BA with a Major in Sociology, Concentration in Professions, Occupations, and Work

Program Overview

The BA in Sociology with a Concentration in Professions, Occupations, and Work provides students with a comprehensive understanding of work and its role in society. Through core sociology courses and specialized electives, students develop critical thinking skills and prepare for careers in workforce development, labor relations, human resource management, and social policy. The program encourages practical experience through research and internship opportunities.

Program Outline

Outline:

Program:

BA in Sociology with a Concentration in Professions, Occupations, and Work

Objectives:

• Provide students with a deep understanding of work, occupations, and professions in the social world.
• Develop critical thinking skills to analyze the role of institutions, social inequalities, and individual agency in the workplace.
• Prepare students for a range of careers related to work and human resources.

Structure:

• The concentration spans four years and includes 35 total credits for sociology courses.
• Students take core sociology courses (15 credits), including introductory courses, research methods, and theory.
• They complete six credits in two additional sociology courses.
• The concentration requires nine credits from a selection of work-related sociology classes, such as:
• Sociology of Work
• Internship in Sociological Applications
• Senior Research Practicum
• Race and Gender in Organizations
• Organizations
• Students can use independent study courses towards the concentration, with the director's approval.

Careers:

• The concentration prepares students for diverse careers related to work and human resources, including:
• Workforce development:
program coordinator, HR specialist, job trainer, career counselor.
• Labor relations: union organizer, mediator, labor relations specialist, labor lawyer.
• Human resource management: HR generalist, recruiter, compensation and benefits specialist, training and development manager.
• Social policy and research: policy analyst, researcher, advocate for workers' rights, government agency position.

Other:

• The concentration encourages students to pursue research or internship opportunities to gain practical experience.
• The recommended plan of study provides a detailed semester-by-semester breakdown of course recommendations.