Free elective 3
Free elective 3
Language, Philosophy, & Culture core 3
 Credit Hours15
Third Year
Fall
POL 1013 Introduction to American Politics (core) 3
SOC 3373
Qualitative Research Methods
or Quantitative Research Methods
3
SOC elective 3
SOC elective 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
POL 1133
Texas Politics and Society (core)
or Civil Rights in Texas and America
3
Free elective 3
Free elective 3
SOC elective 3
Upper-division SOC elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
Free elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
Upper-division SOC elective 3
Upper-division SOC elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Upper-division free elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
Upper-division SOC elective 3
Upper-division SOC elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

B.A. in Sociology—Data Analytics and Social Research Track – Four-Year Academic Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
AIS 1273 AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy 3
SOC 1013 Introduction to Sociology (core for Social and Behavioral Sciences) 3
WRC 1013 Freshman Composition I (core) 3
American History (HIS) core 3
Mathematics core 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
WRC 1023 Freshman Composition II (core) 3
American History (HIS) core 3
Life & Physical Sciences core 3
Free elective 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall
SOC 3353 Sociological Theory 3
Creative Arts core 3
Component Area Option core 3
Life & Physical Sciences core 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
SOC 3323 Introduction to Social Research 3
Free elective 3
Free elective 3
Free elective 3
Language, Philosophy, & Culture core 3
 Credit Hours15
Third Year
Fall
POL 1013 Introduction to American Politics (core) 3
SOC 3393 Quantitative Research Methods 3
SOC elective 3
SOC elective 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
POL 1133
Texas Politics and Society (core)
or Civil Rights in Texas and America
3
Concentration Course 3
HCAP elective 3
HCAP elective 3
SOC elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
Concentration Course 3
Concentration Course 3
HCAP Elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Concentration Course 3
Upper-division free elective 3
Upper-division HCAP elective 3
Upper-division HCAP elective 3
Upper-division SOC elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

B.A. in Sociology—Social Problems, Deviance, and Change Track – Four-Year Academic Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
AIS 1273 AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy 3
SOC 1013 Introduction to Sociology (core for Social and Behavioral Sciences) 3
WRC 1013 Freshman Composition I (core) 3
American History (HIS) core 3
Mathematics core 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
WRC 1023 Freshman Composition II (core) 3
American History (HIS) core 3
Life & Physical Sciences core 3
Free elective 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall
SOC 3353 Sociological Theory 3
Creative Arts core 3
Concentration course 3
Life & Physical Sciences core 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
SOC 3323 Introduction to Social Research 3
Free elective 3
Free elective 3
Free elective 3
Language, Philosophy, & Culture core 3
 Credit Hours15
Third Year
Fall
POL 1013 Introduction to American Politics (core) 3
SOC 3393
Quantitative Research Methods
or Qualitative Research Methods
3
SOC elective 3
SOC elective 3
Component Area Option (core) 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
POL 1133
Texas Politics and Society (core)
or Civil Rights in Texas and America
3
Concentration Course 3
HCAP elective 3
HCAP elective 3
SOC elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
HCAP Elective 3
Concentration Course 3
Upper-division Concentration Course 3
Upper-division free elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Upper-division Concentration Course 3
Upper-division free elective 3
Upper-division HCAP elective 3
Upper-division HCAP elective 3
Upper-division SOC elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

B.A. in Sociology—Race and Latino/a in the Americas Track – Four-Year Academic Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
AIS 1273 AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy 3
SOC 1013 Introduction to Sociology (core for Social and Behavioral Sciences) 3
WRC 1013 Freshman Composition I (core) 3
American History (HIS) core 3
Mathematics core 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
WRC 1023 Freshman Composition II (core) 3
American History (HIS) core 3
Life & Physical Sciences core 3
Free elective 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall
SOC 3353 Sociological Theory 3
Creative Arts core 3
Component Area Option core 3
Life & Physical Sciences core 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
SOC 3323 Introduction to Social Research 3
Free elective 3
Free elective 3
Free elective 3
Language, Philosophy, & Culture core 3
 Credit Hours15
Third Year
Fall
POL 1013 Introduction to American Politics (core) 3
SOC 3393
Quantitative Research Methods
or Qualitative Research Methods
3
SOC elective 3
SOC elective 3
Free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
POL 1133
Texas Politics and Society (core)
or Civil Rights in Texas and America
3
Concentration Course 3
HCAP elective 3
HCAP elective 3
Upper-division SOC elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
HCAP Elective 3
Concentration Course 3
Concentration Course 3
Free elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Concentration Course 3
Concentration Course 3
Upper-division HCAP elective 3
Upper-division HCAP elective 3
Upper-division SOC elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

Bachelor of Science Degree in Health, Aging and Society

The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the Bachelors of Science (B.S.) degree in Health, Aging and Society, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120. Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level. At least 36 semester credit hours of Health, Aging and Society coursework are required to fulfill the Health, Aging and Society (HAS) major. The 36-hour total is considered a minimum, and students are encouraged to deepen and broaden their grasp of the major through careful allocation of elective semester credit hours.

The HAS program of study has four core areas. Foundational courses introduce students to the health professions and require coursework in public administration and business management to prepare students for careers like medical and health services managers, social and community service managers, and human resources managers. The Data Analytics area introduces students to methods of social research and quantitative/qualitative data analysis to train students to value and understand the processes of data collection and analysis. The sociological perspectives on health and aging core introduces students to medical sociology, sociological social epidemiology, and the sociology of aging and the life course, and emphasizes the social, cultural, institutional, and structural dimensions of health, health care, and aging. The fourth core area, interdisciplinary perspectives, allows students to choose elective courses concerning health and aging from other departments on campus.

