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The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology requires 43 semester hours of coursework: 22 hours of core courses and 21 hours of sociology electives, inclusive of 3 hours of anthropology.

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice requires 46 semester hours of coursework: 28 hours of core courses, 3 hours of law courses, and 18 hours of criminology electives (optional 3 hours of interdisciplinary electives). At least 9 elective hours must be courses numbered 3000 or above.

The Sociology minor requires a total of 18 semester hours of coursework: 3 hours received from Introductory Sociology and 15 hours of sociology electives, inclusive of Introduction to Anthropology. At least 9 elective hours must be courses numbered 3000 or above.

The Anthropology minor requires a total of 21 semester hours of coursework: 3 hours received from Introduction to Anthropology and 18 hours of anthropology electives (optional 6 hours of interdisciplinary electives).

The Criminology minor requires a total of 21 semester hours of coursework: 9 hours of core courses and 12 hours of criminology electives (optional 3 hours of interdisciplinary electives).

We are very excited to be launching a new Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, with the first cohort beginning in Fall 2026. Students will start in a Pre-Social Work track, choosing either Pre-Social Work – Sociology or Pre-Social Work – Human Services.

EIU is actively seeking community college partners to develop 1+3 pathway programs, with an eye toward the possibility of a 2+2 pathway after accreditation. While the program is currently geared more toward first-year students or early transfers, we’re optimistic about expanding options in the future. All students apply in the spring of their sophomore year.

Students in the program will receive dedicated support through a clinical experience/internship coordinator. Each student will complete a minimum of 400 hours of field experience prior to graduation.

Students will apply for the Social Work program the spring of their sophomore year. An application will be considered complete for review and consideration when all of the following are met:

• Admission to the University
• Declared major in Human Services or Sociology
• Completed social work application
• Earned C or better in all prerequisite courses
• Minimum GPA requirement is met (2.5)
• Essay submission
• Reference submission

Curriculum Guides

See our Forms and Applications page for curriculum guides for Social Work Majors.

Credit for Life Experience or Previous Work Experience

The ºÚÁÏÉçÇøSocial Work Program, in following the CSWE Accreditation Standards, does not grant academic credit for prior life experience (PLE) or previous work experience in lieu of required social work coursework (including field work).

EIU has submitted their accreditation application to the Council on Social Work Education with hopes of becoming accredited in Spring 2029.