What to expect as a sociology major?

[grapp]

What can I expect if I want to major in sociology, I'm thinking a few things;

- Lots of Reading
- Lots of Projects
- Lots of Papers
- Moderate Test Wise
- Lots of Quizzes

Anything I missed?

Thank you! Thinking of getting a batchelors in Sociology or Emergency Management.

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[WisNeuro]

The couple sociology classes I took in undergrad had lots of athletes in them. I usually did crosswords through class.

 

[grapp]

The couple sociology classes I took in undergrad had lots of athletes in them. I usually did crosswords through class.

Interesting, how hard was it? Of course, it differs so much with so many different variables. But, as a decent student do you think it will be pretty hard?

 

[erg923]

Interesting that this isn't sociology forum.

 

[grapp]

Interesting, how hard was it? Of course, it differs so much with so many different variables. But, as a decent student do you think it will be pretty hard?

Whoops my bad, I just saw psych. They correlate in a lot of ways, my bad.

 

[WisNeuro]

Interesting, how hard was it? Of course, it differs so much with so many different variables. But, as a decent student do you think it will be pretty hard?

I did zero studying in those classes and easily aced them.

 

[grapp]

I did zero studying in those classes and easily aced them.

Huh! Well that's awesome to know, hopefully mine will be ideal just like yours. 🙂

 

[WisNeuro]

What do you want to do after college?

 

[PsyDr]

If it's anything like my experience it'll be some white middle aged lady spending like 75% of her time telling the class she's married to a black man. Tests got weird.

 

[grapp]

What do you want to do after college?

Ideally medical school, then trauma surgeon, or emergency room doctor.

My backup plan is working as a paramedic or flight medic, most of the time due to the high stress and nature "at least where I live" they are only permitted to work 2-3 days a week. In my spare time I was thinking about becoming a counselor. Potentially a social worker if I like the position. 🙂

 

[WisNeuro]

Med school? I'd pick a harder major.

 

[smalltownpsych]

Med school? I'd pick a harder major.

Not according to the medical docs, they frequently advise picking the major that will lead to the best grades and that undergrad major is irrelevant. Here was a discussion last month about that.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/psych-major-vs-psych-minor.1174710/
As far as sociology and psychology and their relationship. It reminds me of an amusing personal anecdote. I was asked by a social worker colleague of mine to fill in for him at his Intro to Sociology class. I was already teaching Intro to Psych at the same college so I agreed. I knew nothing really about sociology, but thought to myself "psychology/sociology who cares, basically the same thing". So then I was reviewing the chapter that I would be lecturing on and the title was "Why Sociology is not the same as Psychology". 😳 😀

 

[WisNeuro]

Not according to the medical docs, they frequently advise picking the major that will lead to the best grades and that undergrad major is irrelevant. Here was a discussion last month about that.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/psych-major-vs-psych-minor.1174710/
As far as sociology and psychology and their relationship. It reminds me of an amusing personal anecdote. I was asked by a social worker colleague of mine to fill in for him at his Intro to Sociology class. I was already teaching Intro to Psych at the same college so I agreed. I knew nothing really about sociology, but thought to myself "psychology/sociology who cares, basically the same thing". So then I was reviewing the chapter that I would be lecturing on and the title was "Why Sociology is not the same as Psychology". 😳 😀

What a dumb way of looking at things. I'll take a 3.2 from a chemistry major over a 4.0 from a sociology major any day in admissions.

 

[smalltownpsych]

What a dumb way of looking at things. I'll take a 3.2 from a chemistry major over a 4.0 from a sociology major any day in admissions.

That is what I would have thought too and was surprised to hear otherwise, but as we know the common sense answer isn't always the correct answer. 😉 I guess for med school it is more of a pure numbers thing, GPA and MCAT and maybe not much more. As psychologists, it is ingrained in us to not take numbers at face value without taking into account other relevant factors. Not so much with medical doctors as they are used to dealing with more variables that are less related to other factors. Is there a word for that concept? Discrete variable came to my mind, but that isn't correct and independent variable would be obviously wrong too.

 

[grapp]

That is what I would have thought too and was surprised to hear otherwise, but as we know the common sense answer isn't always the correct answer. 😉 I guess for med school it is more of a pure numbers thing, GPA and MCAT and maybe not much more. As psychologists, it is ingrained in us to not take numbers at face value without taking into account other relevant factors. Not so much with medical doctors as they are used to dealing with more variables that are less related to other factors. Is there a word for that concept? Discrete variable came to my mind, but that isn't correct and independent variable would be obviously wrong too.

