Undergraduate

In our Sociology Department, students explore how major social forces—such as political systems, technological change, environmental challenges, and markets—shape everyday life. Our faculty and students examine a wide range of topics including family, work, crime, popular culture, politics, gender, race, and ethnicity. We also delve into the study of emotions and the cultural values that influence how we interact with others and navigate the world. Whether you're interested in global trends or local communities, sociology offers the tools to understand and engage with the most pressing issues of our time.

The sociology major is designed to provide undergraduate preparation leading to careers in social work, politics, law, public administration, the nonprofit sector, international development, marketing, urban and environmental planning, public relations, human resource management, criminal justice, counseling and other social service professions. The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology will also prepare a student for advanced studies in several areas, including sociology, social work, environmental studies, education, public health and urban planning.

Sociology Undergraduate Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students pursuing a degree in sociology will achieve the following learning outcomes:

Students will apply key sociological concepts.
Students will compare, contrast, and critique major theoretical and epistemological orientations in sociology including functionalism, conflict, interactionism, and feminism.
Students will demonstrate critical thinking from various sociological perspectives, such as reflecting on their social location, evaluating the implicit assumptions of everyday life, challenging commonsense understandings, and assessing the structure of an argument.
Students will demonstrate clear and effective written and oral communication skills.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research design and methods and evaluate their appropriate use.
Students will use sociological knowledge and skills to engage with local and global communities for the purpose of social justice.
Students will demonstrate a critical understanding of power, privilege, and oppression across a range of cultures, human experiences, and the intersections of social locations and historical experiences, including their own.