Degree Pathways

The HAS program has three degree pathways to better prepare students for future careers.

No Concentration

The No Concentration option is flexible for students who are interested in pursuing careers in a range of non-frontline health and social service professions in hospitals, government offices, and community organizations, including

  1. Medical and health service managers,
  2. Social and community service managers,
  3. Human resource managers (health care),
  4. And health program managers.

Medical Sciences Concentration - Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, and Pre-Physician Assistant Tracks

Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Track

The Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Track is specifically for students who plan to attend medical or dental school.

Pre-Physician Assistant Track

The Pre-Physician Assistant Track prepares students to enter programs for physician assistants, nursing, occupational therapists, and physical therapists.

Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)

Students seeking the B.S. degree in Health, Aging and Society must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students.

SOC 1013 or SOC 2013 are recommended to apply to both the Social and Behavioral Sciences core curriculum requirement and as a major requirement. HTH 2413SOC 2023, or SWK 1013 may also apply to the Social and Behavioral Sciences core requirement and as a major requirement.

STA 1053 may apply to both the Mathematics core curriculum requirement and as a major requirement.

For candidates in the Medical Sciences concentration with the Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental track MAT 1213 Calculus I is recommended to apply to the Mathematics core curriculum requirement and as a major requirement.

For candidates in the Medical Sciences concentration, Pre-Physician Assistant Track MAT 1023, MAT 1073, MAT 1093, MAT 1213, or MAT 1214 may apply to both the Mathematics core curriculum requirements and major requirements.

For candidates in the Medical Sciences concentration (both tracks), BIO 1203 and BIO 1223 are recommended to apply to both the Life and Physical Sciences core curriculum requirements and major requirements.

PAD 1113 is recommended to apply to both the Component Area Option core curriculum requirement and as a major requirement. Any core curriculum course that has been taken to fulfill a major requirement and not applied to another core area may also apply as a Component Area Option.

Click here to view the list of all Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements.

Health, Aging and Society Degree Requirements (no concentration)

At least 6 semester credit hours of coursework may apply to both the core curriculum and major requirements.

A. HAS Foundation Courses27
All Candidates for this degree must complete the following 27 semester credit hours of coursework
Introduction to Sociology (core and major)
Social Problems
Introduction to Health and Social Services Professions
Gerontology
Medical Sociology
Introduction to Social Research
Health in Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood
Health Disparities
Introduction to Organization Theory, Behavior, and Management
Public Administration and Policy in American Society (core and major)
B. Data Analytics 3
Select at least 3 semester credit hours from the following list of courses:
Database Management in Community and Public Health
Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods
Basic Statistics (core or major)
Statistics for Psychology
C. Interdisciplinary Perspectives9
Select at least 9 semester credit hours from the following list of courses, at least 6 of which must be at the upper-division level.
Medical Anthropology
Anthropology of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Death and Dying
Anthropology of Age and Aging
Genes, Health, and Ancestry
Introduction to Health Communication
Health Economics and Policy
Medical Geography
History of Medicine
Introduction to Community and Public Health (core or major)
Survey of Drugs and Health
Survey of Human Sexuality
Theories of Health Behavior
Community Health
Growth and Development
Mental Health and Wellness
Program Planning and Evaluation
Effective Messaging in Public Health
Global Health
Health Care System
Epidemiology
Consumer Health
Understanding Human Sexuality
Environmental Health
Understanding People and Organizations
Introduction to Healthcare Management
Nutrition in the Life Span
Foundations of Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition
Introduction to Public Policy
Foundations of Civic Engagement
Introduction to Urban Management and Policy
Introduction to Nonprofit Agencies
Managing Nonprofit Organizations
Politics and Policies of San Antonio and South Texas
Lifespan Developmental Psychology
Psychology of Health
Social Problems (core or major, may apply to Section C if not taken to fulfill Section A requirement)
Social Context of Drug Use (core or major)
The Sociology of Work and Occupations
Population Dynamics and Demographic Techniques
Poverty
Health Care Fraud and Compliance Investigation
Violence and Society
Religion, Spirituality, and Health
Disability and Society
Internship in Sociology
Internship in Sociology
Introduction to Social Work (core or major)
Diversity and Social Justice in San Antonio and Beyond
Social Welfare Policy Analysis
Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
D. Free Electives39
Candidates must complete at least 39 semester credit hours of electives, depending on which courses are applied to both the major and core requirements. Up to 21 credits may need to be at the upper-division level to meet the minimum 39 semester credit hours of upper-division coursework. It is highly encouraged that students complete a minimum of 18 semester credit hours within HCAP disciplines (CRJ, DEM, HCP, HTH, KIN, NDT, NTR, PAD, PSY, SOC, SWK).
Total Credit Hours78

Health, Aging and Society Degree Requirements with Medical Science Concentration for Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Track

Up to 15 semester credit hours of core curriculum courses can apply to both the core curriculum and major requirements within this concentration.

