What is Sociology?
- the study of society
- the study of our behavior as social beings, covering everything from the analysis of short contacts between anonymous individuals on the street to the study of global social processes
- the scientific study of social aggregations, the entities through which humans move throughout their lives
Famous People with Sociology Degrees
- Michele Obama
- Rev. Martin Luther King
- Rev. Jesse Jackson
- President Ronald Reagan
- Robin Williams
What do Sociology Students Learn?
According to a national study, undergraduate sociology students choose the major because teh find the classes to be intriguing, useful in understanding society, and relevant to making sense of their own lives.
To Understand the Social World
- The unspoken rules that guide our daily experiences
- The social structures that shape life outcomes
- How life experiences vary by race, ethnicity, class, gender and sexuality
- How to relate to people rom a variety of diferent ethnicities, cultures and backgrounds
- How to think critically to understand social problems, especially related to various forms of inequalities
Analytical and Technical Skills
- Develop evidence-based arguments and problem-solving skills
- Understand and analyze data
- Interpret and conduct social science research
What Can I Do with a Sociology Degree?
Graduates with a sociology degree often work in traditional business enviromens in areas such as marketing, sales and management. They also pursue careers in non-profit or educational organizations, in government social service agencies and as social researchers. Many others pursue careers directed at political or social change as advocates, lobbyists and grassroots community organizers.
About one-half of sociology undergraduates go on to pursue advanced or professional degrees in fields such as sociology, social work, public policy, law or business. Many of these jobs lead to further career advancement.
Students may add the optional human services concentration to their sociology major. These graduates are eligible to take the social work certification exam in Wisconsin. Passing this exam earns the credential, Certified Social Worker. This makes graduates further employable as social workers in Wisconsin. Social workers hold direct service positions in areas such as child welfare, corrections, mental heatlh, long term care, disability services, family service, case management and client advocacy.
Job Outlook
Employment for sociologists and social workers is predicted to grow faster than other occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15 percent growth for sociologists and 19 percent growth for social workers from 2012 to 2022.
Class Requirements
Sociology Major
Required Interdisciplinary Classes (12 credits)
- SS 369: Social Science Statistics (4 cr)
- SS 370 U: Social Science Research Methods (4 cr)
- SS 484 3KX: Senior Social Science Seminar (4 cr)
Required Sociology Classes (8 credits)
- SOC 201 DJ: Introduction to Sociology or SOC 202 DJ: Introduction to Sociology: Self and Community (4 cr)
- SOC 402: Theories of Society (4 cr)
Electives (Select any for a total of 18 credits)
- SOC 203 JQ: Social Problems and Social Change (4 cr)
- SOC/WS 207 DJQ: Intro to LGBTQ+ Studies (4 cr)
- SOC/ENVS 303 2E: Food and Social Justice (4 cr)
- SOC/ETHS 309 D: Race and Ethnicity (4 cr)
- SOC/CJ 311: Sociology of Law (4 cr)
- SOC/CJ 340: Theories of Deviance (4 cr)
- SOC/ETHS 385 2DG: Bridging Borders: US/Mexico Immigration (4 cr)
- SOC 330 D: Health, Illness and Society (4 cr)
- SOC/WS 326Q: Human Sexualities (4 cr)
- SS 371 2: Society in Action
- HS 302: Social Welfare and Policy (4 cr)
- HS 305: Human Behavior and Social Environment (4 cr)
Human Services Concentration
In Addition to Sociology Major Requirements:
- HS 300/PSY 301 Methods of Human Service/Case Management (4 cr)
- HS 302 Social Welfare and Policy (4 cr)
- HS 303 Advanced Social Change Skills (4 cr)
- HS 304 Group Methods in Human Services (4 cr)
- HS 305 Human Behavior & Social Environment (4 cr)
- HS 400 Human Services Internship (4 cr)
Sociology Minor
Eighteen credits in sociology, anthropology and/or criminal justice with the particular sequence of courses to be developed by the student in consultation with an advisosr in the Social Science Department.
Contact Information:
Sociology Major or Minor: Carolyn Field, Ph.D. at cfield@edgewood.edu.
Human Services Concentration in Sociology: Patricia Egan, MS, MSW, CSAC at pegan@edgewood.edu