Sociology is something that I truly find fascinating. I agree with you what you are saying. Sociology is the developement and study of social problems. It's something I enjoy, on the other hand; for example: Chemistry, I don't like. I can do it, but I wouldn't want to live as a chemist or chemistry researcher. I can definitively tell a medical school I studied sociology because I like the study of social problems and can see myself being a counselor if medical school doesn't pull through. I love to help people and it would give me an ideal direction and potentially more of an understanding when dealing with a patient either counselor or doctor. I'm not the best student in the world and I understand there will be things I don't care to learn, but I'd rather learn Sociology/or Psychology. However, sociology appeals more to me.

 

[WisNeuro]

Sociology is something that I truly find fascinating. I agree with you what you are saying. Sociology is the developement and study of social problems. It's something I enjoy, on the other hand; for example: Chemistry, I don't like. I can do it, but I wouldn't want to live as a chemist or chemistry researcher. I can definitively tell a medical school I studied sociology because I like the study of social problems and can see myself being a counselor if medical school doesn't pull through. I love to help people and it would give me an ideal direction and potentially more of an understanding when dealing with a patient either counselor or doctor. I'm not the best student in the world and I understand there will be things I don't care to learn, but I'd rather learn Sociology/or Psychology. However, sociology appeals more to me.

That's great, and more power to you. Just make sure you find a college that offers some good classes in sociology. It's kind of a joke major at a lot of big public uni's. Evident by the larger proportion of athletes in the classes.

 

[deleted343839]

What a dumb way of looking at things. I'll take a 3.2 from a chemistry major over a 4.0 from a sociology major any day in admissions.

Bio or physical science majors with middling GPAs are a dime a dozen among med school applicants. A sociology major with a 4.0 who also aced his/her pre-reqs and scored well on the MCAT? That's more of a standout applicant, esp. if some research experience and extracurriculars are part of the package.

 

[WisNeuro]

Bio or physical science majors with middling GPAs are a dime a dozen among med school applicants. A sociology major with a 4.0 who also aced his/her pre-reqs and scored well on the MCAT? That's more of a standout applicant, esp. if some research experience and extracurriculars are part of the package.

Exactly, the non-GPA predictors should outweigh the GPA. But, if people merely care about the GPA in isolation, I would argue that the bio phys sci major with a lower GPA is more impressive.

 

[ChiPhD99]

Sociology isn't going to give you the pre-req classes you need though...unless you plan to make all of your electives organic chemistry and physiology.

 

[psych844]

What a dumb way of looking at things. I'll take a 3.2 from a chemistry major over a 4.0 from a sociology major any day in admissions.

The chance of getting into a Canadian med school with less than 3.7GPA is pretty close to 0%.

also, I don't generally believe that a person who does no studying could ace these courses. The content is generally not hard or anything, but in the sociology courses I've taken anyways there was so much to remember, that it be impossible to do well without studying.

 

[WisNeuro]

The chance of getting into a Canadian med school with less than 3.7GPA is pretty close to 0%.

also, I don't generally believe that a person who does no studying could ace these courses. The content is generally not hard or anything, but in the sociology courses I've taken anyways there was so much to remember, that it be impossible to do well without studying.

I've got some transcripts and countless hours spent playing videogames and sports that beg to differ.

 

[psych844]

What a dumb way of looking at things. I'll take a 3.2 from a chemistry major over a 4.0 from a sociology major any day in admissions.

Just some clarification. At least in Canada, the majority of applicants are still from science programs. In Canada at least, if you don't have a 3.7, you don't have a shot. (and I've seen 4.0's get turned away) I wouldn't be impressed by someone with a 3.2 as a chemistry major. But Canadian med schools have also started to emphasize the idea of taking what you love in undergrand . This isn't stupid by any stretch, think about it..

a) Most med schools still require a MCAT. Your knowledge of the science will be tested.
b) Med school (and the study of medicine) is quite different than undergrad science courses (it is much more applied)..in fact, undergrad science courses are much more difficult.

I think more med schools are realizing that good social skills, communication, compassion, and openness is sorely missing from a lot of med school candidates, and it's important for patient care.

 

[WisNeuro]

b) Med school (and the study of medicine) is quite different than undergrad science courses (it is much more applied)..in fact, undergrad science courses are much more difficult.

As someone who has taken many undergrad science courses and has also taken medical school courses, this has not been my experience.

