Frequently Asked Questions
Q: By when do I need to DECLARE my Sociology major?
You can declare the Sociology major at any time as long as you have time to complete the requirements. The best time to sign up for the major, however, is at the end of your freshman year or during your sophomore year, which allows you plenty of time to take the courses in proper sequence. Contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Ann Power, at apower@nd.edu, for an appointment. You may also schedule an appointment with the DUS just to hear more information about the major, to see if Sociology is for you.
Q: Is there a minor in Sociology?
There is no minor in Sociology. Students who are unable to complete the major but are interested in Sociology related minors can look into the following options among the College of Arts & Letters supplementary majors and minors:
- Education, Schooling, and Society (ESS) minor > http://www.nd.edu/~edss
- Hesburgh Program in Public Service (MHES) > http://www.nd.edu/~hesprg/
- Poverty Studies Interdisciplinary Minor (PSIM) > http://www.nd.edu/~poverty/
- Peace Studies Supplementary Major (IIPS) > http://kroc.nd.edu/programs/undergraduate/
- Catholic Social Tradition (CST) > http://www.nd.edu/~cstprog/
If you are NOT a Sociology major but are interested in taking a sociology course listed as for majors only, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies at apower@nd.edu.
Q: If I want to STUDY ABROAD, who do I talk to?
Study abroad is a great way to stretch your sociological imagination! To gain the requisite on-line approval and to see if courses taken abroad will count toward the Sociology major, you should make an appointment to talk with the Sociology Department’s Director of Undergraduate Studies. The DUS will also help you plan out what courses to take before going abroad and which ones can wait until after you return. For information on courses offered abroad and the requirements of each abroad program, consult the Office of International studies website http://nd.edu/~ois/.
Q: What if I am interested in doing HONORS in Sociology?
You should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies for details about the requirements and to see if you qualify. You may also contact your individual faculty advisor to learn more about the honors option. Additional information can be found at: http://sociology.nd.edu/undergraduate-program/HonorsProgram.shtml.
Q: Who do I talk to if I need DEPARTMENTAL APPROVAL for a class?
You should speak with the professor of the class and obtain consent/approval to take the class. Once you have talked to the faculty member and have gained approval, you should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Ann Power, at apower@nd.edu.
Q: Who do I see about DROPPING or ADDING a class or CHANGING a section, cross-listing, or number of credit hours for a course?
You will need to fill out an “Academic Course Change” form and take it to the department through which the course is offered in order to get the signature of the department’s representative. In the Sociology Department, that person is the Director of Undergraduate Studies (office: 823 Flanner Hall).
Q: Who do I see for my Sociology DEGREE AUDIT?
To go over your degree audit for your Sociology major, you should make an appointment with the Director of Undergraduate Studies in Sociology (email: apower@nd.edu). To go over your degree audit for your university and college level requirements, you should see one of the undergraduate advisors in your college’s undergraduate studies office. In the College of Arts & Letters, that office is located in 104 O’Shaughnessy Hall.
Q: Will classes from other departments count towards my Sociology degree?
Ordinarily, students should plan on earning all of their sociology credits within the Sociology department here at Notre Dame. However, in some cases courses from other departments and programs may be accepted as meeting the requirements of a sociology course. Students will find that many of the courses from other departments that are sociological in nature are cross-listed in the Sociology Department. Students should seek approval from the DUS on all courses in question.
Q: If I need ADVISING, who do I see?
Students may go to their individual faculty advisor or to the DUS at any time. Students can find out who their individual faculty advisor is by visiting the Sociology website: http://sociology.nd.edu/undergraduate-program/advising/ . These lists are also posted on the undergraduate advising bulletin board directly outside the entrance to the Department’s main office: 810 Flanner Hall. Students should seek advising whenever they need it, and definitely before registering for the next semester’s classes.
Q: What can I do with a degree in Sociology?
There are many career opportunities for the Sociology Major! The Sociology Website has detailed information about what recent Sociology graduates are pursuing and about the options that Sociology Majors have: http://sociology.nd.edu/undergraduate-program/careers/. You can also visit the Sociology Department in 810 Flanner Hall to obtain brochures, handouts, and receive more information about jobs and careers.
Q: Where can I learn more about graduate study in Sociology, or in general?
The department holds an orientation session for undergraduate majors who intend to pursue graduate study in Sociology each Fall and, upon request, in the Spring. In addition, Sociology majors are required to attend at least one graduate or professional school information session when they take the Proseminar (SOC 33090). Students interested in pursuing a higher degree are encouraged to work with the Director of Undergraduate Studies, their individual faculty advisor, and/or the Department Chair to identify graduate programs that best meet their interests and needs. (For more information, visit http://sociology.nd.edu/undergraduate-program/graduate-school-planning/ .)
If you have further questions or inquiries, you can contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Ann Power, at apower@nd.edu, or drop by the Sociology Department at 810 Flanner Hall.