Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology

Sociology: A Degree for the Future

The study of sociology is a valuable and rewarding experience that can prepare you for a wide variety of careers. Sociology majors learn about the social world, including how individuals and groups interact, how social institutions work, and how social change occurs. These skills are in high demand in today's job market, and a sociology degree can give you a competitive edge.

Career Possibilities

Sociology majors can find jobs in a variety of fields, including:

• Legal: Sociology is considered a preferred major by most law schools.
• Medicine: MCAT revisions to cover foundational knowledge of social science concepts, 30 percent of the new section stems directly from sociology. 
• Law enforcement: Sociology majors can use their knowledge of social behavior and crime to work as police officers, detectives, or social workers.
• Public service: Sociology majors can work in government agencies, such as the Department of Health and Human Services or the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Advocacy: Sociology majors can use their skills to advocate for social change. They may work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or businesses.
• Social entrepreneurship and leadership: Sociology majors can use their skills to start their own businesses or lead social change initiatives.

The Value of a Sociology Degree

In addition to preparing you for a variety of careers, a sociology degree can also give you the following benefits:

• Critical thinking skills: Sociology majors learn to think critically about social issues. This skill is essential for success in any field.
• Communication skills: Sociology majors learn to communicate effectively in writing and in person. This skill is essential for working with others and for getting your point across.
• Research skills: Sociology majors learn to conduct research and analyze data. These skills are essential for a variety of careers, including law, business, and public policy.

Transferable Skills

A sociology degree is a versatile degree that can be paired with other degrees to create a unique and marketable skillset. For example, a sociology degree paired with a business degree can prepare you for a career in human resources or market research. A sociology degree paired with a law degree can prepare you for a career in social justice or public policy.

Marian University's Sociology Program

Marian University's sociology program is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers. Our program offers a rigorous curriculum that covers the core concepts of sociology, as well as specialized courses in areas such as criminology, social inequality, and social policy. We also offer a variety of opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience, such as internships and research opportunities.

Minors in Peace and Justice Studies, Criminal Justice, Public Health, and Social Work

Marian University also offers minors in peace and justice studies, criminal justice, public health, and social work. These minors can be paired with a sociology degree to create a well-rounded education that prepares students for a variety of careers.

What Do I Study?

Depending on your career goals, you may want to add a minor, concentration, or even a second major. Marian University can help create a path to successfully graduate in four years.

Sample Four-Year Plan and Checklist 

"To be successful [as a physician] in this era requires mastery of core scientific principles in psychology and social sciences…. There’s a science about how you help people change their behavior, how you manage to span cultural differences. There’s literature that tells us that one approach works better than the other."

Famous and Significant People with Sociology Degrees

• Rev. Martin Luther King
• Ronald Reagan (double major in sociology and economics)
• Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States
• Bill Moyers, journalist and commentator
• Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop of Washington, DC
• Robin Williams, actor/comedian
• Dan Aykroyd, actor/Blues Brother
• Ruth Westheimer, the sex doctor
• Blunt, singer/songwriter
• Pete Seeger, singer/songwriter
• Saul Alinsky, father of community organizing
• Emily Balch, 1946 Nobel Peace Prize winner (a social worker and social reformer)
• Francis Perkins, social reformer and former Secretary of Labor
• Roy Wilkins, former head of NAACP
• Shirley Chisholm, former Congresswoman from NY
• Maxine Waters, Congresswoman from LA
• Barbara Mikulski, US Senator from Maryland
• Tim Holden, Congressman from Pennsylvania
  

If you are interested in learning more about Marian University's sociology program, please contact Deeb Kitchen (dpkitchen@marian.edu) or the Marian University admissions office.

"[T]he MCAT exam requires an understanding of cultural and social differences, social stratification and access to resources, and factors that influence communication and behavior."