The major in sociology is designed to provide a strong foundation in the methods, theories, and substantive areas of the discipline, while also allowing students to emphasize topics and approaches of particular interest to them.

The major requires at least 10.5 credits (note that a Short Term course counts as a .5 credit and a regular semester course counts as 1 credit): one course in social theory (Soc. 204) and one course in sociological research methods (Soc. 205), and starting with the class of 2027 one in quantitative reasoning (Soc. 206). Additionally, sociology students are required to take the senior capstone seminar (Soc. 405) and a senior thesis (Soc. 457 in Fall or Soc. 458 in Winter). For the remaining seven electives in sociology (six for the class of 2027 and beyond), at least two must be at the 300-level.