Sociology
Department of Sociology
Chairperson: Jeremy Uecker
Graduate Program Director: Markus Schafer
Sociology is the scientific study of social relationships, human behavior, and culture. It offers scientific approaches to understanding human groups and human interaction. From families to neighborhoods to nation-states, human life is spent in the company of others. The theories and methods of sociology provide a means to analyze the social nature of human existence and work toward a world that is more equitable, fair, and inclusive.
Graduate Degrees in Sociology
The department offers two graduate degrees in sociology: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Master of Arts (M.A.).
Although students are admitted directly to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program, they will pursue a Master of Arts in sociology. The M.A. program is available only to students who are initially admitted to the Ph.D. program. Students entering the program with graduate level work or a graduate degree from an accredited institution will have that work evaluated by the admissions committee and have a maximum of nine semester hours of graduate course work applied toward their graduate work at Baylor University.
Areas of Specialization
The Ph.D. program in sociology is structured around three main areas of specialization, reflecting faculty expertise:
- Sociology of Health focuses on understanding of how social forces and structures are linked to human well-being. how social forces and structures are linked to human well-being. This specialization integrates sociological theories with disciplines like public health, epidemiology, and gerontology, focusing on social mechanisms that explain the roles of biology, genetics, and stress in shaping mental and physical well-being over the life course.
- Sociology of Religion examines the role of religion in shaping social life, identities, and social institutions. It investigates how religious beliefs, practices, and communities influence societal norms, values, and behavior, with particular attention to the ways religion intersects with power, inequality, and social change.
- Social Inequality and Stratification considers how diverse forms of inequality—including socioeconomic, racial, gender—are maintained and reproduced, as well as their implications for individuals, groups, and societies. Students and faculty in this area pursue multiple levels of analysis, using approaches ranging from social psychology to demography. Their work addresses a variety of institutions, including the family, education, the criminal justice system, and the welfare state.
Elective graduate courses largely reflect these three main areas of departmental specialization, in addition to those emphasizing methods training. Students must declare an area of specialization prior to taking their preliminary examination at the beginning of their fourth year. The exam will encompass content from their chosen area of specialization.
Admission Requirements
- B.A. (or equivalent)
- GPA predictive of success in this graduate program
- Personal statement of interest
- Three letters of recommendation
- Writing sample
- An interview with the sociology graduate admission committee, usually during recruitment event in February-March
- Expressed areas of academic/research interests compatible with those of the faculty
At the end of the second year, students are expected to have completed research resulting in a journal article or its equivalent. This paper is regarded as a Master’s thesis equivalent.
Sociology (SOC)
SOC 5303 Social Measurement and Causal Modeling (3)
Advanced multivariate statistical techniques; causal modeling; problems of research design, validity, and reliability. The course also involves the utilization of social science computer programs in the analysis of large-scale survey data.
SOC 5310 Social Demography (3)
A survey of demographic change, issues, and methods as they impact our social world. Emphasis is on the social and cultural aspects of demography, as well as the impact of the changing population in society.
SOC 5312 Social Science Data Analysis (3)
This is a data-intensive course designed to acquaint students with the wide variety of available data types and sources for social science research. Students learn to access, analyze, and critique these various data types. In analyzing these data, we begin with simple univariate distributional statistics and progress through bivariate regression and correlation.
SOC 5314 Regression Analysis for the Social Sciences (3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 5312
Regression analysis with continuous, categorical, and count outcomes, including ordinary least squares (OLS), logistic, ordered logistic, multinomial logistic, Poisson, and negative binomial regression.
SOC 5320 Seminar on the Community (3)
Theories of community structure and dynamics, methods community analysis, and techniques for community change.
SOC 5330 Evaluative Research (3)
Conceptual, methodological, and administrative aspects of program evaluation. Problems of translating research findings into policies and programs are explored.
SOC 5332 The Sociology of Health: Health Delivery Systems (3)
Special health problems of the aged person, with particular stress on related social factors and the strengths and weaknesses of existing health care systems. Alternate models for meeting the health needs of the aged are considered.
SOC 5336 The Family in Later Life (3)
See SWO 5336 for course information.
SOC 5341 Introduction to Sociology of Religion (3)
Acceptance into the graduate program. Introduction to the main theories and empirical studies in the sociology of religion.
SOC 5342 Data Sources and Publishing in Sociology (3)
Introduction to various data sources, accompanied by training in how to publish research.
SOC 5343 Theory in the Sociology of Religion (3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 5341; or consent of instructor
In depth analysis of the major social theories of religion.
SOC 5345 Sociology of Power (3)
Overview of the concepts, theories, and methods for studying power in human social life. Topics include power, oppression, inequality, the state, protest, and social change. Students read original texts, engage in critical thinking exercises, and write research papers.
SOC 5354 Seminar in Family Sociology (3)
Review of theoretical frameworks used in the study of family sciences. Emphasis is on classical and emerging approaches and the use of theory in research and program development.
SOC 5357 Seminar in Comparative Sociology (3)
This in-depth introduction to comparative sociology begins with a philosophical discussion of what constitutes comparative research and the criteria for social causation. Next, it examines the strengths and weaknesses of various theoretical approaches to comparative sociology. Third, it analyzes important contemporary comparative studies.