 

[grapp]

Sociology isn't going to give you the pre-req classes you need though...unless you plan to make all of your electives organic chemistry and physiology.

I plan on speaking with a pre-med advisor, I will be taking all pre-med requisites that are possible.

 

[grapp]

I've got some transcripts and countless hours spent playing videogames and sports that beg to differ.

It's fair to say some schools my be different. Let's assume it's in the middle, not the hardest thing in the world, but at the same time not particularly easy. I plan on learning as much as I can and preparing for tests and exams. With a fair amount of studying, I'd have to say that a 3.7-4.0 is within reason?

 

[grapp]

Sociology isn't going to give you the pre-req classes you need though...unless you plan to make all of your electives organic chemistry and physiology.

These are the most mandatory requirements:
General Chemistry with lab: 2 semesters
Organic Chemistry with lab: 2 semesters
General Physics with lab: 2 semesters
General Biology with lab: 2 semesters
English: 2 semesters
Calculus: 1 semester

However, the recommended ones come as follows;

Highly Recommended:
Biochemistry
Anatomy
Physiology
Genetics

Also Recommended:
Histology
Microbiology
Immunology
Statistics
Embryology
Neuroscience
Pathophysiology
Pharmacology
Calculus

 

[WisNeuro]

It's fair to say some schools my be different. Let's assume it's in the middle, not the hardest thing in the world, but at the same time not particularly easy. I plan on learning as much as I can and preparing for tests and exams. With a fair amount of studying, I'd have to say that a 3.7-4.0 is within reason?

If you're smart enough and/or work hard enough, it's always within reason.

 

[grapp]

If you're smart enough and/or work hard enough, it's always within reason.

Couldn't agree more. There's only one problem in my way... I'm bad at math enough to where I think it might be a learning disability for math in particular? Will something like this on my record impact my potential medical school apps?

 

[grapp]

If you're smart enough and/or work hard enough, it's always within reason.

Couldn't agree more. Study smarter, Not Harder. 😉 My article for SDN on Feb.4. 🙂

 

[PsyDr]

I've got some transcripts and countless hours spent playing videogames and sports that beg to differ.[/QUOTE

I've got some similar transcripts except it was lacrosse, heavy drinking, and disappearing to work as a roadie.

The only C I ever got was a class that I forgot to withdraw from. Went to the first class, mid term, and final. Didn't even buy the book. I thought that a C was pretty impressive for someone with no knowledge of the subject.

 

[psych844]

As someone who has taken many undergrad science courses and has also taken medical school courses, this has not been my experience.

It be interesting to see stats on the flunk out rate (or something like that) for students who's background is non-science. I would honestly wager that it is not all that much different (if at all).

GPA might be a poor metric overall, (if the subject is way too easy, or if you went to a certain school) but I do think a great GPA does often show commitment/hard work/an organized personality..and that is what really matters when you want to become really good at something. I think sometimes there is a habit to think that some people are just math people, some people are arts, etc, and I've found this to be nothing else than conventional and outdated thinking. Most people can learn anything (assuming at least average intelligence) if they have the interest, drive, and organization.

 

[WisNeuro]

It be interesting to see stats on the flunk out rate (or something like that) for students who's background is non-science. I would honestly wager that it is not all that much different (if at all).

GPA might be a poor metric overall, (if the subject is way too easy, or if you went to a certain school) but I do think a great GPA does often show commitment/hard work/an organized personality..and that is what really matters when you want to become really good at something. I think sometimes there is a habit to think that some people are just math people, some people are arts, etc, and I've found this to be nothing else than conventional and outdated thinking. Most people can learn anything (assuming at least average intelligence) if they have the interest, drive, and organization.

Yes, most can learn most things if they put their mind and effort to it. But, some of these things come MUCH easier to some. And the cognitive literature bears that out. Cognitive profiles are not flat and consistent. Relative strengths and weaknesses are the norm, not the exception.

 

[psych844]

Yes, most can learn most things if they put their mind and effort to it. But, some of these things come MUCH easier to some. And the cognitive literature bears that out. Cognitive profiles are not flat and consistent. Relative strengths and weaknesses are the norm, not the exception.

Sure..I don't think it's surprising that the average person has clear strengths in some areas and deficits in others. But here, we are talking about competitive med school applicants. (like competitive Phd Psychology candidates, we are talking about well rounded people ) I might agree with you that i'd rate the 3.2GPA chemistry undergrad ahead of the 4.0 sociology grad or in the least even..with just GPA in mind... but assuming the sociology grad also had good volunteer experience, still did well on MCAT (but maybe not as well as the chem person), had great references, did have gaps in resume, did better on the interview..not sure I'd be picking the chem person.