A. HAS Foundation Courses27
All Candidates for this degree must complete the following 27 semester credit hours of coursework
Introduction to Sociology (core and major)
Social Problems
Introduction to Health and Social Services Professions
Gerontology
Medical Sociology
Introduction to Social Research
Health in Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood
Health Disparities
Introduction to Organization Theory, Behavior, and Management
Public Administration and Policy in American Society (core and major)
B. Data Analytics 3
Select at least 3 semester credit hours from the following list of courses:
Database Management in Community and Public Health
Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods
Basic Statistics (core or major)
Statistics for Psychology
C. Interdisciplinary Perspectives9
Select at least 9 semester credit hours, 6 of which must be upper division, from the following list of courses:
Medical Anthropology
Anthropology of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Death and Dying
Anthropology of Age and Aging
Genes, Health, and Ancestry
Introduction to Health Communication
Health Economics and Policy
Medical Geography
History of Medicine
Introduction to Community and Public Health (core or major)
Survey of Drugs and Health
Survey of Human Sexuality
Theories of Health Behavior
Community Health
Growth and Development
Mental Health and Wellness
Program Planning and Evaluation
Effective Messaging in Public Health
Global Health
Health Care System
Epidemiology
Consumer Health
Understanding Human Sexuality
Environmental Health
Understanding People and Organizations
Introduction to Healthcare Management
Nutrition in the Life Span
Foundations of Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition
Introduction to Public Policy
Foundations of Civic Engagement
Introduction to Urban Management and Policy
Introduction to Nonprofit Agencies
Managing Nonprofit Organizations
Politics and Policies of San Antonio and South Texas
Lifespan Developmental Psychology
Psychology of Health
Social Problems (core or major, may apply to Section C if not taken to fulfill Section A requirement)
Social Context of Drug Use (core or major)
The Sociology of Work and Occupations
Population Dynamics and Demographic Techniques
Poverty
Health Care Fraud and Compliance Investigation
Violence and Society
Religion, Spirituality, and Health
Disability and Society
Internship in Sociology
Internship in Sociology
Introduction to Social Work (core or major)
Diversity and Social Justice in San Antonio and Beyond
Social Welfare Policy Analysis
Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
D. Required Courses in Science and Mathematics44
Students should complete 44 semester credit hours of Science and Mathematics courses from the list below.
Biosciences I for Science Majors
and Biosciences I Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)
Biosciences II for Science Majors
and Biosciences II Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)
Genetics
Biochemistry I
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Laboratory
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
Organic Chemistry II
Calculus I (core or major)
Microbiology
Algebra-based Physics I
and Algebra-based Physics I Laboratory
Algebra-based Physics II
and Algebra-based Physics II Laboratory
E. Free Electives10
Students may need to select at least 10 semester credit hours of free electives, dependent on completion of Core Curriculum Coursework, including enough upper-division credits to meet the 39 semester credit hours of upper-division level courses. CHE 1073 is recommended to fulfill 3 credits of free electives.
Total Credit Hours93

Health, Aging and Society Degree Requirements with Medical Science Concentration for Pre-Physician Assistant Track

Up to 15 semester credit hours of core curriculum courses can apply to both the core curriculum and major requirements within this concentration.

A. HAS Foundation Courses27
All Candidates for this degree must complete the following 27 semester credit hours of coursework
Introduction to Sociology (core and major)
Social Problems
Introduction to Health and Social Services Professions
Gerontology
Medical Sociology
Introduction to Social Research
Health in Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood
Health Disparities
Introduction to Organization Theory, Behavior, and Management
Public Administration and Policy in American Society (core and major)
B. Data Analytics 3
Select at least 3 semester credit hours from the following list of courses:
Database Management in Community and Public Health
Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods
Basic Statistics (core or major)
Statistics for Psychology
C. Interdisciplinary Perspectives9
Select at least 9 semester credit hours, 6 of which must be upper division, from the following list of courses:
Medical Anthropology
Anthropology of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Death and Dying
Anthropology of Age and Aging
Genes, Health, and Ancestry
Introduction to Health Communication
Health Economics and Policy
Medical Geography
History of Medicine
Introduction to Community and Public Health (core or major)
Survey of Drugs and Health
Survey of Human Sexuality
Theories of Health Behavior
Community Health
Growth and Development
Mental Health and Wellness
Program Planning and Evaluation
Effective Messaging in Public Health
Global Health
Health Care System
Epidemiology
Consumer Health
Understanding Human Sexuality
Environmental Health
Understanding People and Organizations
Introduction to Healthcare Management
Nutrition in the Life Span
Foundations of Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition
Introduction to Public Policy
Foundations of Civic Engagement
Introduction to Urban Management and Policy
Introduction to Nonprofit Agencies
Managing Nonprofit Organizations
Politics and Policies of San Antonio and South Texas
Lifespan Developmental Psychology
Psychology of Health
Social Problems (core or major)
Social Context of Drug Use (core or major)
The Sociology of Work and Occupations
Population Dynamics and Demographic Techniques
Poverty
Health Care Fraud and Compliance Investigation
Violence and Society
Religion, Spirituality, and Health
Disability and Society
Internship in Sociology
Internship in Sociology
Introduction to Social Work (core or major)
Diversity and Social Justice in San Antonio and Beyond
Social Welfare Policy Analysis
Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
D. Science and Mathematics Electives40
Students should complete 40 semester credit hours of Science and Mathematics courses from the list below.
Biosciences I for Science Majors
and Biosciences I Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)
Biosciences II for Science Majors
and Biosciences II Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II
Genetics
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
Chemistry for Allied Health Sciences
Basic Chemistry
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Laboratory
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
College Algebra with Applications (core or major)
Algebra for Scientists and Engineers
Precalculus
Calculus I
Calculus I
Introductory Microbiology
and Introductory Microbiology Laboratory
Microbiology
and Microbiology Laboratory
Introduction to Nutritional Sciences
Algebra-based Physics I
and Algebra-based Physics I Laboratory
Algebra-based Physics II
and Algebra-based Physics II Laboratory
E. Free Electives14
Students may need to select up to 14 semester credit hours of free electives, dependent on completion of Core Curriculum Coursework, including enough upper-division credits to meet the 39 semester credit hours of upper-division level courses. . CHE 1073 is recommended to fulfill 3 credits of free electives.
Total Credit Hours93

Course Sequence Guide for B.A. Degree in Health, Aging and Society

This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UT San Antonio undergraduate Health, Aging and Society degree requirements. This is merely a guide, and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.

