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Sociology Transfer Pathway

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Sociology: the scientific study of human social relationships, societies, and institutions.

Career Area: Transfer Pathways
Program: Sociology Transfer Pathway
Campus(es): Winona/Red Wing/Online


Major Details

Courses

Cost

Careers

Outcomes

Highlights

Instructors

Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona and Red Wing is the place to start your journey into the dynamic field of Sociology.

  • How does social media change culture?
  • What are the effects of different family styles on children?
  • Can we explain crowd behaviors?
  • How can community programs help people escape poverty?
  • What are the risk factors for criminal behavior?

These are some of the questions asked in sociology, and at MSC Southeast, you'll explore these and many others in this incredibly diverse area of study.

Our Sociology Transfer Pathway Associate of Arts degree program allows you to:

  • Begin a solid introductory background in sociology.
  • Build the foundation of a liberal arts education that involves critical thinking, promotes lifelong learning, and can serve you well in any profession.
  • Transfer as a junior into designated bachelor-level sociology programs at the seven Minnesota State universities. (Admission requirements such as minimum GPA may apply.)
  • This degree is offered at both the Winona and Red Wing campuses, with classes available in fall, spring, and summer terms.

Apply now for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast

Download the Program Plan

Courses

Associate of Arts Degree General Requirements for Sociology Transfer Pathway

  1. A minimum of 60 semester credits.  
  2. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.  
  3. A minimum cumulative MnTC GPA of 2.0.  
  4. A minimum of 20 semester credits applied toward the degree must be taken at Minnesota State College Southeast.
  5. Completion of the specific degree requirements below:  

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) Requirements -- A minimum of 40 credits to complete all 10 goal areas.  A MnTC course may satisfy more than one goal area, however, the credits only count once.  

 

Core Goal Areas

Goal 1 Communication (Three courses) - 9 credits 

  • ENGL1215 College Writing 1 (3 credits)  
  • ENGL2525 College Writing 2 (3 credits)  
  • COMM1218 College Speech OR COMM1228 Interpersonal Communications 

Goal 2 Critical Thinking (met when 40 MnTC credits satisfying all 10 goal areas has been completed)

Goal 3 Natural Science (Two science courses from at least two different subject areas. One course must have a traditional lab and the other must have a traditional lab or lab-like experience.) - 6-8 credits 

Goal 4 Mathematical/Logical Reasoning (One course) - 3 credits 

  • MATH1230 Introduction to Statistics (3 credits)

Goal 5 History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences (Three courses from at least two different subject areas) - 9 credits  

  • SOCS1110  Introduction to SOCIOLOGY (3 credits) 
  • PSYC1110  Introduction to Psychology (3 credits) 
  • HIST2525 Minnesota History (3 credits)

Goal 6 The Humanities and Fine Arts (3 courses from at least two different subject areas) - 9 credits

  • HUMA1125 Moral Problems (3 credits)
  • HUMA1435 Multicultural America (3 credits)
  • SPAN1230 Introduction to Hispanic Cultures (3 credits)

 

Theme Goal Areas

Goal 7 Human Diversity (One course) - 3 credits

  • (Met by HUMA1435 Multicultural America)
Goal 8 Global Perspective (One course) - 3 credits
  • (Met by SPAN1230 Introduction to Hispanic Cultures)

Goal 9 Ethical and Civic Responsibility (One course) - 3 credits

  • (Met by HUMA1125 Moral Problems)

Goal 10 People and the Environment (One course) -3 credits

  • (Met by HIST2525 Minnesota History)

 

Total minimum credits to complete the MnTC ten goal areas: 40 credits

 

In addition to completing the MnTC, the remaining 20 credits will include:

• Health and Wellness Requirement, 2 credits 

• Technology Requirement, 2 credits 

 

Electives

Restricted Electives, 13 credits (select coursework appropriate to the student's anticipated transfer program)

  • SOCS1205 Sociology of the Family (3 credits)
  • SOCS2525 Social Deviance (3 credits)
  • SOCS2545 Diversity and Social Change (3 credits)
  • PSYC2531 Social Psychology (3 credits)
  • INSP1525 Career and Educational Planning (1 credit)

Additional Electives, 3 credits (select coursework appropriate to the student's anticipated transfer program).

 

Estimated Costs for this Major
Approximate Tuition/Fees:$12,414
Minimum Tool Cost:N/A
Books/Supplies:$600
Estimated Total:$13,014
 

 

Career Opportunities

Many occupations within the field of sociology require a graduate degree either at the master or doctoral level. Completing the A.A. and bachelor's degree is the first step in this educational process.

  • Politics
  • Advocacy
  • Business
  • Human resources
  • Counseling
  • Education
  • Research

Career Information

Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, and much more in this career field.

Outcomes

Program graduates will be able to:

  • Describe how factors such as race, religion, gender, social status and historical events impact modern society.
  • Analyze behaviors and interactions of individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas in today's diverse society.
  • Recognize most current and detailed research methods to critically examine human behavior in social settings.
  • Discuss the effects of socialization and social constraints that have shaped our diverse society.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of sociological theories and their applications in contemporary society.

Highlights

  • Program includes a range of courses in different areas of sociology as a science, including Introduction to Sociology, Sociology of the Family, Social Deviance, and Diversity and Social Change. It is also combined with the Social Psychology course offered by the Psychology Department.
  • Emphasis is on developing a real-world understanding of sociological phenomena and theories, with a variety of teaching techniques such as lecture, discussion, video, interactive materials, and service learning opportunities.
  • Instructors have backgrounds that include areas such as criminal justice, religion and philosophy, psychology, human resources, and the military.

Instructors

Gregory Cady
M.S., Criminal Justice, St. Cloud State University
B.E.S., Sociology and Criminal Justice, St. Cloud State University
Greg Cady began teaching at MSC Southeast as an adjunct instructor in 2004, moving to a full-time tenure track position in 2007. Prior to joining the teaching team, he dedicated 18 years in various positions within the criminal justice profession in California and Minnesota. Greg is a retired commissioned officer from the U.S. Navy with 30 years of service.
Carrie Maynard-Allen
B.A., English/Psychology, University of South Dakota
M.A., English/Creative Writing, University of South Dakota
M.A., Sociology, University of South Dakota
M.A., Theological Studies/Pastoral Care, Bethel Seminary

Carrie Maynard-Allen has taught a variety of courses, including Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Marriage and Family, Moral Problems, English Essentials I & II, and College Writing I at Southeast since 2006. In addition, she has team-taught Introduction to Literature and Creative Writing with colleague Pete Beurskens. She has also served as a professional tutor at the Learning Resource Center (LRC) focusing on numerous subjects including English, sociology, psychology, and moral problems, along with helping students build resumes and application essays for scholarships. Carrie is also a published poet who loves to create one-of-a-kind natural gemstone earrings and necklaces in her spare time. Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Michael, and their three cats: Sam, Sophie, and Sasha.
Amy Whitcomb
M.S., Psychology, Western Illinois University
B.A., Psychology, Iowa Wesleyan College
A.A., Southeastern Community College, West Burlington, Iowa
An Iowa native, Amy Whitcomb has been teaching psychology since 1999, and began teaching at MSC Southeast in the fall of 2010. In the past, she has done counseling and social work, but decided she loved teaching far more than trying to save the world. While she is interested in most areas of psychology and criminal justice, social psychology and criminology are her favorites. In her spare time, she likes reading true crime accounts, watching true crime shows, listening to opera and classic rock, and spending time with her children. She has become an excellent cook, but remains unfulfilled by it.