Point being, I wouldn't use stats about cognitive literature on a candidate that was that well rounded aside from not having a science background.

 

[WisNeuro]

Sure..I don't think it's surprising that the average person has clear strengths in some areas and deficits in others. But here, we are talking about competitive med school applicants. (like competitive Phd Psychology candidates, we are talking about well rounded people ) I might agree with you that i'd rate the 3.2GPA chemistry undergrad ahead of the 4.0 sociology grad or in the least even..with just GPA in mind... but assuming the sociology grad also had good volunteer experience, still did well on MCAT (but maybe not as well as the chem person), had great references, did have gaps in resume, did better on the interview..not sure I'd be picking the chem person.

Point being, I wouldn't use stats about cognitive literature on a candidate that was that well rounded aside from not having a science background.

Average, above average, below average, they all show peaks and valleys in their cognitive profile. This is the general norm across the population. You see some slightly different attenuations at some levels, but it's there.

 

[psych844]

Average, above average, below average, they all show peaks and valleys in their cognitive profile. This is the general norm across the population. You see some slightly different attenuations at some levels, but it's there.

I'm not saying that there are no clear strengths and deficits even in people with high IQ's. I'm just saying that if you have a well rounded candidate in front of you, that isn't exactly the profile of an average person...which suggests to me that any deficits in profile could not only be overcome, but that they could excel. These are people with generally higher ambition, hard work ethic, better organization than the average person.

 

[WisNeuro]

Ambition, maybe. I'm not sure they're all above average on the work ethic and organization piece. Intelligence can overcome hard work and organization.

 

[grapp]

Ambition, maybe. I'm not sure they're all above average on the work ethic and organization piece. Intelligence can overcome hard work and organization.

I'm a published author already, but are there any peer-edited journals do you think I may be able to submit articles too?

 

[psychrat]

My fiancé majored in Sociology at a small liberal arts college and it was definitely not an easy major (the easiest ones were education and communication). Also, psych and soc are related in some aspects, but very different in others. What is stopping you from psych?

 

[WisNeuro]

I'm a published author already, but are there any peer-edited journals do you think I may be able to submit articles too?

There are hundreds. Depends on what the research is.

 

[grapp]

My fiancé majored in Sociology at a small liberal arts college and it was definitely not an easy major (the easiest ones were education and communication). Also, psych and soc are related in some aspects, but very different in others. What is stopping you from psych?

Mathematics and more statistical classes as it's where I have a very hard time.

 

[futureapppsy2]

Mathematics and more statistical classes as it's where I have a very hard time.

In order to do sociological research, you'll need stats just as much as you do in psych. Most sociology majors require the same stats class that psych majors do anyway.

 

[grapp]

In order to do sociological research, you'll need stats just as much as you do in psych. Most sociology majors require the same stats class that psych majors do anyway.

I've talked to my current sociology/psychology teacher in high school. He went to the same school I plan on attending, it might be different but he told me that psychology was much more math orientated versus sociology. I think there are lots of potential variables of classes differing from university to university.

 

[SLB-CO]

I was a psych/soc double major in college. I think both are useful for medical school and I encourage my bio/chem students to consider a minor one or the other given the turn of the medical profession towards social determinants of health and a general broadening of the profession (from what I have seen). Programs do vary widely; my soc degree had three emphases within it, with one being regarded as the easiest major on campus and the other being considered on the more strenuous majors in terms of training. I took stats in both departments (odd reqs) and my psych stats / research methods courses were more comprehensive and challenging than my soc ones. However, my soc capstone project was far more involved than my psych one - so take it as you will. I'm going to tell you what I tell all of my undergrads: ask yourself what you want out of you education, not the degree of work it will take. You are likely paying a great deal for your education (and if you're not, someone is, be it your parents, the gov't/us taxpayers, or some wonderful funding source) and you should therefore look to get your money's worth out of it. What skills do you want to gain? What content do you want to know more about? Bring this perspective to your classes and you can be successful no matter what major you choose.

