Sociology
Sociology is the scientific study of social behavior and human social groups from individual families to nations. Sociology focuses on the ways that social environments, such as family, neighborhood, school, and society influence individuals’ life options, advantages and disadvantages. Sociology also helps us understand how societies operate and change, and the impact of large scale events such as hurricanes, economic recessions, and social movements on individuals, groups, and societies. The workings of societies and the social world are often invisible to us as individuals—sociology helps to make these processes visible to us.
Degree Types: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Minor
Degree Options
Popular Double Majors or Minors
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Education and Public Policy
- World Languages
About the Program
Why should I pursue this degree?
You might like this program if…
- You are interested in understanding the social and environmental factors that influence our lives.
- You would like to learn the skills needed to conduct social research on important topics.
- You want to understand American society, how and why it changes, and our relation to the global community.
- You enjoy learning about all kinds of social groups and how individuals interact.
- You hope to pursue a career in research, education, social/human services, counseling, business, non-profit work, public policy, or the health professions.
Coursework
Opportunities to explore the following topics:
- Race and Public Policy
- Health, Disease, and Society
- Sociology of Gender
- Environmental sociology
Out-of-Classroom Experiences
Internships
- Walt Disney Corporation
- The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia
- Northeastern Law School Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project
- U.S. Department of Justice
- Teach for America
- Dauphin County DA
Education Abroad Destinations
Austria
Curaçao
Ireland
Netherlands
Spain
Post-Graduation Opportunities
Continuing Education
- Medical school
- Law school
- Graduate school to study public health, counseling education, social work, and human resources
Alumni Industries
Advocacy and Politics, Aid, and Alternative Justice, Corrections/Law Enforcement, Legal Defense, Nonprofit and Public Human Service, Security/Intelligence
Have questions about this program?
Future students, contact the Liberal Arts Recruitment Team.
Current students, contact your academic adviser.
This program is housed in the Department of Sociology and Criminology
at Penn State University Park.