Sociology
- Bachelor of Arts
- Minor
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What is Sociology
Sociology is the study of the social relationships and institutions of humans and how we interact with one another in groups. Subjects can be as small as a nuclear family or as large as entire ethnicities. Sociologists are interested in issues relating to social class, race, crime, poverty, addiction, and a wide range of other topics. Some research methods that sociologists use in their studies include conducting surveys, analyzing census data, interviews, observing social interactions, and interpreting historical documents and events. The information that sociologists gather helps us to understand the human social experience and interpret how larger societal factors affect personal experiences and beliefs.
Undergraduate Programs
What Can I Do With a Major in Sociology?
An undergraduate degree in sociology provides a strong liberal arts foundation for entry-level positions in social services, law or criminal justice, education, community development, marketing or other business-related fields and government jobs. Those who enter human services might work with youths at risk, the elderly or people experiencing problems related to poverty, substance abuse or the justice system. Those who enter the business world might work in sales, marketing, customer relations or human resources. Others may choose a teaching career. Sociology also offers valuable preparation for careers in journalism, politics, public relations, business or public administration — fields that involve investigative skills and working with diverse groups. In addition, an undergraduate degree in sociology is excellent preparation for future graduate work in sociology in order to become a professor, researcher or applied sociologist.
What can I do with a Sociology Degree
Sociologists can work in a variety of fields. Some potential employers include:
- Research institutions
- Criminal justice system
- Public Health/Welfare Organizations
- Law firms
- International agencies
- Educational institutions and universities
- Advertising/Marketing firms
- Survey and polling organizations
- Government agencies
Because sociologists are interested in human behavior, social interactions, and the structure of social groups, there are opportunities for sociology majors to work in all aspects of a society. Students with an undergraduate sociology degree learn skills like empathy, teamwork, collaboration, research, data analysis, and enhanced verbal and written communication skills that apply to a range of careers that often do not require a graduate degree to obtain. Some common jobs for sociology graduates include social workers, human resources professionals, paralegals, community health workers, and public relations specialists, among many others.
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Major Requirements (36 credits)
Major Requirements (36 credits)
SO 101 Introduction to Sociology - 3 credits
AN 222 Cultural Anthropology - 3 credits
SO 235 Inequality and Social Problems - 3 credits
PY 203 Statistics I - 3 credits
SO 307 Sociological Theory - 3 credits
AN 360 Qualitative Research Methods - 3 credits
SO 405 Senior Seminar I - 3 credits
SO 450 Senior Seminar II - 3 creditsAny Four Sociology Electives (12 credits)
Students are encouraged to select a complimentary area of study (minor or second major) in consultation with their faculty adviser.
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Minor Requirements (18 credits)
SO 101 Introduction to Sociology
SO 235 Inequality and Social Problems
Any Four Sociology Electives from Above (12 Credits)
In consultation with department chair
Sociology Accreditations and Affiliations
American Sociological Association https://www.asanet.org/.Research Opportunities
Below are some examples of topics that senior sociology students have chosen as their thesis:
- Attitudes regarding inequality
- The Ku Klux Klan
- Local news reinforcing existing stereotypes
- Violence in video games
- The health effects of working overtime
- How poverty sets students up for failure
Alumni Spotlight: Where have SVC Sociology Students Landed
Graduate schools attended:
- City University of New York School of Law
- Wilmington University
- Columbia University
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh
- Queen’s University Belfast
- American College of Education
Types of jobs held:
- Public Defender and Mental Health Advocate
- Correctional Officer
- Sex Offender Clinician/Therapist
- Digital Video Director and Producer
- Assistant Professor of Child and Family Studies
- Director of Simple Interactions and Academic Programs
- Epidemiology Research Associate and Epidemiology Program Specialist
- Director of Admissions and Media Marketing Specialist
- Centurion Managed Care
- The Wall Street Journal
- CBS Sports.
- The TODAY Show
- Saint Vincent College
- Pennsylvania Department of Health
Student Learning Outcomes
With a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Saint Vincent College, students will receive a strong liberal arts foundation for entry-level positions in social services, law and criminal justice, education, community development, marketing or other business-related fields, and government jobs. An undergraduate degree in sociology is also great preparation for graduate work in applied sociology or other research in the social sciences. A background in sociology can be a great addition to other fields as well, both in and out of the humanities and social sciences.
Student Learning Outcomes include:
- Delineate the major theoretical frameworks and distinctive concepts upon which the discipline is grounded.
- Explain the effects of social location on groups and individuals.
- Explain the dynamics of social change and explain how social structures change because of social forces.
- Critically evaluate explanations of human behavior and social phenomena by using the sociological imagination.
- Apply scientific principles to understand the social world.
- Conduct and critique empirical research.