Minor in Sociology

Hours: 21 On-Campus Online

About

The Minor in Sociology at Fort Hays State University offers students maximum flexibility in course selection. To complete the minor, students must take 21 credit hours of sociology courses. This flexible structure allows them to design a program that complements their major and reflects their personal academic and career interests.

Designed to enhance a wide range of academic and professional pathways, the minor provides valuable sociological perspectives and analytical skills that are applicable across numerous careers. Supported by faculty who stay actively engaged with current trends and developments in the field, the program ensures students receive a modern and relevant education. Its flexible curriculum makes it an ideal choice for students seeking to enrich their academic experience without the limitations of a highly structured course sequence.

Why pursue a Minor in Sociology at Fort Hays State University?

The Minor in Sociology is distinguished by its outstanding flexibility and adaptability, allowing students to customize their coursework to complement their major field of study and support their long-term career goals. With the freedom to choose from a broad selection of sociology courses, students can shape an academic experience that aligns closely with their personal interests and professional aspirations.

FHSU’s strong commitment to faculty expertise further enhances the program. Students benefit from instruction by professionals who stay current with the latest sociological theories and practices, providing a modern, forward-thinking curriculum. The minor also emphasizes real-world application, integrating practical experiences that equip students with valuable, transferable skills for use in a variety of professional environments.

Who is this program for?

The Minor in Sociology is ideal for students who:

Want to enhance their primary degree with a sociological understanding
Are interested in sociological perspectives
Value practical experience that will enable them to further connect with peers

Learning Outcomes

The Minor in Sociology is designed to give students a strong foundation in sociological concepts and their real-world applications. While formal learning outcomes are not explicitly outlined, the program focuses on developing critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills that complement a wide range of majors and strengthen future career opportunities.

Customizable Education

The minor allows students to tailor their coursework to complement their primary degree, ensuring that their education remains relevant and aligned with their career goals. This flexibility offers a valuable opportunity to enrich their academic experience and gain skills that support both personal and professional growth.

Sociological Insight

Students gain a deeper understanding of societal structures, processes, and issues. This foundational knowledge is essential for analyzing and addressing a wide range of social challenges, making graduates well-equipped for diverse roles in both public and private sectors.

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Analytical Skills

The program places a strong emphasis on developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Students learn to assess and interpret social data, enabling them to make informed decisions and effectively address complex issues in their chosen careers.

Practical Experience

Through internships and research projects, students have an opportunity to apply sociological theories in real-world contexts. These hands-on experiences deepen their understanding of course material while strengthening their résumés and giving them a competitive advantage in the job market.

Real-World Applications

The minor is designed to equip students with critical sociological insights and analytical skills applicable to a wide range of real-world contexts. By deepening their understanding of social dynamics and structures, this minor enhances a student’s primary degree and prepares them for diverse career paths, including social services, education, business, and public policy. The skills developed through the program are highly valued by employers across multiple fields.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, the program provides practical experiences such as internships and research projects, enabling students to apply what they have learned in real-world settings. These opportunities not only enrich the learning experience but also strengthen students’ résumés, increasing their competitiveness in the job market. With its customizable curriculum, the minor allows students to tailor their studies to align closely with their individual career goals, laying a strong foundation for professional success.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

At FHSU, the Minor in Sociology is designed to keep students at the forefront of the discipline by incorporating the latest advancements and trends into the curriculum. Faculty members are committed to ongoing professional development, consistently integrating current sociological theories, methodologies, and contemporary issues into their teaching. This approach ensures that students remain well-informed and competitive in their future careers.

The program’s flexible structure allows students to explore emerging areas within sociology, customizing their education to reflect cutting-edge trends and innovations. This dynamic curriculum prepares graduates to effectively address today’s challenges while equipping them to anticipate and adapt to future developments in the field. By emphasizing modern, real-world applications, the minor supports a smooth transition from academic study to professional practice.

Hands-on Activities

The minor offers a range of hands-on opportunities that enrich the educational experience and prepare students for professional success. Through internships, field courses, and research projects, students gain practical experience in sociological methods and applications. For example, the Internship in Sociology course provides students with real-world experience in a professional environment, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to practical situations.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to reinforce theoretical concepts while developing essential skills. By participating in these activities, students deepen their understanding of sociology and build a strong foundation for their future careers. In addition to enhancing learning, these practical experiences also strengthen students’ résumés, increasing their competitiveness in the job market.

What You’ll Learn:

Customize course selection
Gain sociological insights
Develop analytical skills
Enhance primary degree
Stay current with trends

How You’ll Learn:

Flexible online/on-campus options
Diverse course offerings
Modern, relevant curriculum
Faculty expertise
Integration with a primary degree

Courses

The core curriculum is designed to offer complete flexibility, allowing students to choose from a variety of sociology courses that best complement their primary degree and personal interests. This adaptable structure enables students to tailor their education to align with their career goals, creating a customized and engaging learning experience.

Key topics covered within the program include social theory, research methods, social problems, and the study of various social institutions. In addition to coursework, the minor emphasizes practical experiences such as internships and research projects, providing students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. This combination of flexible course selection and hands-on learning ensures students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education in sociology.

