Sociology

Poverty, inequality, consumerism and crime are all social problems. With an associate or bachelor’s degree in sociology from Dean College, you’ll learn how to use a variety of research tools to identify the root causes of complex societal issues and advocate for change. 

Program Overview

Sociologists attempt to answer some of the toughest questions facing society. Why do people commit crime? Why is there growing income equality between the rich and poor? Are we giving too much power to technology? What are the damaging effects of institutional racism? 

An associate or bachelor’s degree in sociology from Dean College will equip you with the theoretical framework and research methods to answer these questions and more. Trained sociologists find rewarding work in social advocacy organizations, as public policy analysts, in law enforcement, and as researchers with universities, nonprofits and private foundations. 

Through coursework, you will learn how the social world is organized, how societies experience and resolve conflict, and the way cultures differ. You will develop a broad-based understanding of diversity and issues of social justice as well as the research process utilized in sociology and related fields. You will also explore the complex influence of societal forces on individual human behavior. Topics include:

• Social Inequality and Stratification
• Technology and Society
• Visual Sociology 
• Social Movements and Collective Behavior
• Criminology: Theories of Crime
• Consumer Culture

Beyond the Classroom

Every sociology student has the opportunity to complete a for-credit internship with a local or regional social advocacy group, social work agency, police department, juvenile detention center, public policy think tank or beyond. Bachelor’s degree candidates also complete a senior seminar and senior capstone research project.

An Associate or bachelor's degree in sociology is an excellent foundation for further study, including graduate and professional schools. Post-baccalaureate options include master’s programs in sociology, social work or criminal justice, law school, journalism school and more. 

Uniquely Dean

What makes our Sociology program best of breed? 

• Complete a for-credit internship with a local or regional social advocacy organization or law enforcement agency.
• Learn in classes that are engaging and hands-on, that connect with students' interests and career plans.
• Participate in advocacy-oriented campus organizations like Students for Sensible Drug Policy and Dean Community Outreach.