Outstanding Senior Major in Sociology Award 

The Department of Sociology faculty selects each spring one or more senior sociology majors (who have graduated in the previous August or December or will graduate in May) to receive this award. The faculty makes its decision based primarily on the academic accomplishments of the sociology majors and on any other relevant accomplishments and activities.

Rising Senior of the Year Award

Our Rising Senior and Outstanding Senior awards recognize exemplary students, and the George Croft Williams fellowship supports undergraduate research.

Criteria for Consideration

To be eligible for either of these awards, which is decided in the spring semester, sociology majors must

• Be a declared sociology major
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher in coursework at USC
• Have completed 75 hours by the beginning of the spring semester
• Maintain full-time enrollment (12 hours minimum) for the following fall and spring semesters with at least 24 hours earned at USC, Columbia by the beginning of the spring semester
• Have at least 4 of the sociology major requirements (out of 11) met by the beginning of the spring semester.

George Croft Williams Undergraduate Research Fellowship 

The George Croft Williams Undergraduate Research Fellowship provides $1500 in support to undergraduate students majoring in sociology to conduct original research with a faculty member. George Croft Williams was a Professor of Sociology at the University of South Carolina in the early 20th century. He also served as the general secretary of the then South Carolina Board of Charities and Corrections, and worked with New Deal legislation to promote social assistance in the region during the Great Depression. Apply  to be considered for the fellowship.