Why study Sociology?

Sociology is the scientific study of society and the various groups that make up a society. Sociology students 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.

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 students 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

Major Maps

• Guide: Sociology Minor Curriculum Guide

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Special Programs

UC’s Sociology Department has strong emphases in social inequality (by race, class, and gender), urban research (e.g., neighborhood change), health and medical sociology, and work and family. Students get a strong grounding in theory, statistics and research methods, culminating in a research-oriented capstone experience. This is a relatively small department with excellent teachers, about 90-100 majors and an active undergraduate sociology club.

Admission Requirements

Students already pursuing a degree in any college at UC can add the minor to their program. Be sure to submit a declaration of the minor using our online form.

In addition, you must meet with the program director so that the department is aware that you are pursuing the minor and can advise you appropriately. Do this early enough to avoid delay in obtaining your minor.

Graduation Requirements

If you have declared the minor, then it will appear on your application for graduation. Apply for graduation as you normally would for your bachelor’s degree.

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