What does the sociology major entail?

The major in sociology offers three concentrations: General Sociology; Crime and Justice; and Health, Medicine and the Body.

 

The concentration in General Sociology offers a broad and substantial exposure to the problems and prospects associated with culture, institutions, social inequities, human relations, social process, social movements and social change. It provides students with a fundamental critical social science knowledge base from which to approach a variety of careers in the professions or work in human service, non-profits, community advocacy, government or business. It is also an excellent foundation for entrance into graduate study.

The concentration in Crime and Justice equips the students with the necessary knowledge and skills to enter, and be effective in, the various fields of adult and juvenile justice, youth development, community justice, victim advocacy and human services. An emphasis upon the relationship between law and society makes it an equally valuable track for graduate criminological and legal studies.

The concentration in Health, Medicine and the Body prepares students for employment in this rapidly growing sector by providing students with: an understanding of the ways in which cultural patterns influence bodies and health; a comprehensive overview of the social, economic, and political forces that shape the American health care system; and an understanding of the global inequalities that give rise to disparities in health status. Many Health, Medicine ad the Body concentrators seek jobs in the health care sector upon graduation.  These jobs may be in hospitals, government agencies,  insurance companies, and community organizations. The concentration is good preparation for graduate study in education, social work, hospital or public administration, as well as joint RN/MS programs that fast-track college graduates into the nursing profession.