Undergraduate Programs

Sociology is the scientific study of society and the various groups that make up a society. Sociology majors develop strong research and analytical skills while exploring the social causes and consequences of human behavior. They study the structure of societies and groups and explain how social change occurs within them. Sociologists both develop theories about social behavior and apply these theories to solve social problems and form social policy.

You can find our Undergraduate Handbook here.

Graduates with a B.A. in sociology are prepared for many different career options. Our innovative Sociology Careers Workshop course offers customized career and job search guidance to help students highlight their skills and experiences. Alumni of Bearcat Sociology work in a range of positions in non-profit organizations, government agencies, and provate companies. The skills and interests of a sociology major could lead to careers in:

  • Sociologist (requires graduate training)
  • Market Research
  • Social Research
  • Career Counseling
  • Learning and Development
  • Human Resources
  • Social Services
  • Case Manager
  • Criminal Justice Professional

Master’s graduates may:

  • Teach in community colleges
  • Assist with research and planning in government agencies, private corporations, or civic organizations

A Ph.D. is usually required for:

  • Teaching and research at the university level
  • Directing research programs

Sociology students have good critical-thinking abilities and are concerned with understanding society and improving social institutions and the well-being of individuals. Strong writing and computer skills are important for sociology students in their education and subsequent career work. The skills of analysis, research, reading, and writing that a student studying sociology acquires are highly valued in a wide range of business positions. Sociology is an excellent program for students who are interested in working with people and groups in a variety of fields, e.g, business, social work, law, and medicine.

We regularly offer a Summer Research Institute, providing a week of hands-on workshops in social research methods, including topics from study design and research ethics to data collection and analysis.
 
We connect students to internship opportunities in the community; recently, these have included internships at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and the Urban Appalachian Community Coalition. 
 

Undergraduate students have the chance to work with graduate students and faculty on research projects. Recent studies have explored: media representations of Black masculinity, disabled students' experiences at UC, access to reproductive health care in Ohio, and social interactions in online video games.