Bachelor of Science - Sociology

Simply put, sociology is the systematic study of society. Instead of focusing on the individual, sociology focuses on the bigger picture and how social structures such as groups, organizations, communities, nation-states, social categories, and social institutions affect human attitudes, actions, and opportunities, and how human beings, in turn, help to shape these social structures. A sociological imagination allows us to go beyond personal experiences to understand broader public issues. Drawing on a wide range of theories and data collection techniques, both quantitative and qualitative, sociologists study every facet of social life, ranging from the macro to the micro, from revolutions to interactions between children and their providers in daycare centers. Sociology helps one to better understand why people think and act as they do, and empowers individuals to help shape the world in which they live.

Courses in the Sociology Program integrate theory and application into a broad foundation of both scientific and humanistic knowledge about humans in society. All students complete an internship and an original empirical senior thesis as part of their major requirements. Emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking skills and the application of values to the content of the sociology curriculum. The knowledge and skills gained during the program are crucial to successful performance in graduate school and are also highly valued by a wide variety of potential employers who hire sociology majors directly after graduation.