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Sociology

B.A. Sociology

The B.A. in Sociology program at Misericordia University focuses on the discipline of sociology, the scientific study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior.

Hands in circle

It examines the broadest range of social phenomena, including social structures, interactions, culture, inequalities, and institutions. Sociologists tackle some of the most pressing problems confronting humanity and seek to understand the factors that contribute to them and the processes that undergird social change.

The study of sociology can be transformative, increasing our understanding of our social worlds, our own lives, and our abilities to change things for the better. Sociology majors learn how the ways people think, feel, and behave are situated in historically, culturally, and socially specific environments; understand how social structure shapes human behavior; and develop skills to read, evaluate, and conduct research including conceptualization, operationalization, data collection, analysis, consideration of ethical issues, and presentation of results.

Interdisciplinary

The undergraduate degree provides a strong liberal arts preparation for careers in business, government, human resources, law, social services, nongovernmental agencies, and more. It is a discipline rooted in both science and the liberal arts.

Commitment to Justice

Sociology is a reflexive, critical, empirical, and relevant discipline that is centrally concerned with justice, exposing inequalities and informing debates about equality and equity.

In-Demand

Of the roughly 2 million bachelors’ degrees conferred in 2021-22 by US postsecondary institutions, social sciences made up about 7% of degrees completed (the third most popular type of major) (National Center for Educational Statistics 2024)

Career Ready

The majority of undergraduate sociology students join the workforce directly after graduation (Senter, Spalter-Roth, and Van Vooren 2015.) According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), employment of sociologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

Magnifying glass over people

 

Advantages

  • Sociology majors are trained to appreciate different world-views and develop interpersonal skills that may give graduates an advantage in the marketplace.
  • As demand for social data production, collection, and analysis increases, students with training in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies will have the skills and experience needed to thrive in many different industries.
  • The methodological training of the discipline helps sociology graduates answer the call of 21st century businesses, health and social service agencies, and governments for data-driven and evidence-based practice, evaluation, and decision-making.
  • As a discipline rooted in both science and the liberal arts, sociology trains students in essential skills that consistently appear among national policy priorities and employer surveys, including the ability to make empirically based arguments, to evaluate a wide range of resources, to collect and analyze data, and to communicate effectively (Hart Research Associates 2015).
  • The discipline’s comparative focus on other cultures and critical appreciation of social context helps sociology majors develop ways of thinking that are conducive to successful relationships with co-workers, to respecting diversity in the workplace, and to fostering good client relationships with others from various social and cultural groups.

 

Versatile Career Options

The undergraduate degree provides a strong liberal arts preparation for careers in business, government, human resources, law, social services, nongovernmental agencies, and more. The sociology degree can also be a foundation for graduate work in sociology, social psychology, social data analysis, social services, social work, and related fields. 

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According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), employment of sociologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

106,394

Average Annual Wage for Sociologists

 

Psychology of Cooking video

 

The Sociology & Psychology of Cooking

Sociology faculty member Dr. Roblyn Rawlins was recently featured in a PBS39 interview and accompanying blog post discussing her latest book, Making Dinner: How American Home Cooks Produce and Make Meaning Out of the Evening Meal.  Drawing on in-depth interviews with over 50 home cooks across the country and analysis of over 500 meals, Dr. Rawlins and her co-author Dr. David Livert explore how family meals are shaped by family relationships, personal identities, gender roles, and cultural norms. The conversation offers valuable insights into how everyday routines like cooking and eating reflect broader sociological dynamics.

👉 Watch the interview and read the blog on PBS39