B.S. in Health, Aging and Society (no concentration) – Four-Year Academic Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
AIS 1273 AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy (core) 3
WRC 1013 Freshman Composition I (core) 3
SOC 1013
Introduction to Sociology (core curriculum for Social and Behavioral Sciences)
or Social Problems
3
Mathematics core 3
American History core 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
WRC 1023 Freshman Composition II (core) 3
American History core 3
Life & Physical Sciences core 3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall
SOC 3323 Introduction to Social Research 3
Life & Physical Sciences core 3
Language, Philosophy & Culture core 3
Creative Arts core 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
SOC 3213 Medical Sociology 3
PAD 1113 Public Administration and Policy in American Society (core curriculum for CAO) 3
POL 1013 Introduction to American Politics (core) 3
Data Analytics Area (see section B) 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Third Year
Fall
MGT 3013 Introduction to Organization Theory, Behavior, and Management 3
POL 1133
Texas Politics and Society (core)
or Civil Rights in Texas and America
3
Interdisciplinary Perspective Area course (see section C) 3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
SOC 3203 Gerontology 3
Interdisciplinary Perspective Area course (see section C) 3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall
SOC 2033 Introduction to Health and Social Services Professions 3
SOC 3443 Health in Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood 3
Interdisciplinary Perspective Area Course (see section C) 3
Free Elective 3
Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
SOC 4683 Health Disparities 3
Free Elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
Upper-division free elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours120

B.S. in Health, Aging and Society with Medical Science Concentration for Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Track - Four-Year Academic Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
AIS 1263 AIS: Life and Health Sciences (core) 3
WRC 1013 Freshman Composition I (core) 3
MAT 1213 Calculus I (core and major) 3
SOC 1013
Introduction to Sociology (core and major)
or Social Problems
3
CHE 1073 Basic Chemistry (recommended elective) 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
WRC 1023 Freshman Composition II (core) 3
BIO 1203
BIO 1201
Biosciences I for Science Majors
and Biosciences I Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)
4
CHE 1103
CHE 1121
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
4
POL 1013 Introduction to American Politics (core) 3
American History (HIS) core 3
 Credit Hours17
Second Year
Fall
SOC 3323 Introduction to Social Research (major) 3
BIO 1223
BIO 1221
Biosciences II for Science Majors
and Biosciences II Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)
4
CHE 1113
CHE 1131
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Laboratory
4
Language, Philosophy & Culture core 3
American History core 3
 Credit Hours17
Spring
SOC 3213 Medical Sociology 3
PAD 1113 Public Administration and Policy in American Society (core and major) 3
POL 1133
Texas Politics and Society (core)
or Civil Rights in Texas and America
3
CHE 2603
CHE 2612
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
5
Data Analytics Area (see section B) 3
 Credit Hours17
Third Year
Fall
MGT 3013 Introduction to Organization Theory, Behavior, and Management 3
BIO 2313 Genetics 3
PHY 1603
PHY 1611
Algebra-based Physics I
and Algebra-based Physics I Laboratory
4
Interdisciplinary Perspective Area course (see section C) 3
Creative Arts Core 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
SOC 3203 Gerontology 3
PHY 1623
PHY 1631
Algebra-based Physics II
and Algebra-based Physics II Laboratory
4
SOC 2033 Introduction to Health and Social Services Professions 3
Interdisciplinary Perspective Area course (see section C) 3
Upper-Division Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours16
Fourth Year
Fall
SOC 3443 Health in Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood 3
CHE 3643 Organic Chemistry II 3
Interdisciplinary Perspective Area Course (see section C) 3
Upper-Division Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours12
Spring
SOC 4683 Health Disparities 3
MMI 3713 Microbiology 3
BCH 3313 Biochemistry I 3
Free elective 1
 Credit Hours10
 Total Credit Hours120

B.S. in Health, Aging and Society with Medical Science Concentration for Pre-Physician Assistant Track - Four-Year Academic Plan

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredit Hours
AIS 1263 AIS: Life and Health Sciences 3
WRC 1013 Freshman Composition I (core) 3
STA 1053 Basic Statistics (core and major) 3
SOC 1013
Introduction to Sociology (core and major)
or Social Problems
3
CHE 1073 Basic Chemistry (recommended elective) 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
WRC 1023 Freshman Composition II (core) 3
BIO 1203
BIO 1201
Biosciences I for Science Majors
and Biosciences I Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)
4
CHE 1103
CHE 1121
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
4
POL 1013 Introduction to American Politics (core) 3
American History core 3
 Credit Hours17
Second Year
Fall
SOC 3323 Introduction to Social Research (major) 3
BIO 1223
BIO 1221
Biosciences II for Science Majors
and Biosciences II Laboratory for Science Majors (core and major)
4
CHE 1113
CHE 1131
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry II Laboratory
4
Language, Philosophy & Culture core 3
American History core 3
 Credit Hours17
Spring
SOC 3213 Medical Sociology 3
PAD 1113 Public Administration and Policy in American Society (core and major) 3
POL 1133
Texas Politics and Society (core)
or Civil Rights in Texas and America
3
Data Analytics Area (see section B) 3
CHE 2603
CHE 2612
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
5
 Credit Hours17
Third Year
Fall
MGT 3013 Introduction to Organization Theory, Behavior, and Management 3
BIO 2313 Genetics 3
BIO 2053
BIO 2051
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I
4
Interdisciplinary Perspective Area course (see section C) 3
Creative Arts Core 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
SOC 3203 Gerontology 3
SOC 2033 Introduction to Health and Social Services Professions 3
BIO 2063
BIO 2061
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II
4
Interdisciplinary Perspective Area course (see section C) 3
Upper-Division Free Elective 1
 Credit Hours14
Fourth Year
Fall
SOC 3443 Health in Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood 3
Interdisciplinary Perspective Area Course (see section C) 3
Upper-Division Free Elective 3
Upper-Division Free Elective 3
 Credit Hours12
Spring
SOC 4683 Health Disparities 3
MMI 3713
MMI 3722
Microbiology
and Microbiology Laboratory
5
Upper-Division Free Elective 3
Upper-Division Free Elective (to meet 39 upper-division semester credit hours) 1
 Credit Hours12
 Total Credit Hours120

Minor in Sociology

All students pursuing a Minor in Sociology must complete 21 semester credit hours, 12 of which must be at the upper-division level.

