Sociology Major Resources

The major in Sociology provides students with a comprehensive understanding of sociological theories and methodologies, as well as the research and analytical skills they need to work in and contribute to today's globally interconnected world. The major focuses on the globalized nature of our society and the intensification of inequalities and related demands for social justice.

Here you will find:

● Key information about your major

● How and when to meet with your major advisor

● Planning tools that will help you track your progress in the major

● Ways to explore career opportunities related to the Sociology major

Take a few moments to look at the information below. It will help you plan effectively and avoid surprises during your studies at John Jay.

SOC Requirements

Major Requirements

You are responsible for the major requirements that were in effect when you declared the major. To confirm the requirements you should be following, go to the Undergraduate Bulletin for that academic year. For example, if you declared the Sociology major in Fall 2015 or Spring 2016, you would click on the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin. If you declared the major and then left the College for more than one full semester, you’re responsible for the major requirements in effect when you return, if they have changed. Not sure when you declared the major? Find out here.

Below, find the Undergraduate Bulletin that was in effect when you declared the major.

2022-2023 Undergraduate Bulletin - SOC
2021-2022 Undergraduate Bulletin - SOC
2020-2021 Undergraduate Bulletin - SOC
2019-2020 Undergraduate Bulletin - SOC
2018-2019 Undergraduate Bulletin - SOC
2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin - SOC
2016-2017 Undergraduate Bulletin - SOC
2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin - SOC
2014-2015 Undergraduate Bulletin - SOC

SOC Courses That Meet General Education Requirements

SOC 101 counts both toward your major requirements and toward the Individual & Society General Education requirement.

Major Advising

Schedule a Major Advising Appointment

Sociology major advising is being done remotely in Fall 2023.

If you have questions or want to make an appointment with a major advisor, please email socadvising@jjay.cuny.edu and an advisor will contact you.

Before You Schedule a Meeting with an Advisor

Sociology advisors are happy to meet with you, but there are several steps you should take before you schedule an appointment with us. These steps will allow you to make the most of an advising session:

For all sorts of information related to the Sociology major and minor, check out the Sociology Department's Student Advisement website.
Learn about the Sociology major requirements that apply to you.
See the Sociology Major Worksheet for Students Who Declared Fall 2017 through Spring 2020 or Sociology Major Worksheet for Students Who Declared Fall 2020 and later or Sociology Major Worksheet for Students Who Declared Fall 2022 and later in order to gain a general understanding of what requirements you’ve met and which ones you still need.

Major Advising in Summer/Winter

During Summer and Winter sessions, students can direct all inquiries to socadvising@jjay.cuny.edu. For a lot of helpful information about the Sociology major and minor, visit the Sociology Department's Student Advisement page.

Registration and Major Holds

Sophomores with 45-59 credits may have a major hold placed on their registration. The hold will be removed when they have an appointment with a major advisor. This discussion will encourage wise planning and allow students to ask any questions they may have about the major. How do you know if you have a major hold? Go to CUNYfirst and complete the following steps:

Check the Holds box of your CUNYfirst Student Center. If "Advisement Required" appears, click on “details.”

Click on “Advisement Required.”

See which type of advisement you need. If you must see a major advisor, then make a major advising appointment following the steps preferred by this department.

Plan Ahead: Graduate on Time

Avoid Course Planning Mistakes!

The Sociology major has several courses that build on each other in a sequence, so it is important to be aware of this and plan accordingly. Students should consider taking SOC 101 as early as possible, since it is a prerequisite for most of the courses in the major. The following sequence is ideal:

Other important considerations:

Students must take MAT 108 or MAT 141 before taking STA 250.
Beginning Fall 2022, students who declare the Sociology major will not choose a Specialization as part of their major requirements.
Students who declared the Sociology major before Fall 2022 chose a Specialization of interest to them: Global Change (Specialization A) or Inequality and Social Justice (Specialization B)
Students should take SSC 325 in their junior year.
Remember that you will need at least a 2.0 in the major and at least an overall 2.0 GPA to graduate.

Monitor Your Progress in the Major (Major Checklist, Sample 4 yr Plan)

DegreeWorks degree audit - Use this online planning tool to track your overall progress toward graduation. You will see which of your general education and major requirements are completed, in progress, or still needed. Refer to the DegreeWorks FAQs to better understand how to use this helpful tool. Note: be sure to confirm the accuracy of your degree audit with a general advisor and major advisor.
Fill out the Sociology Major Worksheet for students who declared prior to fall 2017 or the Sociology Major Worksheet for Students Who Declared Fall 2017 through Spring 2020 or the Sociology Major Worksheet for Students Who Declared Fall 2020 and later or the Sociology Major Worksheet for Students Who Declared Fall 2022 and later in order to keep track of which major requirements you have completed and which ones you still need.
Sample Four Year Plan - See an example of how you could complete all your degree requirements (major, general education, electives) and graduate in four years! Remember that this sample plan shows just one possible way to combine your requirements. Transfer students in particular should work with advisors to determine a plan that works best for them.
For all sorts of information related to the Sociology major, check out the Sociology Department's Student Advisement website.

Academic Internship

The Center for Career and Professional Development houses the Academic Internship Program, a hybrid of on-the-site internship experience and class time with a faculty member. The internship course is open to juniors and seniors who have completed the prerequisite course ENG 201. In order to enroll, you must first meet with The Center for Career & Professional Development. The CCPD advisor will provide you with the course code for the internship course appropriate for you (either SOC 377-79 or SOC 381). To request an appointment with a CCPD advisor, log on to John Jay Careers Online. 15-minute drop-in sessions are available Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. in 72.00 New Building. Stop by in person earlier the same day to make a drop-in appointment.

Note: CUNY Service Corps students can take the Internship course for their service. CUNY Service Corps provides a year-long experience at a particular internship site—and it pays! Keep an eye on your JJC email in February for application information concerning the following academic year.

Meet with a General Academic Advisor

A General Academic Advisor will confirm what general academic requirements you still need, make suggestions about smart course planning that will help you graduate without delays, discuss your interest in adding a minor or second major, inform you about opportunities such as study abroad, discuss general questions and concerns, and make helpful referrals. Visit the Academic Advisement Center's webpage for more information.

Sociology and Careers

Career Opportunities Related to Sociology

A major in sociology prepares students for a variety of careers in a fast-changing, increasingly global, and technology-driven world. Students learn skills in critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving, group work, writing, and research. The major also prepares students to encounter and work with people from a broad range of cultures and social backgrounds. Sociology is helpful for students seeking to enter such fields as social services, community work, government and public service, the law, health services, and business, among many others. See the American Sociological Association’s Educational and Professional Development Resources to learn more about employment opportunities related to the sociology major.

Career and Internship Guidance

For personalized guidance concerning internships, jobs, and careers, visit John Jay’s Center for Career and Professional Development. CCPD staff are available to meet individually with students and alumni in L72.00 New Building. To request an appointment with a CCPD advisor, log on to John Jay Careers Online. 15-minute drop-in sessions are also available Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. in New Building 72.00. Stop by in person earlier the same day to make a drop-in appointment.