College Schools, Departments & Programs

Sociology

Minor in Social Science and Medicine
Purpose

This minor allows students to explore the social origins of health and disease and the delivery and consumption of medical services, paying special attention to relevant social, historical, behavioral, and ethical contexts. The minor, which is organized in five concentrations, facilitates and certifies a greater understanding of the social context of health than could be achieved in a less integrated course of study. It emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to health issues that establishes a bridge between the social sciences and health profession studies.

Requirements

The minor requires completion of 15 credit hours from courses approved for the Minor in Social Science and Medicine, including:

  1. SOC-S 101 Topics in Social Programs and Policies (3 cr.) Approved topic: Medicine in America.
  2. At least 6 additional credit hours of approved courses within the College of Arts and Sciences, of which at least 3 credit hours must be at the 300–400 level.
  3. Up to 6 credit hours in approved courses from outside the College may be included in the minor.
  4. A minimum of 9 credit hours must be at the 300–400 level.

The five concentrations in the Social Science and Medicine minor include:

  1. Health Care and Society. A social science–focused minor that examines social factors defining health status and approaches to care.
  2. Social Changes in Treatment and Health Care Organization. Social perspectives on the delivery and evaluation of care.
  3. Mental Illness and Society. Social and biological factors in mental health.
  4. Social Factors in Community Health. Epidemiologic approaches to the study of health status and health needs of populations, rather than that of individuals.
  5. Decision Making in Seeking and Providing Care. Preparing patients and providers as partners in clinical and ethical decisions.

See the Sociology advisor or the Department of Sociology website for a list of requirements and approved courses. In fulfilling the above requirements, students must also meet all other College requirements for minors.