A. Required courses
SOC 1013Introduction to Sociology3
SOC 3323Introduction to Social Research3
SOC 3353Sociological Theory3
B. Electives
Select 12 semester credit hours of Sociology electives, at least 6 of which must be at the upper-division level (numbered 3000-4999)12
Total Credit Hours21

To declare a Minor in Sociology, obtain advice, or seek approval of substitutions for course requirements, students should consult their academic advisor.

Minor in Health, Aging and Society

The Minor in Health, Aging and Society (HAS) prepares students and provides an attractive credential for graduate school and numerous career pathways. All students pursuing a HAS minor must complete 21 semester credit hours.

A. Required courses
SOC 2033Introduction to Health and Social Services Professions3
SOC 3203Gerontology3
or SOC 3443 Health in Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood
or SOC 4483 Disability and Society
SOC 3213Medical Sociology3
or SOC 4683 Health Disparities
SOC 3323Introduction to Social Research3
B. Electives (choose three)9
Anthropology of Care
Medical Anthropology
Anthropology of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Death and Dying
Anthropology of Age and Aging
Introduction to Health Communication
Juvenile Justice
Life Course Criminology
Health Economics and Policy
Medical Geography
Introduction to Community and Public Health
Global Health
Health Care System
Understanding People and Organizations
Introduction to Healthcare Management
Public Administration and Policy in American Society
Introduction to Nonprofit Agencies
Lifespan Developmental Psychology
Psychology of Health
Total Credit Hours21

To declare a Minor in Health, Aging and Society, obtain advice, or seek approval of substitutions for course requirements, students should consult their academic advisor.

Demography (DEM) Courses

DEM 3223. Population Dynamics and Demographic Techniques. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Introduces the common methods, techniques, and models employed by demographers. Topics may include demographic data sources, introduction to life table techniques; construction, standardization, and decomposition of rates; measures of concentration and diversity; and population growth projections. Students will become familiar with microcomputer programs for demographic analysis. (Same as SOC 3223. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 3223 and SOC 3223.).

DEM 3323. Introduction to Social Research. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to the philosophy of science and the logic of research design. Examines a variety of social research designs including experiments, survey research, content analysis, and historical analysis. Course emphasizes techniques related to information gathering, basic data analysis, and reporting findings. (Same as SOC 3323. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 3323 and SOC 3323.).

DEM 3393. Quantitative Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Application of conceptualization and operationalization in the quantitative analysis of a variety of sociological subjects. Use of elementary measures of central tendency and dispersion, cross tabulations, and linear model procedures to evaluate relationships among variables; problems of descriptions and inference. Includes the use of standard computer packages and secondary analysis of data. (Same as SOC 3393. Credit cannot be earned for both DEM 3393 and SOC 3393.). Course fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

DEM 4013. Geographic Information Systems for Population Analysis and Policy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course will introduce the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, with applications in demography and policy-related disciplines. As part of the course, students will work on real data related to measuring population composition and change, with special relevance to policy related decision making. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

DEM 4863. Special Topics In Demography. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An organized course offering the opportunity for a specialized topic at the lower division level that is not available through the regular course offerings. Special Topics may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

DEM 4963. Social Demography and Public Policy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course will cover the basic areas of demography (fertility, mortality, and migration—both internal and international). Students will also be exposed to methods of demographic research to carry out demographic research projects. As part of the course, students will conduct demographic analysis using real data. A strong focus of the course will be discussing the implications for demographic analysis in terms of local, regional, and national policy discussions. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

Sociology (SOC) Courses

SOC 1013. Introduction to Sociology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = SOCI 1301)

Introduces the study of human groups, the relations of individuals to groups, and the process of becoming a group member and functioning in a group setting. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences. (Formerly titled "Introduction to the Study of Society.") Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Generally Scheduled Location: Main Campus, Online/Internet. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRC1 $12; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 2013. Social Problems. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = SOCI 1306)

Examines major contemporary social problems and their causes and consequences. Topics may include poverty, racism, sexism, deviance and crime, drug and alcohol dependence, the urban crisis, overpopulation, and war. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Generally Scheduled Location: Main Campus, Internet. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRC1 $12; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 2023. Social Context of Drug Use. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = SOCI 2340)

Explores the use and abuse of mind-altering substances within society. Topics of study may include historical treatments of drug use, drug treatment and recovery interventions, the global magnitude of contemporary drug problems, and the problematic nature and consequences of drug legislation and enforcement. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences. (Formerly titled "Drugs in Society.") Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Generally Scheduled Location: Main Campus, Online/Internet. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRC1 $12; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 2033. Introduction to Health and Social Services Professions. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course introduces students to the health and social services professions. Students will explore career opportunities and develop professional skills. In considering the delivery of health care and social services across society, several perspectives are examined. Major characteristics of the U.S. healthcare system are introduced as students explore issues that influence professional practice. Different career options are explored as we consider the knowledge, skills, educational requirements, and potential compensation of various career opportunities. Students develop career planning skills while creating a professional resume for volunteer opportunities, internships, and employment. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 2063. Special Topics in Sociology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An organized course offering the opportunity for a specialized topic at the lower division level that is available through the regular course offerings. Special Topics may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 2073. Sociology of Death and Dying. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides an overview of death, dying, loss, and bereavement from sociological, social-psychological, cultural, ethical, and spiritual perspectives. Students will explore how societies and cultures shape beliefs and practices around death while addressing medical, legal, and ethical issues in end-of-life care. Students will also learn how to apply theoretical frameworks to contemporary issues and enhance their understanding of death-related topics. This course also develops communication skills for discussing death with sensitivity and clarity.

