Welcome
to Sociology:
A Guide for Majors
The Program’s Resources: faculty, computer lab, library/lounge and web page
What Can I Do with a B.A. in Sociology?
Sociology Graduate School: Is it for you?
Hello and Welcome to the Sociology Program,
You are joining about 350 other Lehman College students who have chosen Sociology as a major. We have put this packet together to help you become familiar with your major – its requirements, resources, student club and efforts to recognize academic excellence. This material also contains information about job opportunities and graduate study in sociology.
About half of the Sociology majors are planning to teach, but growing numbers are preparing to go on to graduate school or take immediate positions in government, industry or social service. Their jobs will include social work, human resources, census taking, personnel, guidance or research.
The best time to come to see a member of the faculty regarding your course of study is several weeks before you register. When you come in the first time, please bring with you a transcript of all college courses taken here or at another school and, if you are a transfer student, the transfer evaluation form that you were given in Shuster Hall. If you do not have an evaluation of your transfer credits, you may obtain one in Shuster 161.
We look forward to meeting you and answering whatever questions you may have about the Program.
Sincerely yours,
Madeline H. Moran, Chair
Barbara Jacobson, Major Advisor
The Department of Sociology and Social Work offers a 30-credit program leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. The department also offers a minor in Sociology.
The sociology program meets the academic and pre-professional needs of sociologists and teachers. The course of study provides training in research methods, data analysis and computer applications for careers in social research. The program also leads to careers in fields such as government, law, social work, personnel, guidance and health care. More will be said about this in the section entitled, "The Future."
To major in Sociology a student must complete 12 credits in required courses and 18 credits in Sociology electives, plus a 12-credit minor. The minor field of study should be consistent with the career preferences of the student. At least one half of the credits for the major and the minor must be completed at Lehman College.
Sociology Major Requirements
12 credits in required Sociology courses
SOC 166: Fundamentals of Sociology – This is a prerequisite for SOC 246, 247, 316 and all 300 and 400 level Sociology courses.
SOC 246: Sociological Analysis
SOC 247: Methods of Social Research
SOC 316: Foundations of Modern Sociological Theory
18 elective Sociology credits distributed as follows:
6 credits in additional 300-level Sociology courses
12 credits distributed among 200, 300 and 400-level Sociology courses.
Sociology Minor Requirements*
12 Sociology credits
6 credits at the 200 level
6 credits at the 300 level
*SOC 166 is a prerequisite for all 300-level Sociology courses
Admission to the Program
A declaration of major or minor in Sociology is made in consultation with a faculty advisor. Majors and minors as well as those considering a Sociology major should plan their course of study in consultation with a faculty advisor. Matriculated students may file a declaration as soon as they decide on the major or minor. However, the College requires that a major be declared by the beginning of the junior year or when a student has completed 60 credits.
THE FACULTY
The Sociology faculty consists of nine full-time members and a varying number of part-timers or adjuncts. Of the full-time faculty, eight teach on campus; the ninth – Prof. David E. Lavin – has been on leave at the Vice Chancellor’s office for several years conducting research for the University. The following short sketches will give you an idea of who we are.
Kofi Benefo, Assistant Professor
Born and raised in Ghana, I was educated in the United States (M.A. University of Iowa; Ph. D. University of Michigan). My main research interest is in demography, especially fertility in West Africa. Prior to coming to Lehman I taught in several other colleges, most recently Union College in Schenectady, NY. I regularly teach Family (SOC 227), Population Problems (SOC 319) and Applied Demography (currently SOC 251: Variable Topics, but soon to be added as a permanent 300-level elective) in the day, evening and weekend sessions. Each of my courses has a computer component, which complements my lectures and class discussions. In addition to teaching, I am the departmental representative to the College Senate.
M. Herbert Danzger, Professor
Though a New Yorker by birth and education (M.A., Ph. D., Columbia University), I have traveled extensively in connection with my research which focuses on two broad topics: inter-group conflict as reported in the media and the sociology of religion. Before coming to Lehman, I taught at Queens College, CUNY and at Stony Brook, SUNY. On leave from Lehman, I taught at Bar Ilan University, Israel, and at the Hebrew University, Israel, where I was a Fullbright Professor. My most recent work is a comparative study of the return to Orthodoxy by Jews in the United States, East Europe and Israel. I usually teach Sociological Analysis (SOC 246) and Foundations of Modern Sociological Theory (SOC 316) in both the day and evening sessions, but occasionally also offer Mind, Self and Society (SOC 236); I am also a member of the faculty at CUNY Graduate Center where my courses focus on the sociology of religion or social movements.
