Why study Sociology?

Sociology is the scientific study of society and the various groups that make up a society. Sociology majors develop strong research and analytical skills while exploring the social causes and consequences of human behavior. They study the structure of societies and groups and explain how social change occurs within them. Sociologists both develop theories about social behavior and apply these theories to solve social problems and form social policy.

During your sophomore year, this major will allow you to opt into a co-op track. The optional co-op track provides an opportunity for you to engage in compensated, career-oriented experiences and reflect upon and integrate those experiences as a part of your undergraduate degree. Engaging in multiple meaningful career-related experiences prior to graduation provides you with an opportunity to develop transferable skills and gain a competitive edge as you prepare for life after graduation. Please see the curriculum map linked below for more information.

Career Possibilities

You’ll find graduates of our program employed at organizations such as the U.S. Census and other government agencies, local and national-level non-profits, tech companies, and more. Their job titles include: Senior Researcher, UX Researcher, Program Manager, Case Manager,  Director of Human Resources, Community Partnership Manager, Regional Sales Manager, and Executive Recruiter, just to name a few.

Sociology majors are critical thinkers who are concerned with understanding society and improving social institutions and the well-being of individuals. In the coursework for the major, you will develop skills in data analysis, research design and methods, statistical analysis, close reading, and writing… skills that  are highly valued in a wide range of jobs. Sociology is an excellent major for students who are interested in working with people and ideas in a variety of fields, including social research, social work/social services, human resources, law, and medicine.

Graduates with a BA in sociology are prepared for many different career options. The skills and interests of a sociology major could lead to careers in:

• Human Services, including at non-profit organizations and government agencies
• Management
• Human Resources
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Market Research and UX Research
• Social Science Research, including on topics such as health, housing, economic inequality, population change, and more
• Fundraising and Grantwriting
• Community organizing
• Project Management
• Career Counseling
• Academic Advising
• Public Health
• Immigration Advocacy
• Law
• Medical Services/Health Care (analyst, quality assurance, patient advocate, etc.)
• Sociologist (requires graduate training)

Masters graduates may:

• Teach in two-year or community colleges
• Conduct research and planning in government agencies, private corporations or civic organizations

A PhD is usually required to:

• Teach at the university level
• Direct research centers or programs in higher education or at the national level

Minoring in Sociology

A minor in sociology is often of interest to students in allied behavioral and social sciences, including criminal justice, social work, psychology and other fields.

Sociology Minor Curriculum

Click here to declare the minor online

Major Maps

• Guide: Sociology (BA)

Advising

For more details on majoring or minoring in Sociology, please contact the Department of Sociology to schedule an appointment with the Director of Undergraduate Studies: (513) 556-4700 or sociology@uc.edu. 

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Students in this program can participate in the optional co-op track and gain valuable work experience while they are still in school. To fulfill the requirements of this track, students are prepared to participate in a competitive search process to complete at least two co-op experiences. Participation in the co-op track will be noted on students’ transcripts.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen applicants, please visit the Admission Requirements page for more information. Current Freshmen Class Profile is 3.044-3.660 (on a 4.0 scale) HS GPA with an ACT combined score 21-26

Transferring to UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 GPA at the most recent institution.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• At least a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 GPA at most recent institution
• Successfully completed one semester of English composition or its equivalent
• Successfully completed one semester of math with a grade of C- or higher that minimally meets on of the following:
  • Mathematical Literacy (MATH 0029)
  • Intermediate Algebra (MATH 0034)
  • Algebra for College (MATH 0039)
  • Students may also take the UC math placement exam, but must score an MPT of 420 or higher

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student might qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Admission to A&S is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges if they were admissible directly from high school, have a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 GPA at their most recent UC college.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• At least a 2.0 GPA in all college-level courses (both at UC and at other institutions)
• Successfully completed one semester of English composition or its equivalent
• Successfully completed one semester of math with a grade of C- or higher that minimally meets on of the following:
  • Mathematical Literacy (MATH 0029)
  • Intermediate Algebra (MATH 0034)
  • Algebra for College (MATH 0039)
  • Students may also take the UC math placement exam, but must score an MPT of 420 or higher

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the UC College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 120.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 30 credits after matriculating into the college.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the College Core Requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Application Deadlines

While midyear admission is possible, fall semester is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that semester. Applicants to the UC College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in French West, 2nd Floor). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).

Accreditation