SOC 2083. Population and Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores the dynamic relationship between population processes and societal transformations in the United States and around the world. Students will analyze key demographic trends, including population growth, fertility, mortality, migration, and family dynamics, and examine their intersections with social, economic, and environmental forces. The course addresses pressing issues such as population decline, aging, decreased fertility and marriage rates, and immigration restrictions, highlighting their implications for public policy and societal well-being. It equips students with the analytical tools to understand and address contemporary population-related challenges.

SOC 2093. Deviance and Difference. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Analyzes forms of deviance and considers social/political trends toward difference. An examination of theories may include: biological, analytic, labeling, functionalist, culture conflict, radical, and poststructuralist. (Formerly SOC 3053. Credit cannot be earned for both SOC 3053 and SOC 2093.). Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 2103. The Individual and Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the major theories dealing with the effects of culture and social structure on the development and functioning of the personality and the self. (Formerly SOC 3253. Credit cannot be earned for both SOC 3253 and SOC 2103.). Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 2113. Sociology of Sport and Leisure. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines the social meanings of play and leisure in advanced industrial societies. Emphasis will be on the origins, structure, and function of these phenomena in the United States, with major emphasis on sport as an institution. (Formerly SOC 3463. Credit cannot be earned for both SOC 3463 and SOC 2113.). Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3013. Social Stratification. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines theory and research pertaining to inequalities of power, prestige, and economic privilege. Major emphasis upon inequality and social mobility in the United States. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3043. Race and Ethnic Relations. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines how ideas, practices, and theoretical frameworks associated with race and ethnicity have manifested historically and currently in U.S. society. It covers foundational concepts in the field of race and ethnicity from a sociological perspective. It addresses the structural and institutional causes and consequences of racial and ethnic inequality in various aspects of U.S. society. Finally, the class explores how race and ethnicity relate to other axes of social organization, such as gender, class, and immigration status. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Generally Scheduled Location: Main Campus, Online/Internet. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3063. Collective Behavior. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: SOC 1013 or consent of instructor. Focuses on case studies and associated theory dealing with various forms of collective behavior ranging from spontaneous events to organized mass movements. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3083. Social Change and Development. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Presents principal models and theories of social transformation applied to examples of societal change. Topics may include consideration of master trends such as rationalization, industrialization, and bureaucratization, and the expansion and contraction of global interconnectedness. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3093. Religion and Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Focuses on religious institutions and movements in the United States with comparative data from other countries. Topics may include the relationship of religious institutions to social stratification, economic institutions, and political and social change. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3113. Criminology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the nature, prevalence, and impact of different types of legal violations, including street crime, organized crime, political crime, and white-collar crime. Includes treatment of social and legal responses to crime. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Generally Scheduled Location: Main Campus, Online/Internet. Course Fee: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3163. Families in Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the modern family, structures and functions, variant patterns and the influence of the broader society in producing family change. Contemporary and continuing issues are covered in the context of theory and research. Topics may include variability in childhood socialization, family violence, changing gender roles, marriage, divorce and remarriage, alternative family structures, and the aging family. (Formerly SOC 2053. Credit cannot be earned for both SOC 3163 and SOC 2053.) (Formerly titled "Marriage and Family.") Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3193. The Sociology of Work and Occupations. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: SOC 1013 or consent of instructor. Explores occupational structures in selected societies; the relationship between occupations and economic rewards, lifestyles, and worldview; and determinants of work satisfaction. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3203. Gerontology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the historical and cross-cultural differences in the status of the elderly in society. Includes interaction of the elderly with social institutions, and policy implications of the demographic shift toward an aging population in the United States. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3213. Medical Sociology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines social factors in the cause and distribution of disease; relationships between patients and medical professionals; the contribution of lay belief to health, illness, treatment, and recovery; the organization of health-care delivery; and the disparities in the distribution of medical resources. Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3223. Population Dynamics and Demographic Techniques. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Introduces the common methods, techniques, and models employed by demographers. Topics may include demographic data sources, introduction to life table techniques; construction, standardization, and decomposition of rates; measures of concentration and diversity; and population growth projections. Students will become familiar with microcomputer programs for demographic analysis. (Formerly titled "Demographic Techniques.") Same as DEM 3223. Credit cannot be earned for both SOC 3223 and DEM 3223. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3263. Latinas in U.S. Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Focuses on women of Latino descent in the United States with a comparative emphasis on the experiences of Texas Latinas relative to those residing elsewhere in the Southwest. Topics may include: historical presence in the Southwest; patriarchy and familialism; labor and employment issues; immigration and border issues; political involvement and feminist vision; artistic, cultural and intellectual expression. (Same as WGSS 3953 (formerly WS 3953). Credit cannot be earned for both SOC 3263 and WGSS 3953 if the topics are the same.) Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3283. Poverty. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines the causes and consequences of poverty in the United States and selected other societies. An examination of social programs designed to combat poverty. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3293. Sociology of Gender. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Explores the nature of gender roles in our own and other societies. Consideration of how people learn gender roles and the outcomes of this learning for individuals, families, and societies. Alternatives to conventional gender roles. (Formerly titled "Gender Roles.") Generally Scheduled Location: Main Campus, Online/Internet. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3323. Introduction to Social Research. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to the philosophy of science and the logic of research design. Examines a variety of social research designs including experiments, survey research, content analysis, and historical analysis. Course emphasizes techniques related to information gathering, basic data analysis, and reporting findings. (Formerly titled "Research Methods in Sociology.") Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3353. Sociological Theory. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: SOC 1013. Begins with an examination of the foundational writings in classical sociological theory with a special emphasis on critical, functionalist, and interpretive approaches. Contemporary paradigms in sociological theory are then addressed, along with current debates over the state of theory. Attention is also given to the linkages between theory and research, including the analysis of social phenomena using core theoretical concepts. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3373. Qualitative Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: SOC 3323. Introduces the philosophy of science and research design, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, oral history, and focus groups through field research. The course provides opportunities for developing qualitative research skills while gaining familiarity with issues and problems common to these methods. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3393. Quantitative Research Methods. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Completion of the Core Curriculum requirement in mathematics and SOC 3323. Application of conceptualization and operationalization in the quantitative analysis of a variety of sociological subjects. Use of elementary measures of central tendency and dispersion, cross tabulations, and linear model procedures to evaluate relationships among variables; problems of descriptions and inference. Includes the use of standard computer packages and secondary analysis of data. (Formerly SOC 3313. Credit cannot be earned for both SOC 3313 and SOC 3393.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 3413. Sociology of the Mexican American Community. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Focuses on contemporary issues regarding Mexican American communities. Topics of discussion include family structure, gender roles, border issues and political power. Comparison with other minoritized groups and the majority group will allow discussion of variant community patterns. (Same as MAS 3413 and BBL 3413. Credit cannot be earned for both BBL 3413, MAS 3413, and SOC 3413.) (Formerly titled "Mexican American Family.") Generally offered: Summer. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3423. Mass Media in Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines media production and its role in the economy; the construction of media meaning, signification, and ideology; and the role of the audience in making sense of messages. Larger issues of societal power will be treated, along with an examination of alternative media. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3443. Health in Adolescence and the Transition to Adulthood. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines sociological perspectives on health and well-being in adolescence and the transition to adulthood. The life course perspective is presented as a framework for understanding adolescence within social, historical, and institutional contexts. An additional focus of the course is on inequalities in risks, opportunities, resources, and health outcomes across racial, ethnic, gender, socioeconomic, and other social statuses. Course fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 3453. Aging and Family Life. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores the dynamic relationship between aging and family life. As individuals grow older, their roles and relationships within the family change, and this course will examine these changes. This course will also consider various family structures and the ways in which diverse families adapt to the changing needs of aging individuals and populations. Topics will include caregiving, inter-generational relationships, and the impact of cultural and societal factors on aging and family dynamics. This course will draw upon theories from sociology, psychology, and social work to provide a comprehensive understanding of the aging process and its impact on the family.

