Four-year (4-year) Undergraduate Plan
With careful planning and an average of 15 credits per academic term (excluding summer), a UO student will complete their undergraduate degree in four (4) years. To aid students in their planning we have developed two (2) Four-year (4-year) planner resources for sociology students. Click on the links for downloadable/printable PDF planning charts, and read on for an explanation of each year’s goals.
First-year Goals
All students should aim to complete a minimum of 45 credits by the end of their first year. These credits will ideally include:
- WR 121 and WR 122
- Three (3) language courses (for BA) or three (3) mathematics courses (for BS)
- Three (3) sociology major courses
- Four (4) group satisfying courses
Students who are entering with transfer credits or who score highly on language placement or math placement examinations will have the option of replacing some of the above courses with other options.
First-year students are expected to meet with an academic advisor at Tykeson Hall at least once per term. An advisor can help each student plan the next term’s courses and help resolve any problems, questions, or concerns that may have come up during the course of the term. If a student is interested in a second major or in a minor, an advisor can help create a plan for those particular academic interests.
Students will be taught how to read their Degree Guide, which is their personal map through their degree requirements. Once all of the items listed in the Degree Guide are marked as complete, the student has finished their program of study.
Second-year Goals
Second-year students should aim for a minimum of 90 total credits by the end of the year. In the second year, most students will take:
- SOC 310, SOC 311 and SOC 312
- At least three (3) group-satisfying courses
- Any remaining math or language courses
Depending on math/language status, students will also take three to six (3-6) courses that could be electives, group satisfying courses, additional sociology courses, or courses for a second major or a minor.
Second-year students are also expected to meet with an advisor at least once per term. These meetings will help ensure that the student is still on track, has answers to any questions about majors and minors, and knows how to obtain information about internships or study abroad opportunities. If necessary, students may want to think about taking classes or internships during the summer term, or traveling abroad for UO credit.
Third-year Goals
The third year focuses more on making sure that UO degree requirements are on their way to being satisfied, and also begins to look at career preparation. By the end of the year, students should have at least 135 credits. This year, students will plan on taking:
- At least three (3) upper-division sociology courses
- At least three (3) group satisfying courses, specifically targeted toward groups that have not yet been completed
- Up to 24 credits in elective courses – for second majors, minors, independent study, physical education, or just to pursue personal interests.
The third year’s schedule will vary depending on what happened in the first two years. Some students might opt to retake courses that didn’t go so well. Others might be very focused on finishing particular university requirements early in the year in order to free up space for an internship or other opportunity. Students in their third year are encouraged to begin meeting with an advisor in the Career Center.
Third-year students are encouraged to meet with an advisor if they have any questions about their progress or want to discuss options that are available to them. An advisor can also help students sketch out a map to graduation, with a personalized two-year (2-year) plan that will include all remaining requirements for their degree.
Third-year students interested in a career in social work should consider applying for the annual Woodruff Scholarship, offered in fall of each year via the Sociology Department office.
Third-year students interested in going on to a career in research or a master’s degree should consider applying for the Sociology Honors Program, a one-year (1) senior-level program where students research and write a thesis project on a sociological topic of their choice.
Fourth-year Goals
By the end of the fourth year, students should have all the university’s degree requirements completed, including major/minor requirements. The student’s Degree Guide will clearly indicate what areas still need attention. Fourth-year students will typically take:
- Any remaining required sociology major classes (most likely three (3) 400-level classes)
- Any remaining group satisfying courses (most likely three (3))
- Any additional uncompleted degree requirements as indicated in the Degree Guide
It is important that fourth-year students check in with their advisor early in the academic year to ensure that there are no surprises that will prevent them from graduating.
By the fourth week of their final term of study, students will apply for their degree on Duckweb. This is the final step that informs the university that the student is completing their course of study and is ready to receive their diploma. Students may complete their degree in fall, winter, spring or summer term depending on their needs. The commencement ceremony for all four terms is held in mid-June of each year.