 

[ClinicalABA]

Former sociology major here (with an "almost major" in psychology). I remember intro sociology courses being relatively easy. Advanced courses involved A LOT of reading, some of it pretty old and dry, with titles like The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism- fun stuff. Undergrad sociology stats had more focus on non-parametrics (e.g. Chi-Square) than psych stats (t-tests, intro to anova, etc.). Much more analysis and comparison of theories within courses in sociology vs. psychology. Upperclassmen sociology got into topics like criminology, complex organizations, and political thought. In sociology, you may study suicide, for example, as a cross cultural phenomenon by reading a book written in the late 18th century (I'll never forget my mom thinking i was sending a message when i left my copy of Durkheim's Suicide on the dining room table during a break from college), whereas in psychology you'll study it as it pertains to individuals, often in the context of a course on abnormal behavior.

 

[psych844]

Former sociology major here (with an "almost major" in psychology). I remember intro sociology courses being relatively easy. Advanced courses involved A LOT of reading, some of it pretty old and dry, with titles like The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism- fun stuff. Undergrad sociology stats had more focus on non-parametrics (e.g. Chi-Square) than psych stats (t-tests, intro to anova, etc.). Much more analysis and comparison of theories within courses in sociology vs. psychology. Upperclassmen sociology got into topics like criminology, complex organizations, and political thought. In sociology, you may study suicide, for example, as a cross cultural phenomenon by reading a book written in the late 18th century (I'll never forget my mom thinking i was sending a message when i left my copy of Durkheim's Suicide on the dining room table during a break from college), whereas in psychology you'll study it as it pertains to individuals, often in the context of a course on abnormal behavior.

Yeah, good summary. I did a Bachelors with a focus on Psychology, Sociology, and Political Science..and upper level Sociology had tons of reading and a good portion of it quite complex.

I know how taking some intro courses in some subject can give the appearance of easiness. I took a Linguistics intro course and was the easiest course I've ever taken at Uni. The exams were MC and true or false..but it was one of those courses where you literally could just look at the notes a day or two before, and that be enough.

 

[smalltownpsych]

I thought the hard science classes in college were the easiest, especially neurobiology, but then again my cognitive strengths and interests align well with that type of material. I would probably hate many sociology courses and some of the more socially focused courses in psychology were my least favorite. Community psychology was one course I despised.

 

[CBFutureHelper14]

Sociology is something that I truly find fascinating. I agree with you what you are saying. Sociology is the developement and study of social problems. It's something I enjoy, on the other hand; for example: Chemistry, I don't like. I can do it, but I wouldn't want to live as a chemist or chemistry researcher. I can definitively tell a medical school I studied sociology because I like the study of social problems and can see myself being a counselor if medical school doesn't pull through. I love to help people and it would give me an ideal direction and potentially more of an understanding when dealing with a patient either counselor or doctor. I'm not the best student in the world and I understand there will be things I don't care to learn, but I'd rather learn Sociology/or Psychology. However, sociology appeals more to me.

@grapp the problem is the pre med standards. I think if med school admissions incorporated a more diverse pre med curriculum, applicants would be more well rounded, which would in turn create more physicians who understood more than hard science. The current pre med curriculum focuses a little too much on hard science like chemistry but does not take into consideration the sociological and psychological factors related to patient's condition and treatment. If sociology is something you are really passionate about, go for it.

 

[grapp]

@grapp the problem is the pre med standards. I think if med school admissions incorporated a more diverse pre med curriculum, applicants would be more well rounded, which would in turn create more physicians who understood more than hard science. The current pre med curriculum focuses a little too much on hard science like chemistry but does not take into consideration the sociological and psychological factors related to patient's condition and treatment. If sociology is something you are really passionate about, go for it.

Do you think this would significantly impact my future med app?

 

[psych844]

Do you think this would significantly impact my future med app?

In a general sense, I honestly don't think that would be a mistake. As long as you still take science courses as part of your sociology degree, I don't think you're at a disadvantage.

Again though, med schools all have different policies and emphasize different parts of the application. In Canada, some Universities emphasize the statement/interview (assuming all else is fairly solid) some emphasize GPA, other the MCAT, and others take a really holistic approach. Do your research (what schools do you want to go), understand what they're looking for, and then execute!

 

[grapp]

In a general sense, I honestly don't think that would be a mistake. As long as you still take science courses as part of your sociology degree, I don't think you're at a disadvantage.

Again though, med schools all have different policies and emphasize different parts of the application. In Canada, some Universities emphasize the statement/interview (assuming all else is fairly solid) some emphasize GPA, other the MCAT, and others take a really holistic approach. Do your research (what schools do you want to go), understand what they're looking for, and then execute!

Completely, also!! Something not a lot of people think about, they might say something like:
"Why do you want to attend our school?"

I love the kind of questions they ask, when the time comes I will be ready. 🙂