explore the complexities of social behavior
Are you a people watcher? Does human social behavior fascinate you? ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program focuses on the origins and evolution of human social interaction. Through hands-on learning opportunities, including fieldwork, research, and internships, you will learn about a range of social challenges; consider their cultural, global, and political implications; and find out how to be part of the solution. You’ll leave the program ready to pursue a career in social service or a graduate degree in sociology, social work, law, economics, environmental studies, public health, or many other disciplines.
Why ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ for Your B.A. in Sociology
Because student engagement is a high priority, we offer research opportunities, guest speakers, fieldwork, and hands-on classroom experiences that get you excited about sociology. This focus on learning by doing not only makes for richer student experiences but gives you an edge when applying for employment or graduate study.
- Emphasis on engaging fieldwork, internships, and capstone experience
- Personalized academic support
- Travel abroad opportunities
- Strong job and graduate school placement rates
Allie Symonds ’18
Experiential Education
During my time at ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ, I did an internship at Sweetser in the Crisis Unit working with children ages 5–17. When my internship was over, I was offered a job as a youth and family counselor in the crisis unit where I worked for about a year until moving on to digital research. I am grateful that ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ provides internship opportunities for students while they’re in school because it provides on-the-ground experiences that you aren’t able to get in the classroom. For me, it showed me that I did not want to pursue the counseling/therapy track and instead focus on research.
I took a few research classes but the most influential experience I had was working in the Self and Close Relationship Lab. I started in the lab as a freshman and it opened my eyes to another side of psychology I didn’t know was available. While working in the lab I gained extensive experience in all aspects of the research process and currently use much of what I learned in my full-time job. I wouldn’t be on the track I am — on the career path I’m on — if I hadn’t gotten involved in undergraduate research. The number of hours I spent in the lab along with the ability to work one-on-one with Dr. Peterson afforded me so many experiences and learning opportunities that aren’t available through only classes.
I wouldn’t be on the track I am — on the career path I’m on — if I hadn’t gotten involved in undergraduate research.
What Will You Study? Sociology Degree Curriculum Overview
B.A. in Sociology Courses
The following are examples of the exciting courses that the Sociology major offers:
- Society in Latin America
- Sociology of Food, Health, and Society
- Societies of the Future Through Science Fiction Cinema
- Medical Sociology
- Sociology of Law
- A Just Society
Curriculum
| Nor’easter Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 40 |
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| SOC 150 – Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 268 – Practice of Social Research | 3 |
| SOC 270 – Classical Social Theory | 3 |
| SOC 280 – Contemporary Social Theory | 3 |
| SOC 300 – Internship | 3 |
| SOC 370 – Applied Field Methods | 3 |
| One (1) 300- or 400-level elective | 3 |
| One (1) Social Cultural Studies Course | 3 |
| One (1) Social Global Studies Course | 3 |
| One (1) Sociology, Anthropology, or Archeology course at any level | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Select One (1) Applied Capstone Experience (see more details below) | Credits |
|---|---|
| Option One (1) - Internship | 9–16 |
| Option Two (2) - Capstone Thesis | 9–16 |
| Option Three (3) - Study Abroad | 9–16 |
| Total Credits | 9–16 |
| Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 120 |
|---|
Please note: While some courses can fulfill both core and program requirements, the credits earned do not count twice towards the minimum total required credits for the degree.
Applied Capstone Experiences (ACE)
Internship
Students may take between nine (9) and sixteen (16) credits to complete this ACE. Students may select from over seven hundred and fifty (750) sites in the Civic Engagement database. This learning opportunity should parallel the student’s area of interest and help them to gain experience, skills, and knowledge of how systems work and how to develop options in a given field.
Thesis
Students may take between nine (9) and sixteen (16) credits to complete this ACE. The thesis should build on the work the student has done in the Sociology major. This academic work should prepare them for graduate study in disciplines that have been incorporated into their study.
Study Abroad
Students typically take between fifteen (15) and sixteen (16) credits to complete a study abroad experience. While studying in a foreign society and culture is important, the primary focus is to take courses from the new institution that will help the student develop their areas of interest as they relate to the major. In short, there needs to be an integrated social science experience that drives the study abroad learning and the opportunity to explore a new society and culture for this to be a successful experience. All study abroad experiences should first be cleared with the Director of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences to see if they qualify to meet the requirements for the capstone.
Sociology majors may use the same courses to fulfill major requirements and Nor’easter Core requirements.
Students in this major can participate in the pre-health graduate school preparation tracks.