Frances A. DellaCava, Assistant Professor
I began my career in counseling and then switched to Sociology. A long-time City resident, I was educated here too (M.A., Columbia University; Ph.D., Fordham University). My publications have ranged from a study of ex-priests in the Roman Catholic Church to one of fictional female detectives. I am particularly interested in role performance, women’s studies and minorities. I teach Sociological Analysis (SOC 246) in the department and courses in minorities for the College’s Adult Degree Program, of which I am the Director.
Elhum Haghighat, Assistant Professor
Although I immigrated to the US from Iran, I received all of my higher education here (M.A., University of Texas; Ph.D., University of Maryland). I retain an interest in the Middle East, especially the role and status of women. My publications include an article on Persian women’s poetry as it reflects the society of which they were a part. I also recently published a paper on the effect of culture, economic development and female labor force participation in less-developed countries, particularly Muslim societies. I have worked as a researcher at the Educational Testing Service, The World Bank and the U.S. Department of Labor. Before coming to Lehman, I taught at Bucknell University, Temple University and the University of Maryland. I teach a variety of courses both days and evenings, including introductory sociology (SOC 166), research methods (SOC 247), the sociology of education (SOC 235) and a variable topics course dealing with recent immigrants to N.Y. I am the advisor to our growing and very active Sociology Club and I have worked with the Women’s Studies Program to bring prominent female scholars to Lehman.
Barbara Jacobson, Assistant Professor
The only mid-westerner in our Sociology Program, I was educated at Yale (M.A., Divinity School) and Northwestern University (Ph.D.). My most recent research focused on agencies serving senior citizens in the Bronx. I am the Major Advisor for students in the Sociology Program and am heavily involved in curriculum matters, both in the department and as Chair of the College’s Curriculum Committee. I teach Sociological Analysis (SOC 246) and Social Inequality (SOC 309) days and weekends and am extremely interested in Women’s Studies.
Madeline Moran, Professor
Born and raised in the Bronx, I even managed to get my degrees here (M.A., Ph.D., Fordham). Having started out as a math major in college and then working in a child care agency in El Barrio, I finally realized I wanted to teach and study Sociology. My main research interests are delinquency and minorities, especially Puerto Ricans, Italians and women. Recently, working with Prof. DellaCava, I wrote two books on fictional women sleuths. I teach introductory sociology (SOC 166) at night and serve as the Department Chair and the Faculty Advisor to the honor society, Alpha Kappa Delta. In my capacity as Chair, I develop course schedules, advise students and deal with personnel and budget matters within the Department.
Elin Waring, Associate Professor
Though now a New York resident, I studied at Yale University (M.A., Ph.D.) and taught at Rutgers University in New Jersey before coming here. My main research interest is in criminology, especially organized crime and white-collar crime; it combines a theoretical perspective that focuses on social networks with statistical analysis. However, most of my teaching at Lehman has been in the research sequence (SOC 247 and SOC 347), which now is computer-oriented. At the graduate level I usually teach statistics at the Graduate Center in the doctoral programs in criminal justice and sociology. I work with both the Institutional Review Board to insure that research is ethical and the Committee on Academic Standards and Evaluations which hears student appeals.
Esther Wilder, Assistant Professor
I am the newest member of the Sociology faculty. Originally from Massachusetts, I studied at Brown University (M.A., Ph. D.). I have taught at Brown, Wellesley College and the University of Oklahoma. I teach Sociology of Health Care (SOC 302), Death, Dying and Bereavement (SOC 240) and the Sociology of Aging (SOC 243). My courses are intimately related to my research interests, which include adolescent sexual practices, access to health care and disability. I am currently writing a book about spinal cord injury.
CARMAN 220 – "THE LAB"
The department is very fortunate to have its own computer lab, Carman Hall, Room 220. Equipped with 30 personal computers, a projector, a scanner and a printer, the lab is home to the research sequence courses. Several other courses including Population Problems and Applied Demography make extensive use of the lab. In the near future, we look forward to the inclusion of at least a computer unit in all of our classes so students will become more familiar with, comfortable with and knowledgeable about computer applications. This is especially important to those considering careers in sociology or education and those going on to graduate school in any field.
