Sociology

Sociology at St. Mary’s

Sociology at St. Mary’s University inspires students to be lifelong learners as they explore social and cultural factors that shape their lives and the lives of others. Students study a range of diverse phenomena — from small group interactions to families and religion, inequalities to race relations, and public health to population change — to better understand the links between individual experiences and the larger society. 

Sociology majors develop abilities to ask critical questions, examine problems, and gather and analyze data using both qualitative research methods and statistical tools. Strong analytical skills and enhanced cultural awareness prepare our graduates for community engagement, leadership and a variety of post-baccalaureate careers. 

• Degree Plans

  Students can pursue a 120-credit-hour bachelor’s degree in Sociology, with 36 credit hours within the major:

  Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

  St. Mary’s also offers an 18-credit-hour Sociology minor:

  Sociology Minor

• Courses

  Course areas include:

  Aging 
  Future societies 
  Population and society 
  Race and ethnic relations 
  Religion 
  Sex and gender roles 
  Social issues 
  Statistics 

  course catalog

What can I do with a degree in Sociology?

Career Opportunities

Recent graduates have found rewarding careers in social services, nonprofit organizations and corporations, and have advanced to graduate programs in sociology, law, public health, social work and international affairs.  Students have also gone into post-graduate service including Teach for America, AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps. 

Potential careers for Sociology majors include: 

Healthcare resource professional 
Social service advocate 
Data analyst 
Market researcher 
Policy analyst 
Urban development specialist 
Community health worker  

Graduate or Professional School

Talk to faculty about career and graduate school options. We will review programs for tailored interests, financial options, and current opportunities with accelerated degree programs affiliated with St. Mary’s and our partner universities. One of the most important things a student can do to prepare for a career and/or graduate school is to participate in faculty-mentored research and get applied experience with an internship, study abroad or volunteerism.