Learn how sociological research can find solutions to our toughest social problems with a degree in Sociology from Dean College.

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, identify the root causes of complex societal issues and advocate for change.

Through coursework, you’ll 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
Dean College professor working with a student

School of Liberal Arts Faculty

Gain valuable insights from our School of Liberal Arts faculty, who are here to help you every step of the way.

Sociology Courses

Course Number Course Title Credits
SOC 113 Introduction to Sociology 3
SOC 245 Research Methods in the Social Sciences 3
200-LEVEL SOC ELE 200-level Sociology Electives 12
UPPER-DIVISON MAJOR ELE Upper-Division Sociology Electives 12
SOC 495 Senior Capstone 3
PSY 111 General Psychology 3
HISTORY OR ECONOMICS ELE History or Economics Elective 3
LAS 415 Critical Theory 3
DCA 100 Campus Connections: Making the Transition 1
DCA 110 Career Connections: Developing Your Brand 1
DCA 200 Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan 1
DCA 300 The Internship Experience 3
DCA 350 Future Connections: Launching Your Career 3
DCA EXPERIENCE ELE Dean Career Advantage Experience Courses 6
Total Credits 57

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 111 Composition l 3
ENG 112 Composition ll 3
SPC 101 Communication Fundamentals 3
SOC 132 Statistics for the Social Sciences 3
LAB SCIENCE ELECTIVE Core Lab Science Elective 4
ARTS ELECTIVE Core Distribution Arts Elective 3
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Humanities Elective 3
NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective 3
SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective 3
COM 327 Applied Professional Communication 3
UDLA ELE Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives 9
Total Credits 40

Course Number Course Title Credits
ELE Electives 24
Total Credits 24

* Subject to change
** Based on the Dean College Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Beyond the Classroom

Dean College student working on a computer As a Sociology major, you’ll put theory into practice every step of the way.

You’ll complete a required, for-credit internship with a local or regional social advocacy group, social work agency, police department, juvenile detention center, public policy think-tank or related organization. You’ll also complete a senior seminar and senior capstone research project.

And when you graduate, you’ll be prepared to find rewarding work in social advocacy organizations, as public policy analysts, in law enforcement, and as researchers with universities, nonprofits and private foundations. A degree in Sociology is also 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.

 

Live and Study Together

Dean College students connecting in a residence hall Experience your first year of college while living with your classmates through CONNECT, a living learning community for social science majors.

Inside the classroom, you will learn together and collaborate on projects. You’ll make connections to the materials you’re studying as well as to each other, building relationships with your peers, faculty and staff and forming your identity as a social sciences major. The community you share will extend beyond the classroom, as you live together in Wallace Hall. Here, you’ll receive the traditional first-year residential experience, while also participating in unique social, academic and career development programs to help you make the most of your education.

Uniquely Dean

Dean College Campus Center classroom. Discover the unique programming that the Dean College Sociology program has to offer.
  • 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 and that connect your interests and career plans.
  • Participate in advocacy-oriented campus organizations like Students for Sensible Drug Policy and Dean Community Outreach.

RECENT STORIES

Check out the news and stories below to learn more about being a Sociology major at Dean.