Sociology

The Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology is the scientific study of human social relationships. It allows individuals to understand the connections between their own experiences and the society in which they live. In carrying on social life, human beings interact with each other and construct patterns of relationships, groups, classes, institutions and societies. Individuals shape those patterns and those patterns, in turn, shape individuals and their lives. In fact, the central insight of sociology is that social relationships and social interactions shape human behavior, attitudes and resources.

The Department of Sociology offers a Sociology major program and a Sociology minor. Sociology majors may choose General Sociology or may elect Sociology with a concentration in one of the following: Education, City Community & Region, or Global Studies.

A degree in sociology is an excellent springboard for your training in elementary education.  The sociological perspective is very beneficial for working with students of different cultures, races and ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds.  Sociology trains you to look beneath the surface, and ask questions that will inform the way that you teach in your classroom.  Sociological research influences the way we think about schools, learning, access to education, and important issues faced by youth today.  Choosing a double-major in sociology, allows you to not only learn about society, but you can choose to additionally focus your sociology major in education by choosing the Education Concentration.  This concentration offers you the opportunity to focus your learning on schools, youth populations and organizations, and allows you the freedom to choose from the other varied offerings within the department.  Finally, when choosing a capstone in your final semester in sociology, you can choose to undertake an internship working with youth populations and in elementary schools, or you can participate in a research project focused on education.

For more information on this major contact:

Chairperson: Dr. Patricia Fanning
Administrative Assistant: Sarah Whittey
Web Site: Sociology
Phone: 508.531.1355
Fax: 508.531.1492
Building: Burrill Office Complex (95 Burrill Avenue)