CARMAN B63 – THE MICHAEL J. DUFFY MEMORIAL LIBRARY/LOUNGE
Named for an extremely popular and dedicated member of the sociology faculty who died suddenly in 2000, this room serves as a meeting place, lending library and research center. It contains an extensive collection of sociology and social work journals, textbooks and research monographs which may be used in the room or borrowed. The room is equipped with personal computers which provide students with a chance to type papers and assignments, do research on-line or check e-mail. The room is also a convenient place in which students can socialize or meet for study groups.
The Sociology and Social Work Department maintains a web page, which includes information about requirements, faculty and courses. Some instructors have placed their syllabi on the site. It also provides links to related government, academic and organizational sites from which students may glean data relevant to their interests or research.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Two courses, SOC 347 and SOC 470 provide intern opportunities for interested students. The courses combine a weekly seminar with an internship. To qualify for an internship, a student must be interviewed by the Chair of the Department or the instructor of the course; specific prerequisites may exist.
The Sociology Program is pleased to recognize outstanding student achievement in a number of ways, ranging from scholarships and awards to honors at graduation and membership in the national sociological honor society. A faculty committee chooses recipients of scholarships and prizes after a review of the academic records of sociology majors. The Department Chair informs students chosen by the committee in writing.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND PRIZES
The Michael J. Duffy Memorial Scholarship
Newly endowed by the family, colleagues and friends of a long-time and beloved member of the sociology faculty, this scholarship will provide tuition assistance to an academically qualified upper-division sociology major. The first award will be made in 2005.
The Louise Chazin Prize
This $500 prize, named in honor of a late community leader, is awarded annually to a senior majoring in Sociology or Social Work who has demonstrated an interest in gerontology. Students receiving the award usually have done research on the elderly or worked in a senior citizen center or nursing home.
The Michael J. Duffy Memorial Prize
This $100 prize was created in 2000 by Dr. Duffy’s family, friends, colleagues and students as part of an on-going memorial to him. The prize is presented to an outstanding sociology major graduate and is listed in the College’s Graduation Program.
The Sociology Award
Created by the department faculty, this award recognizes academic excellence in Sociology as demonstrated by a student’s departmental average. It consists of a student membership in the American Sociological Association and a subscription to one of its journals. The award is made annually to a graduating senior and is listed in the College’s Graduation Program.
HONORS
Showcased Publications
A number of our undergraduate majors have authored or co-authored articles or book chapters. As of Spring 2003 these will be displayed in a showcase immediately adjacent to Carman B63.
Department Honors at Graduation
In order to graduate with departmental honors, a major must have attained a 3.5 average in Sociology and a 3.2 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in the College. In addition, the student must have completed SOC 481 (Advanced Tutorial) or SOC 347 (Methods of Data Collection and Analysis) and must have been recommended by the instructor. Only students who have completed 60 of their credits at Lehman are eligible to graduate with departmental honors.
Alpha Kappa Delta
In 1970, Lehman’s Department of Sociology and Social Work established a Chapter (Mu of New York State) of Alpha Kappa Delta, the national sociological honor society. To be eligible for initiation, students must have completed a minimum of 18 credits in Sociology, at least half of which were taken at Lehman. They must have attained a departmental average of 3.3 and a College grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A B.A. IN SOCIOLOGY?
Students who have declared or are considering declaring a major in sociology frequently wonder what they can do with a Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) in this field. The answer to this question requires, first, an understanding of what sociology is – namely, the scientific study of social life, including social change and the social consequences of human behavior. Students who study sociology at Lehman take courses in a variety of areas including theory, education, gender, work and society, social stratification, race and ethnicity, the family, criminology, health and illness, and research methods. With this coursework, students acquire the knowledge and critical skills needed to understand a wide range of social problems such as crime, poverty, divorce, racism, sexism, child abuse, unemployment, and addiction.
A B.A. in sociology provides a strong preparation for entry-level positions in private industry, business, government and non-profit organizations. In the past, most sociology majors found employment in fields such as education, business, gerontology, journalism, politics, religion, social welfare, and other areas that involve working with the public or helping those in need. Recently, however, sociology students with strong backgrounds in research methods (research design, computer applications, and applied statistical techniques) have been increasingly likely to enter professions that involve the formulation or evaluation of public policies and programs.
