Program Overview

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Bachelor's Degree in Sociology

The Bachelor's Degree in Sociology at Purdue University Northwest is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the discipline of sociology, which is the social scientific study of society and human behavior. Through this program, students will learn to apply sociological knowledge in practice, gaining analytic and problem-solving skills, as well as data analytics and interpretation skills.

Program Overview

The sociology major is part of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers both in and outside of the social sciences. The program embodies the best tradition of sociological analysis and community commitment through research, publication, in-class teaching, and out-of-the-classroom experiences.

Sociology Major Curriculum

The curriculum for the sociology major includes a balance of general education courses, College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences core courses, and sociology courses. Students will discover how historical, economic, and political issues shape our world and how an understanding of them can help change it for the better.

Yearly Breakdown

• Year One: Begin with the First-Year Experience in Behavioral Sciences, Introductory Sociology, and the Social Problems course.
  • Sample Courses:
    • BHS 10300 First-Year Experience In Behavioral Sciences
    • SOC 10000 Introductory Sociology
    • SOC 22000 Social Problems
• Year Two: Complete Introduction to Statistics in Sociology and at least one sociology elective course.
  • Sample Courses:
    • SOC 38200 Introduction To Statistics In Sociology
    • SOC 35000 Sociology of Family
• Year Three: Study research methods, take the Racial and Ethnic Diversity course, and complete three more Sociology electives.
  • Sample Courses:
    • SOC 38300 Introduction To Research Methods In Sociology
    • SOC 31000 Racial and Ethnic Diversity
    • SOC 31700 Sociology of Sexuality
• Year Four: Complete Sociological Theory and any remaining sociology elective courses.
  • Sample Courses:
    • SOC 40200 Sociological Theory
    • SOC 30300 Sociology of Violence
    • SOC 31500 Gender in Society

Program Requirements

• 120 Credit Hours
• Minimum grade of C required for ENGL 10400 and all Foreign Language courses; C- required for BHS 10300, SOC 10000, and SOC 22000
• Minimum GPA of 2.0 required for graduation

Sociology Degree Program Highlights

As a sociology graduate, students will acquire written and verbal communication, critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving, and research skills. These skills help prepare students for post-graduate studies and success in one of the many careers sociology can prepare them for.

Sociology Degree Program Outcomes

The undergraduate studies in sociology can open doors in countless fields, including health and social services, social and criminal justice, sales and marketing, teaching, and law. A sociology degree also helps prepare students for post-graduate education in the social sciences, education, counseling, social work, business, and law school.

Sociology Degree Program Career Paths

There are a wealth of opportunities available to sociology graduates, including:

• Health and social services
• Law and policy analysis
• Research and academics

Sociology Degree Program Beyond the Classroom

Students will find plenty of opportunities to connect with faculty and peers in extracurricular activities, such as:

• Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) Honor Society
• Midwest Sociological Society
• American Sociological Association

Sociology Degree Program Employers

Graduates are employed in:

• Governmental and private social service agencies
• Education and teaching
• Advocacy organizations

Sociology Degree Program Scholarships

In addition to the scholarships available to all applicants, students seeking a sociology concentration may also apply for program-specific scholarship awards, such as:

• Michael and Geraldine Macenski Behavioral Scholarship

Meet the Faculty

The faculty includes professionals like Hubert Izienicki, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology, with research and teaching interests in human sexuality, gender, immigration, education, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Related Programs

• Criminal Justice (BA/BS)
• Social Work (BA)