Students who major or minor in sociology will increase their knowledge of social processes, social behavior, and social institutions. Sociology involves the investigation of a number of key areas of social life, and examines their interrelatedness. Students completing the sociology major will be equipped with a body of knowledge and set of skills that are critical for twenty-first century employment and/or graduate studies in a variety of academic and professional fields such as criminal justice, cultural studies, gerontology, law, market research, media, public policy, and social services. Students in the sociology major take four core courses; select one course from within each of the three focus areas; and select three sociology elective courses (200 level and above). Students in the sociology minor take three core courses, and select three sociology elective courses (200 level and above). Students are encouraged to seek direction from a sociology faculty member to select the focus area courses and the elective courses that fit their specific scholarly interests and career aspirations.