Declaring & Advising

1. Students must complete a prerequisite course in Sociology with a C- grade or better to declare a major or minor.

The following courses are eligible to fulfill this requirement: SOC 100, 102, 300, or 302. Make sure you’ve completed one of these courses with the final grade posted before reaching out to declare.

Note that students should only take ONE prerequisite course (SOC 100, 102, 300, or 302); no credit will be granted for the second prerequisite course taken (the second course will have a “Not For Credit” designation on the transcript).

2. Carefully review requirements and
opportunities on this website.

The Sociology major, sub-plans, and minors each have a webpage with requirements outlined and comprehensive information sheets linked:

• Sociology Major
  
• Sociology Major with sub-major in Law, Justice, and Social Change 
  
• Sociology Major with sub-major in Sociology of Health & Medicine 
  
• Sociology Major with sub-major in Sociology & Social Work
  
• Minor in Law, Justice, and Social Change
  
• Minor in Sociology of Health & Medicine

3. Email us at socadvisor@umich.edu with your specific major or minor declaration request.

If you would like to add the major, let us know whether or not you would like to add a sub-plan.

If you would like to add a minor, you must have a major declared first. 

If you need to take courses reserved for majors like SOC 305 and SOC 310, please plan ahead with the timing of your request.

4. We will confirm receipt of your declaration request by email and declare you within a week.

You will receive a welcome email with digital "swag" and be added to our newsletter. Also double check Wolverine Access for your program change update.

The undergraduate program staff will respond to your advising questions within 24-48 hours during business days via email at socadvisor@umich.edu. 

The My LSA Audit Checklist is an easy-to-read degree progress audit. Check your audit regularly to make sure courses are populating correctly under requirement groups. It is important to make sure the audit is accurately reflecting your major/minor and degree completion progress.

Take me to My LSA Audit Checklist

The department release is a required step for graduation. If you would like to request for a major or minor release, please fill out either a MAJOR Release Request or MINOR Release Request form, preferably in the term prior to your graduation term.

Upon submission, the department advisor will verify your remaining requirements and submit a release. You will receive an email copy of the release. If there are any concerns or questions, we will reach out to you.

Schedule a Zoom appointment with a department advisor to discuss your major/minor progress, program requirements, course planning, transfer/study abroad credits, and department opportunities. New appointments are added on Wednesdays!

If you have questions regarding your LSA distribution requirements, college policies, or your overall academic standing, you should contact your general academic advisor (LSA Newnan, RC, CSP, Honors). For graduate school and career advising, please connect with the LSA Opportunity Hub or Career Center. 

Are you interested in an undergraduate research assistant position in the Sociology department?

Are you interested in community engagement and fieldwork?

Are you a first generation college student interested in leadership and professional development?

Are you interested in conducting independent research, writing a senior thesis, and graduating with honors?

Do you need financial support for an academic experience outside of the classroom?

Are you really proud of a sociology paper you wrote?

Let us know if you have questions about any of these opportunities!