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Sociology

Why Major in Sociology?

People are drawn to sociology because it is relevant to every aspect of our lives: family, gender, race, work, education, media, sexuality, politics, religion, and law. Sociology is not only fascinating, it has the potential to be life-altering. You will not only see the relevance of sociology in your own life, but in just about every major news story. Sociologists study all the different social problems facing us today, from homelessness to terrorism, gangs to corporate greed, hate crimes to rapid climate change. Some instructors may ask you to design and implement community-based service or research projects. Even our theory courses emphasize real-world applications.

What Skills Will I Learn?

As a sociology major you will learn a variety of skills that will prepare you for the job market. You will develop problem-solving skills, as well as skills for gathering, analyzing and reporting data. You will improve both your written and oral communication skills, and learn to work both independently and in teams. You will gain computer skills, including learning how to access information from a variety of government, academic and web-based sources. Sociology internships can give you practical skills in a work setting of your choosing.

What About the Faculty?

We are passionate about what we teach, and share a strong commitment to student learning. We strive to help our students succeed. Our faculty come from a variety of backgrounds, and represent diverse areas of expertise.

What Awards, Scholarships, and Honors Are Available?

We recognize students for a variety of accomplishments, from outstanding academics to overcoming obstacles to a college education. Information about our awards and honors is available from the undergraduate advisor, the department chair, and on the Sociology Department website.

What Is the Career Outlook?

You will have a wide range of career choices because you will develop many skills employers find desirable. The following paths can be used to help guide your studies.
These paths are not required, but may give you a practical coherence to your studies.

  • Path 1: Working with youth will prepare you for positions in education, and organizations concerned with at-risk kids.
  • Path 2: Working with the economically disadvantaged will prepare you for casework and management positions in homeless shelters, food banks, and government-based social services.
  • Path 3: Sexuality and gender will prepare you for caseworker and management positions at domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, and reproductive health/family planning organizations.
  • Path 4: Criminal justice will ready you for working at juvenile hall, in paroling, or with community task forces.
  • Path 5: International work will prepare you to work for an international organization.
  • Path 6: Professional sociologist is designed to prepare you to become a professional researcher, or to pursue an MA or a PhD in sociology.

In addition, our students are prepared for graduate-level studies in social work, public administration, school counseling, marriage and family counseling, business, human resources, or law.

For assistance in reaching your career goals, resources are available through the Sociology Department (Butte Hall, Room 615), Academic Advising Programs (Student Services Center, Room 220), and the Career Center (Student Services Center, Room 270).

Catalog Cycle:21