SOC 3493. Sociology of Sex and Reproduction. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course uses a sociological perspective to analyze contemporary issues in human reproduction. Our focus is primarily on issues within the U.S. and other Western societies, but this course will show that reproduction within the U.S. impacts and is impacted by reproductive practices in other countries. We will explore a variety of topics, including contraception, sterilization, abortion, reproductive technologies, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. These and other topics will be analyzed using a reproductive justice framework.

SOC 3553. Health Care Fraud and Compliance Investigation. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course introduces students to the examination of health care fraud and compliance investigation. Students will also explore career opportunities related to health care compliance. This class will look at the devastating effects that healthcare fraud has on the financial resources of the United States. We will review cases of healthcare fraud that involved more than just money - the ultimate price - human lives. We will review healthcare fraudulent schemes and methods to detect these schemes. Who are the perpetrators? Who are the victims? Methods of investigation will be explored to look at how to prevent fraud with current laws, task forces and compliance efforts. Whistleblowers will be discussed regarding their efforts to stop healthcare fraud and the risks they took to come forward. The class will also examine the many free resources available to the public on the topic of healthcare fraud. Students will have a chance to investigate possible career paths related to fighting healthcare fraud. Course fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4023. Violence and Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines and assesses the major social science perspectives and theories that attempt to explain why violence occurs in society. (Formerly SSC 3203. Credit cannot be earned both for SOC 4023 and SSC 3203.) Generally offered: Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4093. Urban Sociology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores the nature, conditions, and consequences of urbanization. A focus on population growth and structural change in metropolitan areas is presented. Additionally, social and demographic characteristics are used to understand dynamics associated with urban populations. Course fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4123. Senior Seminar in Sociology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: SOC 3323, SOC 3373 or SOC 3393, and SOC 3353. A writing intensive capstone course for sociology majors that synthesizes and applies sociological knowledge through the integration of theory and research methods. Professional development is emphasized. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4133. Religion, Spirituality, and Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course introduces students to the study of religion, spirituality, and health. Students will explore the effects of religion and spirituality on mental health, physical health, and mortality risk. Taken together, these diverse aspects of the course will: (a) provide new information about the role of religion and spirituality in contemporary life, especially in the United States, (b) help students to learn about basic theoretical tools and empirical approaches via which scholars in the social scientists and multiple other disciplines study the religion/spirituality-health connection, and (c) acquaint students with central themes and findings in the burgeoning empirical literature on religion and spirituality and mental health and psychological well-being, physical health, biological functioning, and mortality. Course fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4153. Sociology of Food and Culture. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course is a comprehensive introduction to food studies from sociological, cultural anthropological, and historical perspectives. It covers the foundations of food studies, as well as contemporary theories that examine how food preparation, consumption, and food politics are influenced by race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, social class, and religion. It examines racialized violence, disparities, and insecurities in the food system and addresses why healthy, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food is a human right.