Because the sociology major is flexible, you may want to tailor your coursework in accordance with your professional aspirations. For example, if you are planning to teach at the early childhood, elementary, middle or high school level, courses in the sociology of education, youth, family, urban, and inequality or race and ethnicity are especially relevant to your interests. If you are planning a career in human services, it will be helpful to take courses addressing the kinds of social problems that social service agencies deal with: poverty, racial and ethnic inequality, access to health care, and family issues; you may also want to take courses in social work or psychology to supplement your sociological training. If you are considering a career in applied research, you will want to take courses in quantitative and qualitative research methods as well as a significant amount of computer-related work within the Department. In any case, you will be most marketable if your background includes a strong empirical knowledge base and critical thinking skills as well as advanced research and writing abilities.
Students who major in sociology have also been successful in graduate programs in fields such as business, law, education, public policy, public administration, social work, urban planning – and even sociology. The web sites of the American Sociological Association (ASA) and the Eastern Sociological Society provide further information on how to make the most of your undergraduate education. The ASA site also includes guidance on applying for graduate school as well as discussions of the various career opportunities open to those who have studied sociology.
SOCIOLOGY GRADUATE SCHOOL: IS IT FOR YOU?
If you like sociology and have a grade point average of 3.0 or better, you should consider a graduate program in sociology. Even with a lower GPA, you may be eligible if your recent grades have been strong, especially in sociology. There are a huge variety of graduate programs in New York City and nationwide. Periodically the department sponsors meetings to discuss graduate school options. These will be announced in classes, on the departmental bulletin boards and in the Sociology Club Newsletter.
Sociology graduate programs mainly prepare students to be researchers and scholars. There are many job opportunities for people with advanced degrees because private companies and public agencies are constantly doing all different kinds of social research, from marketing, needs assessment, and program evaluation to political polling and so much more. In addition, those with doctoral degrees may pursue careers as college faculty.
What should you do if you are interested?
Start off by talking to your professors and doing some research on your own. Look for programs that have areas of specialization that interest you. The web is a great place to start. Our department’s web page has links to all of the graduate programs in the area and to a listing of all graduate programs nationwide. Spend some time exploring. There is a copy of the American Sociological Association’s Guide to Graduate Departments (along with other graduate school materials) in the Duffy lounge. The bulletin board next to room B60 has other useful information.
If you are not a senior, now is the time to plan your course work to put your application in the best possible light. For example, it is wise to take statistics and to complete the research methods sequence as early as possible. Also, start keeping track of your papers so that you will have a good writing sample to submit. There are also a number of programs within CUNY that help to prepare students to apply to graduate school including the Ascend/McNair Program. Project 1000 is a national program that helps minority students apply to doctoral programs.
When to apply
Although some programs (especially at the M.A. level) have rolling admissions, if you want to have the best chance of admission and to receive the most financial assistance, you need to apply for admission in the fall prior to the September in which you would like to start your graduate work. Most Ph.D. programs require a completed application, including Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, around January 1st.
What else do you need to do to apply?
Most programs encourage you to print their application forms from the web, and some want you to apply on line. Sign up for the GREs. Think of which professors to ask for letters of recommendation and ask them several weeks before the deadline. The same letter will be used over again, so don’t wait until you decide on all of the schools you will apply to before asking for the letter.
Many students worry about the GREs, but don’t let anxiety about them keep you from applying. GREs are just one factor in a program’s admission decision-making. However, it is worth it to study for the test. The Lehman library’s "Electronic Resources" includes the "Learn A Test" program that has GRE preparation. This is totally free and definitely worth working on. You can also sign up for a commercial test prep course or the less expensive courses offered at the CUNY Graduate Center. You can buy a study guide at most bookstores. The web site of the Educational Testing Service also has a lot of useful study material.
In conclusion
If you are interested in graduate school, do not be intimidated. Start early, ask for help, do your research. and you will have a good chance for admission to a graduate program that makes sense for you.
Graduate Programs in Sociology in the New York Metropolitan Area
M.A. Programs
Ph.D. Programs
NYU has a list of All US Sociology Graduate Programs
Department
of Sociology and Social Work Home Page
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College Home Page
Contact Information:
Telephone (718) 960-8193.
Fax (718) 960-8194.
21/04/03 11:48:46