School of Social Sciences and International Studies

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

On this page:

Why Choose Sociology?

Sociology is concerned with social relations:

  • How people relate to each other as individuals, in families, and in other groups
  • How they interact within various social institutions, including the workforce and government
  • How their behavior is judged socially acceptable or deviant by others

The Bachelor of Arts Program in sociology trains you to observe and analyze social interactions, predict likely outcomes, and determine how we can develop programs
for the good of individuals and society.

To help prepare for future work and service, you will be required to take five or more upper-level courses designed to develop your writing and critical thinking skills.

View a video of sociologists speaking about the field of sociology from the American Sociological Association.

Careers

Sociologists develop many skills desired by employers, like critical thinking and the ability to conduct research. These skills, combined with a knowledge base of sociology that promotes tolerance, multicultural awareness, and understanding of group dynamics, help prepare students for a wide range of graduate studies and careers.

Sociologists apply their training and analytic research skills in a broad array of organizations, including:

  • Government agencies at the local, state, federal, and international levels
  • Social services
  • Public health
  • Law
  • Urban or regional planning
  • Departments of correction, commerce, and marketing
  • Public relations
  • Public administration
  • Education
  • Mass communication and media

A master’s degree in sociology is required for many positions in sociology. The Ph.D. is essential for attaining a professorship in most colleges and universities and is usually expected of candidates for directorships of major research projects, for important administrative positions, and for consultants to industry or sales organizations.

View the Sociology program profile for sample occupations, average salary, and employment projections

Real-World Experience

Sociology students can explore career options through participation in the Internship Program (SOC 3000-01), a 3-credit hour internship wherein they work under professional guidance at a local agency or firm.

Success Stories

In a new study, Marlese Durr examined how African American women, specifically stylists, coped with and continued to work during the 2008 economic recession.
Azadeh Jahanbegloo, a senior lecturer of sociology, is now a U.S. citizen who calls America home, but never got to say goodbye to her past.

Academics and Curriculum

View Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program information and requirements in the Academic Catalog.

View the Sociology checklist (PDF).

Admission

Review the college admission requirements and complete the admission application. Identify whether you will be majoring in sociology.

If you are a current student and wish to change majors, go to the WINGS Express major/minor change request form and change your major.  If you are an undecided/exploratory student, talk to your advisor about majoring in sociology.

 


Take the Next Step

Finding the right college means finding the right fit. See all that the College of Liberal Arts has to offer by visiting campus.