PUB TYPE Reports- Descriptive (141)-7 Speeches/Conference Papers (150)

There has been a decline in the enrollment in sociology courses and a decline in the number of students choosing to major in sociology. To counteract this decline, departments need to continue to offer a traditional academic sociology curriculum, but also need to offer stronger training in research methods and statistics, interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving, and training and experience in practical settings and interaction. The sociology department at Southwest Texas State University has taken steps to incorporate these applied skills in their program; they have developed a bachelor of science program, a multi-disciplinary, multi-tract master's program in applied sociology, and an internship program. The applied undergraduate sociology program is Aesigned to prepare sociology majors for business and governmental positions by emphasizing applied skills. The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) offers a modular concept with four tracts of study in the areas of gerontology, industry and social work, social studies, and social control. The Research Institute for Community Enhancement was set up to offer students internships whereby they gain practical experience and provide help and service to community organizations. (LH) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document