Sociology

Overview

Professor: Wendy Chapkis; Associate Professor: Cheryl Laz, Michelle Vazquez Jacobus; Assistant Professor: David Everson; Lecturer: Julianne Siegfriedt.

In the Sociology Program you will study the relationship between individual experience and broader social forces. Sociology will assist you in understanding the role of social structures in the creation - and dismantling - of class, race, sexuality, and gender inequalities. Studying sociology will expand your skills in critical thinking, writing, and analysis through an exploration of social problems and social change.

A degree in sociology will help prepare you for a career in social work, social research, criminal justice, community organizing, business and education.

The major also provides an excellent basis for graduate study in sociology, law, public policy, and social work.

Additional Information

Accelerated Graduate Pathway to Master of Social Work

For highly motivated undergraduate students who are already looking ahead to graduate school, USM offers an Accelerated Graduate Pathway from the Sociology major to the MSW program that allows you to begin graduate study while completing your bachelor’s degree, saving you time and money. This means you’ll be ready for a career that much sooner, with your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in hand. For more information see the Accelerated Graduate Pathway section of the catalog.

Accelerated Graduate Pathway to Law

This accelerated program is for students who wish to complete both a Bachelor’s and a JD degree in six years rather than the usual seven. More information and admissions requirements can be found in the Accelerated Graduate Pathways section of the catalog.

Alpha Kappa Delta

The Sociology Program is affiliated with the international sociology honor society, Alpha Kappa Delta. Juniors and seniors who are officially declared majors or minors, or who have demonstrated an interest and involvement in sociology, have accumulated at least a 3.3 overall grade point average, have completed four or more sociology courses at USM with a sociology grade point average of at least 3.0 are eligible for nomination to Alpha Kappa Delta.

Graduating with Distinction in Sociology

For a B.A. degree in Sociology with Distinction, a student must achieve a GPA of 3.6 or higher, calculated on the basis of a minimum of five USM Sociology courses taken prior to the last semester.

Internships

The Sociology Program offers a strong and on-going internship program. The program helps place students in community agencies and organizations to bring together student academic work and community involvement. Students interested in an internship placement are encouraged to work with their advisor to begin preparation for an internship the semester prior to the one in which they intend to register for the internship course.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Sociology, B.A.

Minor

Sociology Minor