SOC 5374 Sport in the Social Context (3)
See HP 5374 for course information.
SOC 5379 Graduate Research Methods (3)
An introduction to the logic and application of sociological research methods. Students learn key methodological principles as well as prominent quantitative and qualitative research designs.
SOC 5381 Advanced Research Methods (3)
Research projects under direct supervision of a faculty member. Although specific methodological areas will vary by project, content analysis, controlled experimental design, sampling, survey analysis, computer skills, and statistical techniques, will be emphasized.
SOC 5386 Community Based Research (3)
In this course students acquire first-hand experience in operationalizing a community-driven research project which includes the design, execution, and delivery of a final report to the community stakeholders.
SOC 5390 Summer Writing Practicum in Sociology (3)
Students spend the summer working with a faculty supervisor to improve their scholarly writing in the areas of framing a testable hypothesis, operationalizing and measuring concepts, and writing to the broader discipline. A publishable research article is the goal of the course.
SOC 5391 Advanced Sociological Theory (3)
Seminar on recent developments in sociological theory. Discussions will include critical evaluation of major theoretical systems, the development and use of paradigms, and the process of theory construction.
SOC 5392 Leisure Well-Being in Later Life (3)
Focus on how to create leisure opportunities to contribute to well-being of individuals in later years. Students will be involved in developing innovative approaches to leisure experiences for senior adults. Lab experience required.
SOC 5395 Sociopsychological Aspects of Counseling Adults (3)
Adult development and socialization from the perspective of counseling interventions. Opportunities to develop counseling skills with middle-age and older persons will be provided along with appropriate supervision.
SOC 5397 Methods in Aging Research (3)
See SWO 5397 for course information.
SOC 5398 Advanced Sociological Theory II: Detailed Investigations of Contemporary Theory (3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 5391
This seminar builds on Advanced Sociology Theory with detailed investigations of contemporary theory. In particular, discussion focuses on how to utilize social theory in research.
SOC 5V71 Special Topics in Sociology (1-6)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Designed for students who wish to study with a professor in an area of sociology not covered by a formal course. Students will contract with professor regarding study and number of semester hours.
SOC 5V97 Seminar in Teaching (1-6)
Supervised teaching experience. The student will teach SOC 1305 under the supervision of a graduate faculty member. Lesson plans, syllabi, handouts, lecture examples, etc., will be discussed before and after classes. Videotaping of selected classes will provide media for critique and growth.
SOC 5V99 Thesis (1-6)
Research, data analysis, writing, and oral defense of an approved master’s thesis. At least six hours of SOC 5V99 are required.
SOC 6083 Proseminar in Sociology (0)
Pre-requisite(s): Enrolled in Department of Sociology's Ph.D
Program. This seminar aids students in professional development. Weekly speakers discuss current research, publishing, teaching, and important topics/events in the sociology of religion. The course is pass/fail and required of all students pursuing a Ph.D. with an emphasis in sociology of religion. Course may be repeated 12 times.
SOC 6301 Focus Group Research (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Students will apply information gathered from a review of the current literature to conduct a focus group research project under the supervision of the instructor. Students will conduct all phases of a focus group research project including design, sampling, administration and analysis.
SOC 6303 Telephone Surveys (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Students will acquire knowledge of telephone survey techniques and use this information to conduct a telephone survey under the supervision of the instructor. Special emphasis will be given to issues of non-contact, refusals, demographic and behavioral screens, and random digit versus add a digit techniques.
SOC 6307 Statistical Methods for Survey Research (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
An introduction to several multivariate statistical techniques appropriate for the analysis of discrete qualitative social science survey data measured at the nominal level of measurement. Emphasis in the course is on logic regression, log linear analysis and latent class/latent structure analysis. Application to major social science data sets will be made.
SOC 6310 Mail Surveys (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Students will design, conduct, and analyze a mail survey in this course. Special emphasis will focus on questionnaire construction, question design, sampling techniques, cover letters and research identity, and other special problems unique to self-administered surveys.
SOC 6314 Advanced Quantitative Analysis for Sociology (3)
This course covers cutting-edge data analysis techniques used in the top-tier sociology journals.
SOC 6317 Community Spatial Analysis (3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 5312
Geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial modeling techniques are applied to contemporary community issues and social problems such as inequality, poverty, housing, employment, economic development, demographics, and transportation. Particular emphasis is placed on government and other sources of current data for community analysis.
SOC 6318 Sampling Techniques (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Three hours of statistical methods
Planning, execution, and analysis of sampling from finite populations. Simple random, stratified random, ratio, systematic, cluster, sub sampling, regression estimates, and multi-frame techniques are covered.
SOC 6320 Sociological Covariance Modeling (3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 5314
Introduction to sociological applications of covariance structure analysis, including reciprocal effects and correlated equations involving personal and social factors. Recursive and nonrecursive models with and without latent variables are taught and implemented.
