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Learn how sociological research can find solutions to our toughest social problems with a degree in Sociology from Dean College.
Program Overview
Sociologists attempt to answer some of the toughest questions facing society. Why do people commit crime? Why is there growing income inequality between the rich and poor? Are we giving too much power to technology? What are the damaging effects of institutional racism?
A bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Dean College will equip you with the theoretical framework and research methods to answer these questions and more, identify the root causes of complex societal issues and advocate for change. Dean also offers a track to follow within our sociology major:
Dean also offers an associate degree in Sociology and minors in Sociology or Social Justice.
Through your sociology coursework, you’ll learn how the social world is organized, how societies experience and resolve conflict and the way cultures differ. You will develop a broad-based understanding of diversity and issues of social justice, as well as the research process utilized in sociology and related fields. You will also explore the complex influence of societal forces on individual human behavior. Topics include:
- Social Inequality and Stratification
- Technology and Society
- Visual Sociology
- Social Movements and Collective Behavior
- Criminology: Theories of Crime
- Consumer Culture
Social Justice
If you are looking to develop an in-depth awareness of and respect for multiple social categories of identity and experience through an interdisciplinary framework, following a sociology track in Social Justice is for you. Your coursework will focus on topics regarding social inequality, social psychology, culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and more. You’ll investigate the historical development and changing representations of multiple identities, while maintaining a lens of intersectionality as you analyze and address issues of inequity and injustice.
Beyond the Classroom
As a Sociology major, you’ll put theory into practice every step of the way.
You’ll complete a required, for-credit internship with a local or regional social advocacy group, social work agency, police department, juvenile detention center, public policy think-tank or related organization. You’ll also complete a senior seminar and senior capstone research project.
And when you graduate, you’ll be prepared to find rewarding work in social advocacy organizations, as public policy analysts, in law enforcement, and as researchers with universities, nonprofits and private foundations. A degree in Sociology is also an excellent foundation for further study, including graduate and professional schools. Post-baccalaureate options include master’s programs in sociology, social work or criminal justice, law school, journalism school and more.
Live and Study Together
Experience your first year of college while living with your classmates through CONNECT, a living learning community for social science majors.
Inside the classroom, you will learn together and collaborate on projects. You’ll make connections to the materials you’re studying as well as to each other, building relationships with your peers, faculty and staff and forming your identity as a social sciences major. The community you share will extend beyond the classroom, as you live together in Wallace Hall. Here, you’ll receive the traditional first-year residential experience, while also participating in unique social, academic and career development programs to help you make the most of your education.
Get Involved
Learn more about how to get involved with our student-run organizations and experiential learning opportunities.-
Student Clubs & Activities Join one of our 40+ student organizations or start one of your own. -
Community Service Give back to the community on campus and in Franklin.
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Study Abroad Gain global perspectives through one of our study abroad programs.
Uniquely Dean
Discover the unique programming that the Dean College Sociology program has to offer.
- Complete a for-credit internship with a local or regional social advocacy organization or law enforcement agency.
- Learn in classes that are engaging and hands-on and that connect your interests and career plans.
- Participate in advocacy-oriented campus organizations like Students for Sensible Drug Policy and Dean Community Outreach.
At Dean, I assisted a professor in a research project that was presented at a conference and later submitted for publication. I also conducted my own original research as a senior capstone project. I am currently working at an academic journal, thanks to the experience I gained in reading, conducting and writing scholarly research at Dean.
I have always questioned how society has affected how we act as humans every single day. And to be able to learn that, and enjoy learning that every day, is everything I could ask for.
RECENT STORIES
Check out the news and stories below to learn more about being a Sociology major at Dean.