Bachelors of Actuarial Science
The Actuarial Science program at Franklin College provides a comprehensive foundation i...
Bachelors of Sociology - General
Franklin, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The general Sociology program at Franklin College focuses on teaching students how to scientifically analyze, evaluate, and interpret social phenomena. It delves into how social interactions influence individual actions and vice versa, exploring topics from micro-level interactions to macro-level institutions and societal changes. The curriculum is structured to first introduce fundamental sociological concepts, then move into intermediate courses analyzing institutions (like Marriage and Family) and broader phenomena (like Stratification). The culmination of the program involves integrating and applying learned knowledge through advanced courses in Sociological Theory and Research Methods, preparing students for both professional careers and active citizenship.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA in Sociology (General) at Franklin College is comprehensive, providing a strong foundation in core sociological principles and research methods. Key required courses include: Introduction to Sociology, Basic Applied Statistics, Inquiry in the Social Sciences, Sociological Theory, Research Methods I, Research Methods II, and a Senior Comp Practicum. Beyond these core requirements, students select courses from categories covering topics such as Gender and Sexualities, Power, Wealth, and Poverty, Global Transformations, Organizations, and various social problems. This diverse range of coursework ensures students gain a broad understanding of sociological concepts and develop essential analytical, quantitative, and qualitative research skills. The program emphasizes critical reading, effective writing, and logical development of ideas.
Research Focus: The Sociology program at Franklin College places a significant emphasis on developing students' research capabilities. This focus is clearly demonstrated through core courses like "Inquiry in the Social Sciences," "Research Methods I," and "Research Methods II," which teach students to select appropriate methods of data collection and analysis to address social issues. Students learn to conduct empirical research, utilize statistical analysis, and develop the ability to read and write academic research reports. The "Senior Comp Practicum" often serves as a capstone where students integrate and apply their learned skills, potentially conducting their own research projects. This rigorous training in sociological research methods prepares students to "diagnose problems and implement solutions" in real-world contexts.
Industry Engagement: Franklin College is committed to preparing its Sociology graduates for successful careers through practical experience and industry engagement. A key component of the program is that "every sociology major completes at least one internship." This mandatory internship provides invaluable real-world experience, allowing students to apply their sociological knowledge in professional settings and build crucial networks. The college highlights that many sociology graduates immediately begin working after graduation in diverse fields such as "police, parole and probation officers as well as business people, public servants and nonprofit employees." The curriculum also teaches students to use sociological tools for "real-world issues," such as designing satisfaction surveys or evaluating offender re-entry programs, skills highly valued by employers.
Global Perspective: The study of sociology inherently incorporates a global perspective, examining social phenomena across different cultures and societies. Franklin College, as a liberal arts institution, actively promotes a broader global understanding for all its students. The Sociology curriculum includes courses like "Global Transformations," which directly addresses international social issues and interconnectedness. Beyond the classroom, the college encourages students to "study off-campus and overseas," with a significant percentage of Franklin College students traveling internationally through study-away, international internships, or Immersive Term study-away courses. These opportunities allow sociology students to gain firsthand exposure to diverse social structures, cultural norms, and global challenges, enhancing their ability to analyze societal issues from a worldwide viewpoint.
Location
Franklin, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 40010
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Franklin College offers a range of scholarship opportunities to support international students in pursuing their academic goals. These scholarships are designed to recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement, making higher education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon admission. These awards are competitive and primarily based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and personal achievements. Scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and may be renewable each year based on satisfactory academic progress.
Specialized Scholarships: In addition to general merit awards, Franklin College provides targeted scholarships for students excelling in specific fields such as science, arts, athletics, or community service. Some scholarships also focus on promoting diversity and inclusion by supporting students from underrepresented regions or backgrounds.
Franklin College's Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (General) offers a robust foundation in understanding human behavior, social interactions, and societal structures.
Social Worker (often with further education/certification): While some entry-level roles are available, a Bachelor's in Sociology provides an excellent foundation for pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW), which is often required for clinical social work roles. Graduates can work with individuals, families, and communities to address social challenges, provide support, and connect people with resources in areas like child welfare, mental health, and community support.
Human Resources (HR) Specialist/Coordinator: Sociology graduates possess a strong understanding of group dynamics, organizational behavior, and interpersonal communication, making them well-suited for HR roles. They can be involved in recruitment, employee relations, training and development, compensation and benefits, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Market Research Analyst: With their training in research methods and data analysis, sociology majors are adept at understanding consumer behavior and market trends. They collect and analyze data through surveys, focus groups, and other methods to help companies make informed decisions about products, services, and marketing strategies.
Community Development Officer/Coordinator: These professionals work with local communities to identify needs, address social issues, and promote sustainable development. They may organize community programs, facilitate partnerships, and advocate for resources related to housing, education, public health, and other community improvements.
Policy Analyst (Entry-Level): Graduates can work for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations to research and evaluate social policies and programs. They analyze data, identify social problems, and propose solutions or recommend changes to public policy in areas like education, criminal justice, or healthcare.
Probation/Parole Officer: Franklin College specifically highlights this as a common career path. These roles involve supervising individuals on probation or parole, ensuring compliance with court orders, and connecting them with resources to aid in rehabilitation and reintegration into society. This often falls under the Criminal Justice emphasis within sociology.
Nonprofit Program Coordinator/Manager: Sociology graduates are well-suited for roles in non-profit organizations due to their understanding of social issues and commitment to service. They can coordinate specific programs, manage volunteers, assist with fundraising, and contribute to the overall mission of the organization.
Public Relations (PR) Specialist/Communications Coordinator: With strong analytical and communication skills, sociology graduates can work in PR or communications. They help organizations manage their public image, craft compelling messages, handle media relations, and build positive relationships with stakeholders.
Data Analyst (Entry-Level): The quantitative and qualitative research skills gained in sociology, including statistical analysis, are highly transferable to data analyst roles across various industries. Graduates can collect, clean, and interpret data to identify patterns, generate insights, and support data-driven decision-making.
Law Enforcement Officer (e.g., Police Officer): Franklin College explicitly mentions this as a common career for its sociology graduates. The sociological understanding of crime, deviance, social justice, and community dynamics provides a valuable perspective for careers in law enforcement, enabling officers to better understand and interact with diverse populations.
