Related Programs
Associate in Applied Science
Related Disciplines
Sociology is not a program but a Liberal Arts discipline in the Social Sciences. Sociology is the systematic study of human behavior, groups and society. The discipline focuses on the socialization of individuals into their culture; the structure of organizations; Inequalities of social class, race, ethnicity & gender; the analysis of the social institutions that structure society- family, education, religion, politics & the economy; as well as the processes of stability, deviance and change in society.
Courses Offered: Introduction to Sociology, Marriage & Family, Human Sexuality, Social Problems, Urban Sociology, Race & Ethnic Relations & Introduction to Criminology.
Sociologists at the Bachelors, Masters and PhD Level are employed in a variety of career fields. Education is an obvious one, but you will also find them in both profit and non-profit organizations, all levels of government, human resources and in various research positions as most larger organizations now have Institutional Research areas.
A degree with a concentration in Sociology offers many career opportunities. Career Coach allows you to explore different career options for the degree you are pursuing. You can even take a look at each job title to see an in-depth overview, salary, job growth, and live job postings.
Degree Pathways outline one possible sequence of courses students may complete to fulfill their degree requirements as full-time students over the course of two years.
Everyone can benefit from an introductory sociology class. It teaches students about the different groups and agents of socialization that helped shaped their personalities. They learn how our culture affects what we think is “normal,” how social changes affect everything from the types of jobs that are available to our concept of the family, and how our race, sex, and social class impact our lives. An introduction to the sociological perspective helps students understand themselves and the world around them.
Sociology as a Major
Taking upper-division sociology classes allows students to focus in greater depth on specific topics. Classes such as Race and Ethnicity, Urban Sociology, Social Problems, or Introduction to Criminology (to name a few offered at Mott), expand on the sociological perspectives, historical background, and social policies related to these substantive areas. This knowledge prepares students for careers or further training in social services, criminal justice, government, nonprofit organizations, education, business, and others.
Master’s in Sociology
A Master’s degree in sociology focuses on learning substantive areas in even greater depth, and on the analytical and methodological tools sociologists need to conduct scientific research. At the Master’s level, students will take courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods and begin doing independent research. These skills prepare students for applied research work in settings like the government, nonprofits, think tanks, and program evaluation, as well as giving students the credential to begin teaching sociology at the part-time or community college level.
Doctorate in Sociology
After earning a doctorate, students have passed comprehensive exams and are considered experts in their fields of study. They have conducted extensive independent research through the dissertation process, and are qualified to teach and conduct research at the university level, as well as be principal investigators on research projects in other settings.
Michigan University Sociology Departments
