The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program enables students to think scientifically about societies and human behavior. The program teaches an array of valuable skills for today’s job market, including critical thinking, logic, writing for either scientific or general audiences, identifying and predicting social trends, and the ability to work in diverse groups. Of particular importance are the data gathering and statistical skills that sociology majors obtain while pursuing their degree. Sociology majors may pursue a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a concentration in applied sociology. The general program is intended to prepare students for traditional graduate programs, while the applied program prepares students to seek employment after the completion of their undergraduate degree or professional training in areas such as clinical, counseling, social work, or public policy development. The sociology program also offers an optional emphasis in family/aging studies. Students in either the general or applied sociology programs may choose this emphasis.

Students with a degree in sociology often secure occupations in public policy areas, including health services, community work with development agencies or environmental groups, social services, education, social and market research, and governmental service. Sociological training instills in students an understanding of diverse groups and the skills to investigate human behavior. Sociology graduates may provide front-line services to clients in a variety of social settings or work in program management positions where evaluation of trends in behavior or quality of services is required. Sociology alumni have entered graduate programs in sociology, social work, gerontology, law, medicine, psychology, library sciences and business.