SOC 140: Understanding Society: Introductory Sociology

This course covers basic concepts, theoretical paradigms, and key figures in the discipline, focusing on social processes, institutions, and individual-social structure relationships.

SOC 310: Gender and Society

This course examines key issues in women and gender, such as class, race, sexuality, and political power, and explores the historical and contemporary factors shaping women's status and efforts toward equality.

SOC 472: Social Inequality

In this course, students will do a theoretical and empirical examination of social inequality based on power, privilege, and prestige.

Discover the full Minor in Sociology course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Graduates are well-equipped to pursue a wide range of career opportunities. The sociological insights and analytical skills developed through the minor complement their primary degree and offer a competitive advantage in the job market across multiple sectors.

Community Outreach Coordinator

Community outreach coordinators collaborate with non-profits, government agencies, or community groups to design and implement programs addressing local needs. They apply sociological knowledge to understand community dynamics, identify issues, and promote social well-being.

Human Resources Specialist

Human resources specialists use their knowledge of social behavior and organizational dynamics to manage employee relations, recruitment, and training, contributing to a positive workplace culture.

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts collect and analyze data on consumer behavior and market trends. They interpret this information to provide insights that guide business decisions, marketing strategies, and product development.

Public Health Educator

Public health educators design and deliver health programs, conduct community assessments, and collaborate with healthcare professionals. They use sociological insights to address social factors affecting community health and promote healthy behaviors.

Urban Planner

Urban planners collaborate with governments, developers, and communities to design land use, transportation, and public facility plans. They apply sociological knowledge to create sustainable, inclusive urban environments that meet diverse population needs.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Students interested in the Minor in Sociology may also explore related programs offered at Fort Hays State University.

FAQ

What courses do I need to take to earn a Minor in Sociology?

You need to complete 21 credit hours of FHSU sociology courses. These can be selected based on your interests and career goals.

Is the minor available online?

Yes, the Minor in Sociology is available online and on-campus, providing flexibility to suit your schedule.

How can this minor complement my primary degree?

The Minor in Sociology provides sociological insights and analytical skills that enhance understanding of social structures and issues, making one more versatile and competitive.

What practical experiences are included in this program?

Students can participate in internships, field courses, and research projects, such as the SOC 677 Internship in Sociology, to gain real-world experience.

Are there any specific certifications associated with this minor?

No, there are no specific certifications associated with the Minor in Sociology.

Information about the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology

FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology brings together a diverse range of programs dedicated to preparing students for impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and social sciences. Our integrated approach allows students to develop critical skills across these disciplines, fostering an environment where future leaders and professionals are equipped to address complex societal challenges. The Criminal Justice programs offer flexible online and on-campus options, focusing on law enforcement, corrections, and legal systems with a strong emphasis on leadership and integrity. The Leadership programs develop essential organizational skills through interactive coursework and internships, supported by the Leadership Studies Association and VALUE program. Sociology programs delve into social life, behavior, and community issues, emphasizing research and critical thinking. Together, these programs foster cross-disciplinary learning, empowering students to lead and innovate within their communities and beyond.

Together, these programs create a robust educational experience that encourages cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether you are passionate about justice, leadership, or sociology, FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology provides the knowledge and skills necessary to make a lasting impact.

Student Organizations

Additional Information

Criminal Justice Centers

National De-escalation Training Center:

Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Program and University Police joined the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) in August 2020 as Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a regional center, FHSU facilitates the only Level 3 de-escalation training available in the United States.

Level 1 training includes traditional techniques of procedural justice.
Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention.
Level 3 augments traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention with rapid personality identification.

The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is evidence-based and has increased officer confidence in utilizing de-escalation skills in working with the public.

FHSU facilitates NDTC’s three training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, two-day face-to-face training, and a 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Due to FHSU’s $2.75 million federal grant funding, the face-to-face trainings can be provided at no cost to agencies. Scholarships may be available for agencies to train officers in the online course.

NDTC training is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).

Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence:

The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence is a regional hub of collaborative research and service, housed in the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University. The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence aims to reduce the constraints facing survivors, to promote the freedom of economic independence, and to empower survivors to seize opportunity freely. The center commits to providing sustainable support and improvement to help survivors break the cycle of violence and transform themselves from victims/survivors to social entrepreneurs. The Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research focusing on the causes and control of gender-based violence in rural areas. It leads and facilitates collaborative networks for researchers to apply evidence-based approaches and to investigate best practices addressing gender-based violence in rural communities. The Center establishes and develops academic-community collaborations through service-learning, research, assessment, and educational opportunities and policy recommendations that enhance the well-being of rural communities.

VALUE Program:

The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is designed to develop the most promising undergraduates into powerful agents of change. This year-long program offers curricular and co-curricular experiences with three tracks: corporate leadership, civic/non-profit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.

CNN Heroes Advisory Board:

The Sociology Programs emphasize real-world impact through training in projects designed to help those in need. A notable project involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals recognized for their exceptional work in nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, composed of these national heroes, provides insights and advice to students based on their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.

Sociology

Minor
Bachelor's

On-Campus
Online

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