Sociology students at Dickinson never become silent about the things that matter—they never stop asking the important questions. Why has social inequality gotten worse? How can we challenge sexism and racism? Sociology students at Dickinson explore these questions—and much more—through real-world experience, rigorous coursework and independent research projects.

With sociology at Dickinson, students can expect challenging yet supportive environments to discuss and explore important social and political issues in the classroom and beyond. We support the development of critical-thinking skills through a close, unflinching examination of real-world problems.

Our courses encourage students to not only understand but also produce research through both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Majors pursue their own interests through our wide variety of classes, independent research projects, internship opportunities and collaborations with our faculty. Our program encourages off-campus study, including global study, enabling students to apply directly the sociological theories and methodologies they develop toward community-based learning and empirical research.

Anti-racism Statement

The Department of Sociology at Dickinson College issues this statement in support of protests demanding anti-racist reforms to end police violence.

Read the full statement here.

Contact Info

Chair

Erik LoveAssociate Professor of Sociology

Department Coordinator

Maria RitchieAcademic Department Coordinator

Phone

717-245-1290

Fax

717-245-1479

Location

219A, Denny Hall Mailing Address

Department Features



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Study Abroad
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Current Courses

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Mosaics
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Student-Faculty Research

Student Outcomes

Where Our Students Go From Here

Jobs:

  • Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.
  • AmeriCorps
  • Harvard Graduate School of Education
  • Fulbright Program
  • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
  • Enterprise Knowledge LLC
  • College Advising Corps
  • Army Corps of Engineers Cape Cod Canal Visitors Center
  • Police Executive Research Forum
  • Community Action Association of Pennsylvania
  • Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project
  • Institute for Family Health
  • Special Olympics
  • Peace Corps

Graduate Schools:

  • Boston College
  • Loyola Marymount University
  • University of Southern California
  • Ohio State University
  • New York University
  • Yale University Nursing School
  • Australian National University
  • Catholic University of America
  • Caldwell University
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Syracuse University
  • University of Delaware
  • Harvard School of Education Policy and Management
  • Columbia University
Where Our Students Have Interned
  • Baseball Hall of Fame Steele Internship Program
  • Center for Family Justice
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Georgia Public Defender Council, Office of the Georgia Capital Defender
  • Jewish Family And Children's Services (Legal Services for Immigrants & Internationals)
  • PA Behavioral Health and Aging Coalition
  • Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center
  • Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
  • SoundCloud
  • Teach For America
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • Urban Education Leaders Internship Program
  • Women In Need

Student Perspective

“From the day that I took my first Sociology course, I knew that this department would become my home. I love how passionate and invested the faculty is in both my professional and personal growth. Through the interdisciplinary format of the major, I've enjoyed taking a variety of courses related to health. I've been to South Africa twice to conduct HIV research and as a research assistant on building a dual-national tuberculosis prevention program. I hope to pursue a career in international humanitarian aid fighting for universal access to healthcare.”

— Janna Safran '19


Sociology News

All News Department News
Student Snapshot: Lilly Zeitlin

Student Snapshot: Lilly Zeitlin '21

Meet Lilly Zeitlin ’21, whose interest in studying institutional inequalities led her to conduct original research in India focusing on how urban and industrial development impacts rural communities.

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Dickinson College Sociology Major Finds Success as Rabbi, Bioethicist and Novelist

Dickinson College Sociology Major Finds Success as Rabbi, Bioethicist and Novelist

Rabbi, teacher and novelist Phil Cohen ’73, former sociology major, shares his faith and talent for writing in a new Jewish science fiction detective novel.

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Education Abroad: Living and Interning in South America

Education Abroad: Living and Interning in South America

“I was able to immerse myself in not just one culture but actually in two,” says Alana Richards ’20, who had a bilingual winery internship in Mendoza, Argentina, while abroad for a full year.

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Dickinson College Professor of Sociology Earns National Book Award

Dickinson College Professor of Sociology Earns National Book Award

The American Sociological Association names Helene Lee's book on migration and transnationalism an Asian American Book Award winner.

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Life-changing Travels

Life-changing Travels

Meaghan McBride ’19 has researched in China, interned at a nonprofit, studied in Denmark and Cameroon, presented at a national conference and led two service trips.

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A New Global View

A New Global View

“After taking these classes, I didn’t see the world in the same way,” says Meet Mollie Montague ’19, on her Dickinson experience as a sociology and Spanish double major.

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