Program Overview

Sociology Program Overview

The Western Michigan University sociology program is designed to give students the ability to analyze the world around them, its people, and their institutions.

Program Details

Professional sociologists concentrate on several diverse areas within the field. Sociologists may focus on one of the social institutions, such as:

• family
• religion
• medicine
• the economy
• politics Some specialize in deviance, disorganization, and conflict. Others concentrate on stratification—the formation and influence of various social hierarchies. Specifically, they may examine issues of:
  • race
  • class
  • gender
  • age Still, others study population and the environment. WMU's sociology department also has a growing emphasis on analysis of global and cross-cultural issues.

Beyond the Classroom

As a sociology student at WMU, you will be encouraged to take advantage of various sociology and criminal justice internship opportunities available throughout the state of Michigan. You might also consider joining student organizations related to the field, including:

• Criminal Justice Student Organization
• Alpha Kappa Delta sociology honor society
• Alpha Phi Sigma criminal justice honor society

Career Outcomes

Recent WMU graduates with degrees in sociology are working as:

• Social service employees
• Social science researchers
• Market researchers
• Teachers and librarians
• Paralegals Among the organizations they work for are:
  • Government agencies
  • Nonprofit agencies
  • Rehabilitation agencies
  • Schools
  • Correctional facilities
  • Private practice

Program Location

The program is offered in:

• Kalamazoo

Other Programs of Interest

Other programs of interest include:

• Child and Family Development
• Criminal Justice Studies
• Economics
• Economics in Business
• Gender and Women’s Studies
• Global and International Studies
• Bachelor's in Healthcare Services and Sciences
• Bachelor's in Marketing
• Nursing
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Pre-Law
• Bachelor’s in Psychology
• Public Health
• World Religions and Cultures
• Bachelor's in Sales and Business Marketing
• Social Work