SOC 6323 Qualitative Methods (3)
Training in qualitative research methods, including interviewing, content analysis, participant observation, and case studies. Students gain experience conducting, analyzing, and reporting qualitative research.
SOC 6325 Needs Assessment (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
An introduction to community needs assessment in which available data (e.g. crime rates, poverty levels) and newly created data (e.g. elite surveys, program inventories) are combined to estimate various levels and types of community needs. Emphasis is on all facets of needs assessment including need definition, data selection, data creation, analysis, interpretation and presentation.
SOC 6331 The Sociology of Religiosity (3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 5341 or consent of instructor
Introduction to the measurement and definition of religiosity.
SOC 6332 The Sociology of Religious Organizations (3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 5341; or consent of instructor
Analysis of how religious organizations change, including membership dynamics, authority systems, and congregational cultures.
SOC 6333 Religion, Politics, and Society (3)
Analysis of religious change at the societal level with an emphasis on church-state relationships.
SOC 6334 The Sociology of Religious Deviance (3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 5341; or consent of instructor
Analysis of deviant religious groups with an emphasis on defining religious deviance and explaining group membership.
SOC 6335 Religion, Morality and Social Change (3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 5341; or consent of instructor
Analysis of the role of religion in creating, sustaining and challenging the moral order of societies, and how cultural change can affect religion's moral impact.
SOC 6336 Religion, Race and Gender (3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 5341; or consent of instructor
Analysis of the interconnections of religion with race and gender with an emphasis on how race, ethnicity and gender have shaped religion and been shaped by religion.
SOC 6340 Face to Face Surveys (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Students will develop and conduct a face-to-face survey under the direction of the instructor. In this process, students will train interviewers in the interpersonal dynamics of interviewing which comply with current federal guidelines concerning the protection of human subjects. In addition, the issues of dialects, illiteracy, and multicultural awareness will be addressed.
SOC 6345 Sociology of Regional Processes (3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 5391; or equivalent; or consent of instructor
This course examines in detail sociological theories of regional growth and development. Students will gain a working knowledge of the core assumptions of each perspective along the structure-agency continuum. In addition, students will do significant readings of empirical research in this field, and conduct an original empirical study.
SOC 6350 Seminar in Human Resource Management (3)
See MGT 5336 for course information.
SOC 6351 Seminar in Population Health (3)
An examination of individual differences in health and well-being in the United States. Focuses on (1) health disparities by socioeconomic status, gender, race/ethnicity, and age; and (2) biological and sociological theories of illness and disease. Risk factors for poor health and coping resources that enhance mental and physical well-being are identified.
SOC 6357 Health Inequalities in America (3)
Pre-requisite(s): SOC 5314
A seminar focused on critiquing a wide selection of recent scientific articles on health and society. Chosen articles will deal with social inequalities in health observed in the United States and other advanced nations.
SOC 6360 Demographic Techniques (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
An introduction to the various models of demographic projection and modeling including linear regression, ratio techniques and cohort component. Emphasis is on mastery of base data acquisition and model construction to determine demographic trends and predict population levels, crime rates and disease patterns.
SOC 6363 Directed Readings in Sociology (3)
Students spend the summer working with a faculty supervisor to prepare for the PhD Preliminary Exam. Students review major sociological theories, research methods, and dominant research in one substance area.
SOC 6384 Religion and Family Life (3)
Focuses on the ways religion influences family life in the context of significant family change in the United States. Specific topics include how religious institutions have responded to changes in family life, sexual behavior, marriage and fertility timing, cohabitation, gender roles, parenting, marital quality, and divorce. Also examines how family life influences religious commitment.
SOC 6385 Proseminar in Sociology (3)
Pre-requisite(s): Enrolled in Department of Sociology's PhD
This course offers discussions on topics relevant to sociology as a profession and helps early-stage graduate students build essential academic skills, such as proposal writing, gathering, and understanding relevant literatures and data sources for producing scholarship. It also nurtures skills like communicating with others in the department and profession and discussing one’s ideas. Furthermore, it motivates students to achieve milestones in a timely manner and sets them on pathways toward career goals. By focusing on the practical matters of professional life and goal achievement, the course aims to help students create a meaningful life as professional sociologists.
SOC 6391 Grant Writing and Proposal Development (3)
Provides intensive exposure to the technical and political aspects of grant writing and proposal development. Emphasis is placed on defining proposal ideas to match funding sources, researching private foundations, corporations and government funding agencies, and developing successful proposals. Participants will prepare a grant proposal during the course, which will be submitted to an appropriate private or public agency.
SOC 6V37 Special Topics in the Sociology of Religion (1-3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
Analysis of special topics in the sociology of religion. The course may be repeated once when the content varies.
SOC 6V71 Special Topics (1-3)
Pre-requisite(s): Consent of instructor
A social research project in selected areas of sociology. The project must be approved by the members of the graduate faculty supervising the student. A final journal-quality paper summarizing the research effort and findings must be submitted to the instructor. This course may be repeated up to six times for credit up to a total of eighteen semester hours provided the research area is different.
SOC 6V99 Dissertation (1-6)
Supervised research for the doctoral dissertation. A total of at least twelve semester hours is required for completion of the dissertation.