Sociology FAQ's

Q. How do I officially declare my major as Sociology?

A. Set up an appointment with the advisor by calling 581-4678 or email at socadv@soc.utah.edu . Please note that the Criminology Certificate will not show up on your Campus Information System as being "declared".

Q. How can I get the most current information from the Sociology Department?

A. Sign up for our email list to receive updates and announcements. Click here to sign up.

Q. If I took Introduction to Sociology at another school does it fulfill Soc 1010 for the U?

A. Yes, if you took Intro to Soc, Principles of Soc, Foundations of Soc, basically any introductory Soc course at an accredited institution with a grade of C or better then we will take that in place of our Soc 1010.

Q. If I take Statistics in another Behavioral Science Major can I use it in place of Soc 3112?

A. Yes, any Social and Behavioral Science Statistics course (at the 3000 level or above) will fulfill the statistics requirement for the sociology program (Math and Business statistics will not fulfill this requirement). Students must maintain 34 hours in sociology courses to major. Therefore, students must take a sociology course in place of the statistics course taken outside of the major. In effect the sociology elective requirement increases from 9 to 12 hours.

Q. Can the courses for the Certificate in Criminology also be used for my sociology electives?

A. Absolutely, that's the way it's designed. Sociology 3561- Criminology fulfills the Deviance/Crime/Social Control program area and the three criminology electives can be used as the 9 hours for the major. The two allied courses for the criminology certificate can be used as two of the four allied courses for the major (if taken at the 3000+ level). If started early the Certificate in Criminology can be completed with no additional hours required.

Q. Is the Certificate in Criminology a minor?

A. No, the certificate is an integral part of the major. Students can think of it as more like an emphasis, but you actually get a certificate at the time of graduation. Receiving the certificate does not prevent a student from minoring in another department.

Q. Can I get the Certificate in Criminology if I'm not a major?

A. No, the certificate is an integral part of the major. It is not designed to stand alone. Students that do not wish to abandon their current majors but who still want the certificate are encouraged to consider double majoring.

Q. What is directed reading and independent study in Sociology and are they required for the major?

A. Directed reading and independent study (this is not AOCE independent study) are courses in the major for students who wish to work one-on-one with a professor. Students that are interested in a particular aspect of sociology that may not be fully explored in a particular sociology course are encouraged to seek out the guidance of one of the core faculty members. The professor and student will negotiate a program of study for the term. Students can complete a maximum of 6 hours in this way. This is NOT required but can be highly valuable for any student considering graduate study.

Q. How do I apply for graduation?

A. You need to fill out an application that is available online at ( http://www.sa.utah.edu/regist/pages/graduation.htm ).

Bring your application and a current DARS to the advisor's office. After your major(s) and minor(s) advisor(s) sign the form, turn it in to the Graduation Office- 250 SSB ( Student Services Building ) before the deadline:

Spring Graduation - September 15 of preceding Fall Semester

Summer Graduation - February 1 of preceding Spring Semester

Fall Graduation - June 15 of preceding Summer Semester

Q. The DARS report still isn't placing some of my transfer Sociology credit in the right places. When I run a DARS it still shows I'm lacking some requirements but when I came in to see you I was given a sheet that shows "x" class would fulfill that requirement. Will I still graduate?

A. First, make sure you are running the correct DARS. Don't run a Pre-Sociology report as it will never show transfer credits or other exceptions. If your classes still aren't showing, call or email me as soon as possible. Please note that "in progress" courses will not show up as fulfilling a requirement until the grades are posted.

Q. If I'm not graduating Spring Semester can I still walk in the commencement ceremonies? Do I need to get permission?

A. You are welcome to walk any Spring that is convenient for you and your family. All you need to do is order your cap and gown through the bookstore before the end of March (contact the bookstore for exact dates and times). Then show up graduation day! Itineraries are available in all College of Social and Behavioral Science departments by mid-April and available at the home site www.utah.edu.

Q. Can you advise me over the phone?

A. No, it's against federal regulations. If you have a hard time coming in during my office hours give me a call or email me and we should be able to work out an alternative. Of course, nothing beats in-person advising. If you send me your transcripts/DARS by fax or mail I can review them and send them back to you. However, you must be very careful if you take this option because I can only use what you give me. If you send me incomplete information you could wind up falling short at graduation time. If it's your last semester before graduation and there is no room for error then you should make the time to come in and see me.

Q. I became sick during the semester and received a "D" in one of the sociology courses. Can I petition the department to accept the course since it was due to illness not ability?

A. No, illness is grounds for a withdrawal, not acceptance of an inferior grade. "D" grades are NEVER acceptable for the major or allied work. In cases such as these the department will help you apply for a retroactive withdrawal if you have the appropriate documentation. See the advisor for more information.

Q. It's beyond the posted deadline to withdrawal and I've had an emergency in my personal life and I cannot finish the course. What do I do?

A. See the advisor immediately. We can get you out of your classes if you have a valid excuse anytime prior to the last official day of class (not the last day of finals). If the class is over then you should still see the advisor. There is a way to withdraw after the class is over but it is way more cumbersome and requires going through a university committee.

Q. Can I come in any time to see you or do I need to set an appointment?

A. You can walk-in, but setting an appointment is preferred because it ensures that I am here when you are! It also enables me to review your file ahead of time, making me better prepared to answer your questions. Appointments are given precedence over walk-ins, but most days I will have time to see everyone.

If you cannot find the answer to your question email the advisor at: socadv@soc.utah.edu