Frequently Asked Questions about Sociology

                                    General Questions  ||  For Majors  ||  For Minors

General Questions:

What skills can I gain with a sociology degree?

Conduct Research and Analyze Data: Learn both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This will allow you to recognize social trends and patterns and to produce social statistics such as those used in market research, opinion polling, sales, and countless other applications.

Communicate Skillfully: Learn how to convey your ideas effectively in writing and presentations.

Practice Critical Thinking: Learn to look beyond the surface of issues to discover the "why.” Build your analytical skills. Solve problems and identify opportunities.

Gain a Global Perspective: Learn about different cultures and how to analyze the interactions of groups and societies through a global and historical perspective.
 
Prepare for Graduate School: An undergraduate major in sociology provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in a wide range of fields including law, business, social work, medicine, public health, public administration and, of course, sociology.

For more information, see the Student Resources page on the American Sociological Association website.

 
What kind of jobs can I get with a degree in Sociology?

• • Sociologists enter the corporate, non-profit, and government worlds as directors of research, policy analysts, consultants, human resource managers, and program managers.
• • Practicing sociologists with advanced degrees may work as research analysts, survey researchers, gerontologists, statisticians, urban planners, community developers, criminologists, or demographers.
• • Sociologists become high school teachers or faculty in colleges and universities, advising students, conducting research, and publishing their work.
  

How do I declare a Sociology Major?

To declare a major in Sociology, you must complete a Major Declaration Form; obtain signatures from the Chair of the Sociology Department, your previous adviser, and your new sociology adviser; and return the form to the Office of the Registrar.


For Majors:

What are the requirements for a Sociology Major?

There are a total of 10 course requirements for a Sociology Major—Social Analysis; Quantitative Research Methods; Qualitative Research Methods, Classical OR Contemporary Theory; a Senior Seminar, and 5 electives. Of these 5 electives, 3 must focus on a common theme or idea—these classes form your thematic.

(see also: the Academic Bulletin: Sociology and Sociology: Guidelines for the Major)


What is a “thematic”?

A thematic is an area of focus or expertise within the field of sociology. Developing a thematic enables students to acquire an area of specialization, in addition to their understanding of broader sociological principles and methods. Possible thematics include, but are not limited to: gender, religion, race/ethnicity, globalization, health, family, and social movements.

By spring break of their senior year, the student should submit a thematic statement to their adviser that articulates how their (minimum of) three courses relate to one another in ways that fulfill the thematic. This thematic statement is generally 1-2 paragraphs long.


For Minors:


What are the requirements for a Sociology Minor?

There are a total of 6 course requirements for a Sociology Minor—Social Analysis; Quantitative Research Methods OR Qualitative Research Methods; Classical OR Contemporary Theory; and 3 electives.

 
Do I need an adviser in Sociology if I become a minor?

No, students do not need to seek an adviser in a subject in which they minor.