Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Sociology is the study of social life and the social forces that shape human experience. In sociology classes at Hood, students are challenged to explore the complex connections between their own attitudes, beliefs and behaviors and those of the society and culture in which they live by examining such topics as social problems, race and ethnicity, gender inequality, criminology, deviant behavior, globalization, human sexuality and social theory.

Students who study sociology also sharpen their abilities to write, think, speak, analyze and synthesize and organize information. They develop an understanding of how people interact with each other and within organizations, gain experience working as part of a problem-solving team, increase their understanding of their own and others’ cultures and deepen their awareness of social problems in the United States and around the world.

Students who major in sociology are prepared for a wide range of careers in social service agencies; state and local governments; higher education; business, criminal justice and healthcare organizations; and organizations that work for social change. Many sociology majors continue their education and enter professions such as city and community planning, social research, social policy, public health, counseling, women’s studies, politics, law, social work and higher education. 

Hood’s small classes and caring, committed faculty members offer students multiple opportunities to pursue their own intellectual interests and learning goals. For most students, this means going beyond simply learning about what others have discovered and, instead, discovering and creating knowledge themselves—that is, doing their own research, independently or in collaboration with other students, faculty members and community partners. Sociology majors are also encouraged to pursue an internship to help prepare them for careers after college.