» Frequently Asked Questions
How do I declare a major in Sociology?
To declare a major in Sociology, fill out the Change of Major/Minor Form, then attach the form in an email to the chair of the department (bader@chapman.edu). In this email, indicate your desire to declare the major and include your student ID number. The chair will sign the form for you to then email it to the registrar's office to enroll you as a major.
What classes do I need to take for my major in Sociology? Am I on target?
Check the Sociology Degree Program requirements specified in the Catalog for your calendar year: https://catalog.chapman.edu/
Students pursuing the B.A. in Sociology are required to:
- Maintain at least a 2.000 grade point average in the major.
- Earn a grade of “C-“or higher in core courses in the major.
- Complete all core courses in the major for a letter grade.
- Complete 21 credits from upper-division courses in the major.
- Complete the senior thesis requirement SOC497.
Sociology Core Requirements (18 credits)
- SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology
- SOC 201: Introduction to Research Methods
- SOC 305: Social Theory
- SOC 318: Quantitative Data Analysis
- SOC 397: Capstone I: Field Research
- SOC 497: Capstone II: Senior Thesis Project
Sociology and Anthropology Electives (18 credits) Total credits: 36
If you are uncertain about what to take next or to confirm you are on track, speak to your Faculty Advisor or the Sociology Peer Advisor (email: SOCstu06@chapman.edu).
How do I declare a minor in Sociology?
To declare a minor in Sociology, fill out the Change of Major/Minor Form, then attach the form in an email to the chair of the department (bader@chapman.edu). In this email, indicate your desire to declare the minor and include your student ID number. The chair will sign the form for you to then email it to the registrar's office to add the minor to your program.
What classes do I need to receive a minor in Sociology?
A minor in sociology requires 21 credits total
- Required courses (9 credits):
- SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology
- SOC 201: Introduction to Research Methods
- SOC 305: Social Theory
+ 12 credits of Sociology/Anthropology Electives
How do I know what classes are offered and how do I enroll?
After familiarizing yourself with the program requirements to earn the Sociology degree, you are ready to choose your courses wisely and draft a plan on how you will distribute your coursework across the semesters to meet your target graduation date.
- All Course Offerings, Sociology Department— Longitudinal planning
Consult the Official Catalog Online for your program year. Here you will find Sociology degree requirements and the Sociology Department Course Offerings. Find the full list of core courses and the electives that count as credits towards the degree here: Sociology Department Course Offerings. Most courses indicate "Offered in Spring Semester" -"Every semester" – "Once a year" - "As needed," etc., in the course description section. - Semesterly Course Offerings, Sociology Program— Enrolling in classes
- Access the Student Center and Log-in to studentcenter.chapman.edu to see which courses are offered in the upcoming/current semester.
- Here you will first click the “Manage Classes” box
- Click “Class Search and Enroll” on the list provided. Select the appropriate semester-year (e.g., Fall 2023) and enter relevant information.
- To see all courses listed for the major, you may also click “Additional ways to search” and use the drop-down menu (pictured here) and select the applicable subject.
- Select the course you wish to register in. If there are sections, select the section you wish to take.
- Follow prompts given to register, add to wait list, or add to shopping cart as needed. In some courses you may also be able to select if you want to take the course “Graded” or “Pass/Fail” via drop down menus provided. Confirm on last page.
I need a permission number to enroll in a class – what do I do?
If you are interested in a course that is closed, email the instructor of the course, explain your situation, and ask for permission to join the class. Submit a request via the permission number portal https://webfarm.chapman.edu/PermissionNumberRequest. The instructor will approve or deny your request via the portal. If approved, you will receive a unique code via email, allowing you to enroll in the class.
What's a Faculty Advisor vs. an Academic Advisor? To whom should I turn for what?
Your Faculty Advisor, elsewhere referred to as Program Advisor or Major Advisor, is a faculty member in your academic department (i.e., Sociology) who can advise you on the workings of the Sociology degree program. They can provide help on course planning, but only as it relates specifically to the Sociology program. Your Faculty Advisor can help you understand degree requirements, assist your professional development in the field, and advise on areas of interest and scholarly projects. You are encouraged to make use of having one by visiting office hours and otherwise developing an advisor-advisee relationship.
For everything else (e.g., issues related to general graduation requirements, interpreting your program evaluation), turn to the Academic Advising Center [AAC]. See the distinction as spelled out by Academic Advising Center here.
Visit the AAC website for answers to common advising questions (very helpful section: Academic Advising FAQs) and other excellent resources.
The Academic Advising Center can answer any questions about rules and procedures regarding the bureaucratic application of credits and what you need to do to graduate, etc. Be proactive! For general information, consult the official Catalog and search for the topic on the Chapman website first (e.g., "Sociology Minor requirements"; "transfer credits rules"; "GE requirements"); most all policies and procedures are clearly spelled out online and easily accessible to you. If you need any specific help, contact the Academic Advising Center. They can help you interpret your Program Evaluation, make sure you are on track, and help you resolve various issues.
Academic Advising Center Contacts:
- Visit the Academic Advising website for Walk-In Hours (remote) and arrange Advising appointments
- Academic Advising Center BK 405
- Email: advising@chapman.edu
- Instagram: @CUacademicadvising
- Email: heichoi@chapman.edu Heidi Choi, Academic Specialist Advisor for Sociology/Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science majors.
If you have questions about your Sociology Coursework specifically, contact your designated Faculty Advisor and/or the Sociology Peer Advisor first (email: socpeeradvisor@chapman.edu or visit Sociology Homepage to schedule a peer-advising appointment). If not resolved, contact the Sociology Advising Coordinator, Prof. CK Magliola: magliola@chapman.edu. If signatures/approvals are needed, contact the Chair of the Dept., Dr. Chris Bader: bader@chapman.edu.
Take advantage of:
(1) Official information and resources available online (studentcenter.chapman.edu topic search);
(2) The Academic Advising Center; and
(3) Sociology Program/Faculty Advising resources
Doing so will help you build agency for your educational goals, optimize your college experience, and make the path to graduating with the degrees you want in the time you expect smoother and happier.
How do I get a Faculty Advisor? Why do I have one?
To request a faculty advisor be assigned to you, or if you would like to change faculty advisors, submit a Faculty Advisor Request Form.
We feel that each student should have the benefit and convenience of having a faculty advisor they can turn to. In addition to faculty with whom you have class, a faculty advisor serves as a "go-to" resource for the student and provides more personalized guidance when needed. This helps foster a genuine learning community throughout the department and with the student individually.
Of course, you are welcome and encouraged to visit office hours and work with any faculty member, even if they are not your assigned "faculty advisor" for questions and conversations about sociology!