About this Program
As a broad discipline, Sociology has something to offer everyone. The content of what we cover in our courses includes the study of a vast array of topics, including: the development of social selves, deviant subcultures, cults, panics, rumors, organizations, social and economic inequality, globalization, states, and global political economy. Running through all of what we do is the analysis of social structure (micro, meso, and macro levels) and the interplay between self and society.
- Our program's curriculum stresses both theory and method, and offers elective credits in key areas within the discipline - e.g., social organization, social psychology, social movements, inequality.
- Students gain substantive knowledge in key areas as well as practical skills in the realm of data analysis.
- Our Department's Internship program is very successful at matching student interns with organizations where students get hands-on experience and, in some cases, students end up with job offers from the places where they interned.
- Our Department is home to a number of related disciplines - Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology, and Women/Gender/Sexuality Studies. Our programs complement one another, such that students are able to take courses in these different components that count toward their Sociology Degree.
Acquired Skills
- Students in our Sociology program acquire analytical skills. As a multiple paradigmatic science, study in sociology requires students to understand and apply multiple theoretical perspectives in examining social phenomena.
- Students in our Sociology program acquire key methodological skills. Students are required to learn a variety of different methods including qualitative, quantitative, and historical methods for both institutional and community-based action research.
- Students in our Sociology program acquire professional skills through both course-based requirements and their internship experience.
Career Possibilities
Graduates of our Sociology program go on to make valuable contributions in a variety of work settings. The majority of our alumni work in Social Services -- in some cases they go on to earn their MSW and are social workers; in other cases, they are treatment workers in chemical dependency programs; or they work for non-profit organizations. We have Sociology graduates who have gone on to earn their Ph.D. and are now professors in Sociology and/or Criminology programs.
The courses offered in our Sociology program provide a solid foundation for work in an array of different organizations. Students with Sociology majors go on to work in both private and public spheres, for profit businesses as well as not for profit agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
Admissions and Scholarships
The department offers one scholarship to sociology students: the Robert Franz Scholarship in Sociology: $1,000. Awarded to an outstanding student in sociology. Preference given to students with financial need.
CAHSS is proud to be able to offer over 90 alumni and donor funded scholarships to our students each year. In total over $190,000 is awarded out to CAHSS majors and some minors as well. Each department facilitates the process for their specific scholarships and students are also encouraged to apply for CAHSS-wide scholarships offered to students in any field.
Student Clubs
Sociology Club and Minnesota Public Research Interest Group (MPIRG)