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Introduction to Sociology (LIB 460JE)

Introduction to Sociology (LIB 460JE) is an online, self-paced lecture course. Using examples from the health-sector, students will explore and gain an understanding of what makes up a society, how institutions maintain and utilize power, how groups of people are divided within society, and how these different groups behave and interact. By learning about sociology and the “sociological imagination”, students will gain a social science-based understanding of how society is created and how we are influenced by it. This course will provide a solid sociological framework through readings (including both seminal and current literature), lecture slides with recorded narrated content, external video tools, and class projects/assignments.

After completing the course above, you'll be well-prepared to pursue a degree in fields such as pharmacy, nursing and medical imaging and therapeutics.

Why MCPHS?

  • Flexibility: Introduction to Sociology (LIB 460JE) is self-paced and online. Set your own schedule to complete the course in 16-weeks.·
  • Competitive Pricing: New students are eligible to receive a 50% reduction in the cost of tuition for one course. Please complete the discount code form to receive the discount code.
  • Easy to Get Started: No application process is required. Once registered, you can begin taking the Introduction to Sociology course within two business days.

Course Format

Introduction to Sociology (LIB 460JE) is an online, asynchronous, self-paced. This course does not have specific meeting times or deadlines. You will complete your assignments on your own schedule over the course of 16 weeks using Blackboard, an online learning platform. You will also have the support of an instructor, as well as 24/7 online tutoring as you progress through the coursework. After completing this course, you will receive a final letter grade and be able to request an official transcript from our Registrar’s Office.

Get Started

Once you’ve selected your course of interest and are ready to register, all that’s left is to create your account and pay the tuition fees.

Create your account and begin the registration process here.

You'll be asked to create a username and password, provide some basic personal information, and pay the course's tuition. You’ll receive access to your course within two business days of paying tuition.

We suggest that students purchase their course materials after registering and gaining access to their course. Detailed instructions will then be provided.

The course requires the following textbooks:

  • Ferris, K., & Stein, J. (2020). The real world: An introduction to sociology. 7th Edition. The electronic content for this book is not required.
  • Bhatraju, K. (2013). Mud Creek medicine: The life of Eula Hall and the fight for Appalachia. Louisville, KY: Butler Books.

Courses run at a rate of $460 per credit hour. The School of Professional Studies offers reduced tuition options to new MCPHS students.

New students are eligible to receive a 50% reduction in the cost of tuition for one course. Please complete the discount code form to receive the discount code.

Degree applicants who have been admitted to a degree program and paid their enrollment deposit are eligible to receive a 50% reduction in the cost of tuition for any prerequisite course that the Admission Office has indicated must be completed prior to starting the degree program. Please contact the Admission Office at 617.879.5964 (Boston), 508.373.5607 (Worcester) or 603.314.1701 (Manchester) for more information.

Create your account and begin the registration process here.

  • Windows: 10, 8, 7
  • Mac: OS X 10.10 or higher
  • iOS: 10.0+ (iPad only)
  • Web camera (internal or external) and microphone
  • A broadband internet connection

Students can receive a full tuition refund if they drop a course within five business days of registering. Course changes will also be allowed during this five-day window.

After the five-day window closes (and up until the course's completion date), students may choose to withdraw from the course without a refund. This would result in a "W" on their student record.

The Office of Student Access and Accommodations (OSAA) is a part of the Division of Student Affairs and provides accommodations to students across all MCPHS campuses (Manchester, Boston and Worcester) and online.

Due to the format of School of Professional Studies (SPS) courses, students planning to take self-paced courses are encouraged, though not required, to reach out to OSAA prior to registering for any courses. This will give OSAA ample time to work with the student to review their request for reasonable accommodations.

Students can visit the OSAA website for additional information. 


Register Now

Questions about our self-paced prerequisites? Connect with the School of Professional Studies at professionalstudies@mcphs.edu or 339.236.2605.