Sociology

Department website

Student Organizations/Clubs:

Sociology Club

Career Possibilities:

• Social services - rehabilitation, case management, group work with youth or the elderly, recreation, or administration
• Community work - social service and nonprofit organizations, child-care or community development agencies, or environmental groups); corrections (probation, parole, or other criminal justice related field
• Business - advertising, marketing and consumer research, insurance, real estate, personnel work, training, or sales
• College settings - admissions, alumni relations, student placement or residence advising and supervision
• Health services - family planning, substance abuse counseling, rehabilitation counseling, health planning, hospital admissions, and insurance adjustment
• Publishing, journalism, and public relations - writing, research, and editing
• Government - federal, state, and local government jobs in such areas as transportation, housing, agriculture, labor, international development, and historic preservation

Department Overview

Sociology is the scientific study of people in interaction with each other. Interaction can be viewed from a macro perspective, as with nations who interact, either cooperatively, competitively or in conflict. Interactions can be studied on a smaller scale, e.g. within organizations that reflect our institutions such as economy, science, education or health. Or, interaction can be studied from a micro perspective, as in study of small group behaviors like the dyad or triad. The curriculum includes an understanding of the theories and methods used by sociologists, as well as substantive areas to which these theories and methods are applied.

Opportunities are available for the application of sociological knowledge and the use of critical thinking to clarify social problems and evaluate policies of public and private agencies. Students can choose to work in their communities as active participants toward social justice and change.

Preparation for Graduate School

Students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree with a major in sociology are qualified to enter graduate and professional programs in many fields such as sociology, social work, law enforcement, and public/social service administration.

Program Level Outcomes

Sociology offers a high quality program that promotes the ability to apply theory, produce research and engage in your community. The accomplishment of the departmental mission is reflected in the competencies students demonstrate before graduation.

Conceptual Competencies

1. Apply sociological concepts, theories, and perspectives on culture and society.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of cultures and societies in their own terms.
3. Appraise the impact of the social and physical environment on individual experience.
4. Assess and critique different sociological theoretical orientations.
5. Explain the process of theory construction.

Methodological Competencies

1. Demonstrate the connection between theory, methods, and realities.
2. Frame and execute a research project.
3. Record, interpret, and communicate quantitative and qualitative evidence.
4. Find, organize, and critically evaluate data/information (interpreting data outcomes and evaluating literature).
5. Apply the use of technology for achieving goals and tasks. 

Civic Competencies

1. Promote the active exchange of ideas in a civil manner.
2. Employ sociological knowledge to address important issues locally and globally.
3. Gain competence in effective collaboration and teamwork.
4. Identify and confront ethnocentrism.

Programs Offered

Courses in Sociology