Childhood and Youth Concentration

Catalog Year: 2022-2023

Banner Code: LA-BA-SOCI-CYC

Sociology involves the systematic study of social structures, cultural patterns, and human relationships. It combines rigorous methods with theory and observation, yielding insights that challenge commonly held assumptions about the social world. Sociology also informs the practice of social and public service, aiding efforts to address important social problems. Sociology majors pursue a varied set of career paths, ranging from teaching, human service and human resource occupations, to positions in the criminal justice system, marketing, and social research. The major is excellent preparation for students considering law school or graduate training in the social and behavioral sciences.

Honors in the Major

Highly qualified students majoring in sociology may apply to graduate with honors in the major. To be eligible, students must have completed at least 75 credits, taken ENGH 302 Advanced Composition (Mason Core) for the social sciences, completed 21 credits of sociology, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 and a minimum grade of B+ in sociology courses. Applicants must have completed SOCI 303 Methods and Logic of Inquiry and SOCI 311 Sociological Theory with a minimum grade of B in each.

If accepted, to graduate with honors in sociology, students must complete SOCI 480 Honors Seminar in Sociology I and SOCI 481 RS: Honors Seminar in Sociology II with a minimum grade of B+ in each of these courses and have an overall GPA of 3.50 in sociology courses presented for graduation. SOCI 481 RS: Honors Seminar in Sociology II includes completion of an honors thesis, which will be presented at a sociology colloquium.

Students pursuing this concentration must complete 12 credits.

Degree Requirements

Total credits: minimum 120

Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.

Core Courses in the Major

The introductory course must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.00.

Additional Core Courses

Each of these courses must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.00.

Capstone Experience Course

Electives in the Major

Students are strongly encouraged to focus four of their elective courses (12 credits) in one of the concentrations which follow, chosen to suit their interests and career objectives. Students who choose a concentration will complete one remaining elective.

Optional Concentration in the Major

Students can focus 12 of their 15 elective credits to complete a 12-credit concentration.

Students who graduate with honors in sociology may apply 3 credits of honors coursework to the concentration where appropriate and with prior written approval of the undergraduate director.

Concentration in Childhood and Youth (CYC)

This concentration focuses on the changing social realities, experiences, and identities of children and youth as they are formed in different social and historical contexts. It emphasizes children in peer groups, youth subcultural activities, youth and children and the media, schools, families, social movements, social policy, and the welfare state. This concentration is appropriate for students interested in working directly with children and youth or in organizations serving  them in a broad range of fields, such as educational counseling, teaching, policy, advocacy or clinical work, family and community services, social work, early child development, and juvenile justice.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in sociology may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing SOCI 303 Methods and Logic of Inquiry, SOCI 412 Contemporary Sociological Theory, or SOCI 485 RS: Sociological Analysis and Practice (Mason Core).

Upper Level Requirement

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.

Additional Electives

Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.

College Level Requirements for the BA Degree

In addition to the Mason Core program, students pursuing a BA degree must complete the coursework below. Except where expressly prohibited, a course used to fulfill a college level requirement may also be used simultaneously to satisfy other requirements (Mason Core requirements or requirements for the major).

Philosophy or Religious Studies

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Foreign Language

Non-Western Culture

Select 3 credits of an approved course in the study of a non-Western culture (additional to the Mason Core requirement in global understanding)

Mason Core

Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.

Students who graduate with honors in sociology may apply 3 credits of honors course work (SOCI 480, 281, or 482) to their selected concentration where appropriate and with prior written approval of the undergraduate director.