Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

As a broad discipline, Sociology at University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) has something to offer everyone. The content of what is covered in sociology 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 sociologists do is the analysis of social structure (micro, meso, and macro levels) and the interplay between self and society. The Sociology 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. The Studies in Justice, Culture, & Social Change 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. The Studies in Justice, Culture, & Social Change 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 the 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 the 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 the Sociology program acquire professional skills through both course-based requirements and their internship experience. Career Possibilities Graduates of the Sociology program go on to make valuable contributions in a variety of work settings. The majority of 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. UMD 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.