Sociology, BA: Applied Research and Data Analysis
Sociology - Applied Research and Data Analysis Concentration
Sociologists pursue knowledge in many ways, one of which is through the examination of society through surveys, demographic data, and statistical models. In the Applied Research and Data Analysis concentration, students will become familiar with quantitative and/or qualitative methods in sociology, both with respect to how to use them in general and how they are applied for specific topics. Additionally, students will develop the skills to analyze the data from these methods, whether through primary research or secondary data.
The Sociology Major
The Sociology major helps students identify and explain patterns of social life and human behavior by emphasizing how large-scale social phenomena (such as class, race, and gender inequality) affect the everyday experiences of individuals and vice versa. The major prepares students for a career in a variety of fields such as law, medicine and healthcare, marketing, education, scholarly and applied social research, social work, demography, journalism and media, management in the public and private sectors, administration, and government. The program offers comprehensive advising and significant research and independent study opportunities. Our program is dedicated to nurturing a strong community of scholars, helping them grow academically and professionally under the large-scale mission of the College of Arts & Sciences.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 34. Double majors may entail more course units.
For more information: https://sociology.sas.upenn.edu/undergraduate/sociology-major-concentrations/applied-research-and-data-analysis-concentration
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Introductory Course | ||
| SOCI 1000 | Introduction to Sociology | 1 |
| Sociological Theory | ||
| SOCI 3000 | Classical Sociological Theory | 1 |
| or SOCI 3010 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | |
| Social Research Methods | ||
| SOCI 2000 | Sociological Research Methods | 1 |
| Select 1 course unit in Advanced Research Methods | 1 | |
| Health of Populations | ||
| Qualitative Methods | ||
| Sample Survey Methods | ||
| Basic Demographic Methods | ||
| Demography of Race | ||
| Select 1 course unit in Statistics | 1 | |
| Social Statistics | ||
| Applied Research and Data Analysis Concentration | ||
| Select 3 Course Units in Concentration 2 | 3 | |
| Health of Populations | ||
| Basic Demographic Methods | ||
| Sample Survey Methods | ||
| Qualitative Methods | ||
| Quantitative Methods I | ||
| Quantitative Methods II | ||
| Basic Demographic Methods | ||
| Structural Equation Models | ||
| Categorical Data Analysis | ||
| Event History | ||
| Advanced Demographic Methods | ||
| Additional SOCI Courses | ||
| Select 4 course units in SOCI Free 3 | 4 | |
| SOCI or Related Courses | ||
| Select 2 course units in SOCI or Related 4 | 2 | |
| Research Poster | ||
| Complete Research Poster | ||
| Total Course Units | 34 | |
- 1
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
- 2
Related courses outside of this list are subject to the approval of the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies and Undergraduate Chair
- 3
Students are encouraged to take some courses outside of their concentration.
- 4
For the "SOCI or RELATED” requirement in the major, students in the Applied Research and Data Analysis Concentration can count any SOCI course, or courses outside of SOCI that either 1) devote a substantial portion of their subject matter to sociologically related issues, and/or 2) are directly related to qualitative or quantitative research methodology or data analysis
Honors
Applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.3 and a GPA of 3.5 in the major.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 4100 | Thesis Workshop I | .5 |
| SOCI 4101 | Thesis Workshop II | .5 |
| SOCI 4998 | Honors Independent Study (Or Approved Course) | 1 |
| Senior Thesis | ||
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.