BA Sociology

As students work towards their degree, they will find that sociology is much more than an academic discipline. In fact, sociology offers students an exciting new way of seeing the social world they live in. Students can expect sociology to enrich their personal life, as well as prepare their way for a deeply satisfying professional life.

Goals of the major include the acquisition of knowledge about human diversity, social inequality, and the pursuit of social justice.

The major and its programs prepare students for various professional roles in Human Services and Criminal Justice, and provide the educational background necessary for students to pursue graduate studies in criminology/criminal justice, law, social work, counseling, policy development, research, and other related disciplines.

The department offers 3 concentrations to choose from:

Criminology - With a concentration on a sociological framework, the Sociology-Criminology curriculum gives students a thorough understanding of the social, cultural, and political factors that influence criminal behavior and the institutions of justice. Along with these skills, the degree offers training in social disparity, working with a variety of people, and comprehending policy disputes, social control, and crime in the larger settings of culture, politics, and society.

Diversity and Inequality- Students who specialize in Diversity and Inequality gain a sociological perspective on social diversity by examining it through the lenses of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation, as well as the ways in which these identities overlap. Through mandatory courses in the major, students who pursue this emphasis will also get experience in research and data analysis, as well as a comprehensive knowledge base.

Applied Sociology and Community Engagement - The applied sociology and community engagement concentration teaches students how to use sociological concepts, theories, and research methods to solve real-world problems in the community. Students pursuing this concentration will be well-prepared for positions in program development and assessment, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and policy analysis. Students interested in professions in human and social services, research-related fields in business, law, education, criminal justice, substance misuse, public affairs, and urban planning should choose this emphasis.