SOC 4193. Mexico: Development, Institutions and Policies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The course begins by looking at the significant development challenges faced by Mexico. This section pays particular attention to economic growth, poverty, inequality, and human development dynamics. The course explores how individual opportunities are different depending on where you live and who you are in Mexico. The second section of the course introduces the many aspects of institutions and processes that shape Mexico's current and future development. We examine society, government, legal and judicial institutions, corruption, monopolies, and migration from Mexico and Central America to the United States. Finally, we look at policies and programs that enhance socioeconomic development in Mexico, such as NAFTA, Oportunidades, and, recently, the war against organized crime.

SOC 4213. Behavioral Profiling. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: SOC 1013 or PSY 1013. This course is designed to expose students to the process of criminal behavioral profiling, an investigative tool used by law enforcement, criminologists, and forensic scientists to predict the characteristics of unknown subjects through crime scene analysis. This is a unique course and is arranged around the deductive profiling method developed by a few of the more published criminal profilers in the United States. Topics include case assessment, crime scene reconstruction methods, evidence dynamics, victimology, criminal motivation, and ethics. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4223. Social Policy Development. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This upper-division course provides students with the necessary knowledge to understand the policy-making process and policy analysis. Through a combination of conceptual considerations and practical applications, students will: learn how to define problems systematically in the policy-making context; discuss how to select and apply analytical tools to diverse policy decisions; examine approaches to identifying and evaluating policy options; discuss policy analysis in the context of social processes; and apply policy analysis to address real-world social policy issues. This course emphasizes critical thinking, analytical rigor, and practical problem-solving in the context of social policies.

SOC 4453. Multimedia Applications. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The course is designed to enhance student ability to competently create sociologically-relevant digital content (e.g., video, images, slideshows) and integrate such content into online platforms (e.g., user-sharing sites and blogs). The course will introduce a coherent system of information generation and processing that will enable you to easily move between the massive universe of digital materials on the Internet and your own creative efforts. Students will navigate within this system and, in the process, employ various applications to help locate, curate, conceptualize, produce, and distribute sociological content. Particular attention will be directed to how multimedia can make abstract scholarly concepts more understandable.

SOC 4463. Race and Ethnicity in Latin America. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores the role of race and ethnicity in various Latin American societies. It provides in-depth coverage of various subtopics, such as national belief systems, multiracialism, racial and ethnic stratification, identity formation, social movements, and ethnic and racial politics.

SOC 4473. The Sociology of Migration and Immigration. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to improve student understanding of migration: what is it; what social, economic, political, and environmental forces drive different forms of migration (including the roles of development, globalization, violence, climate change, and immigration laws, policies, and practices); and what are some of its most important consequences or impacts of this mobility for those that engage in it, for the communities/nations they move into. To examine these themes, we will also aim to understand some “flows” more deeply. In addition to a broad comparative-historical look at many important “postcolonial” international migrations around the world, we will pay particular attention to current issues on U.S. immigration and their historical roots, studying the genesis and evolution of migration from different nations as well as undocumented migration and asylum seekers.

SOC 4483. Disability and Society. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Examines our understandings and practices regarding disability through time and place. Describes inequalities and exclusions of people based on ideas of ability and disability. In so doing, we discover how disability intersects with topics such as culture, identity, gender, sexuality, race, aging, economics, health care, education, and criminal justice. The course will include an experiential learning component to reflect on a direct learning activity with respect to disability and society. Generally offered: Fall, Spring.

SOC 4493. Visualizing Society with Big Data. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course covers basic and advanced techniques for data visualization in the programming language of R, such as boxplots, histograms, scatterplots, forest plots, and maps. These techniques allow researchers to detect data flaws, conduct exploratory analyses, and visually communicate patterns using population data from multiple sources. This course will review the calculation and interpretation of the statistics used in the visualization techniques (e.g., age-adjusted rates and confidence intervals).

SOC 4683. Health Disparities. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The main purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of how racial/ethnic, social, economic, demographic, and gender factors contribute to disparities in health and health care in the United States. Generally offered: Spring. Generally Scheduled Location: Main Campus, Internet. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.

SOC 4853. Topics in Sociology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. (Formerly SOC 4953. Credit may be earned for both SOC 4853 and SOC 4953 but may not exceed 6 semester credit hours combined). Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4863. Topics in Sociology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An organized course offering the opportunity for a specialized topic not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Topics may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4911. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $6.

SOC 4913. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4933. Internship in Sociology. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Completion of SOC 3353 and either SOC 3373 or SOC 3393, and consent of internship coordinator. Provided as part of the COLFA Signature Experience and offers supervised work experience relevant to sociology within selected organizations and agencies. Internships selected should be relevant to previous coursework. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through this internship. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4936. Internship in Sociology. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Completion of SOC 3353 and either SOC 3373 or SOC 3393, and consent of internship coordinator. Provided as part of the COLFA Signature Experience and offers supervised work experience relevant to sociology within selected organizations and agencies. Internships selected should be relevant to previous coursework. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through this internship. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $36.

SOC 4963. Global Perspectives on Social Change. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides an immersive learning experience to explore pressing global issues on justice, inequality, social stratification, identity, migration, and health in diverse cultural settings. Participants will explore these topics through direct, on-the-ground experiences. The course fosters intercultural understanding and encourages students to apply critical frameworks to understand how broader social forces shape individual lives and community experiences. Themes may be adapted to reflect specific regional or faculty interests. Course Fee: LRHC $10; STHC $18.

SOC 4993. Honors Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Enrollment limited to candidates for Honors in Sociology during the last two semesters. Supervised research and preparation of an honors thesis. May be repeated once with advisor’s approval. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.