Sociology

Sociology's emphasis on understanding social interaction, organizations, and institutions provides students with a unique view of human behavior and the social world. Such a perspective, combined with the critical thinking, research, and writing skills learned while studying sociology, prepares students for a variety of careers in business, government, and the non-profit sector. Specifically, a Bachelor's degree in sociology positions one well for entry-level jobs in human resources, advocacy, corrections, basic policy research, etc., as well as for graduate study in sociology and related fields, such as public policy, law, social work, and others. A minor in sociology dovetails nicely with a variety of majors, including Justice Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Business, and the other Social Sciences emphases, Anthropology, History, and Political Science.

For more information on career possibilities for those with a degree in sociology, the American Sociological Association's Career Resources page is a useful starting point.

Sociology is the study of how the social world operates, from the micro-level of everyday interactions in small groups such as families to the macro-level of processes in social institutions such as the economy, religion, politics, and education.  Sociologists are interested in the patterns we see in groups, organizations, institutions, and societies as a whole, as well as how membership in particular social groups and strata affects people's life chances.

In their study of the social world, sociologists utilize a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods, including analyzing existing data, administering surveys, conducting interviews, and engaging in participant observation, among others.

For a complete list of requirements, view our Social Sciences Major with a Sociology Emphasis.

You can also view the requirements for a Sociology Minor, if you have selected another major.