To learn more about the program see the Academic Catalog.
Meet Cam, a Sociology Major With a Passion for Videography
He plans to use visual storytelling to engage the public and inspire action around important issues — like protecting our oceans and fisheries. Cam is one of the many ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ students who are gaining the skills and knowledge to make an impact and be of service.
Career Paths for Sociology Majors
A deep and nuanced understanding of human social behavior is an advantage in virtually every profession. While your degree in Sociology will position you to pursue advanced graduate study in a variety of fields -- from social work, counseling, and public health to criminology, law, and medicine -- there are many careers you may consider, including:
- Lawyer
- Public Relations/Advertising Specialist
- Market Researcher
- Journalist
- ESL/ELL teacher
- Mediator
- Social Justice Advocate
- Youth Services Administrator
- U.S. Government Civil Servant
Career Advising for Sociology Students
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
Taking Sociology Beyond the Classroom
International Medical Missions
As a Sociology major, you may opt to travel to Latin America as part of the IMM(²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ) club, which conducts medical volunteer missions in places like Guatemala and Ecuador.
Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology Program
The Sociology major’s focus on applied, hands-on learning gets you out in the community, elbow-to-elbow with a variety of professionals in real-world settings.
Internships for Sociology Majors
Our database of more than 900 internship sites allows you to gain valuable professional experience in a field you want to explore. Our graduates have interned with legal services organizations, international charities, downtown community organizations, public access television stations, and many other groups.
For more information, contact Sam McReynolds, Ph.D., at (207) 602-2765 or smcreynolds@une.edu.
Senior Capstone Experience
As an Applied Social student, you choose a capstone experience to widen the scope of your expertise. There are three ways to fulfill the applied capstone experience (ACE).
Internship
You may take between 9 and 16 credits to complete this ACE. You may select from more than 800 sites in the departmental database. This learning opportunity should parallel your area of interest and help you gain experience, skills, and knowledge of how systems work and how to develop options in a given field.
Thesis
You may take between 9 and 16 credits to complete this ACE. The thesis should build on the work you have done in the Sociology major. This academic work should prepare you for graduate study in disciplines that have been incorporated into your study.
Study Abroad
It typically takes 15-16 credits to complete a study abroad experience. While studying in a foreign society and culture is important, the primary focus is to take courses from the new institution that will help you to develop your areas of interest as it relates to your major. In short, there needs to be an integrated social science experience that drives the study abroad learning as well as the opportunity to explore a new society and culture for this to be a successful experience. All study abroad experiences should first be cleared with the department chair to see if they qualify to meet the requirement for the capstone.
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future in ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology? Get started today.
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology FAQ
What is a sociology degree?
A sociology degree explores human behavior and society. Sociology is a social science that looks at interactions from individual to a global scale, both in history and the modern era. Students learn to ask important questions, research, and use data to tackle problems such as how important social categories like class, race, and gender intersect with power, wealth, family conflicts, cultural issues, discrimination, and healthcare disparities.
²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology program that helps students grasp current social problems and find solutions. This degree equips students with diverse skills and experiences, boosting their future academic and career prospects, and empowering them to be more active and aware citizens.
Additionally, ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ offers a Minor in Sociology which provides students with a broad-based exposure to sociological theories and methods, as well as a wide range of current social issues. Students receive extensive experiential learning opportunities as well. A sociology minor can help students pursue careers in a variety of disciplines including sociology, criminology, social work, law, economics, environmental studies, and public health.
What can you do with a sociology degree?
A sociology degree opens doors to many graduate programs and careers. After your bachelor’s, your next step could be graduate school for business, law, social work, public health, or education. With a master’s or doctorate in sociology, you could even become a professor.
Many sociology graduates work in social services like counseling, teaching, social work, and policing. Administrative roles in communication, human resources, marketing, or public relations are also common. Sociology majors also learn a lot of human behavior skills that prepare you for roles in management.
Students who graduate with a degree in sociology from ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ have pursued many fascinating careers, including lawyers, public relations/advertising specialists, market researchers, journalists, ESL/ELL teachers, mediators, social justice advocates, youth services administrators, and U.S. government civil servants. ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ students have the ability to work with our Academic and Career Advising Center. It doesn’t matter if you have a clear career goal or just a general interest in a field.
How long does it take to get a sociology degree?
The time it takes to earn a sociology degree varies by the type of degree. An associate’s degree takes around two years, a bachelor’s takes about four years for full-time students, a master’s takes one to two years, and a Ph.D. program usually lasts four years or more.
Universities offer