Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work
The study of human behavior in groups is necessary in today's world.
As a sociology major you will build awareness for the different types of social inequality that exist, who is negatively impacted, where and how it emerges, and what perpetuates it. Courses will not only shed light on social inequality, but will teach you how to do something about it.
Sociologists study a broad range of human behaviors, cultures, and organizations. Sociology faculty at the University of Dayton have specialized knowledge across variety of fields, including:
- Community and Urban Sociology
- Crime and Deviance
- Environmental Sociology
- Gender, Sex and Sexualities
- Health, Aging and the Lifecourse
- Human Rights
- Internet/Online Community
- Immigration and Immigrant Communities
- Law and Society
- Marriage, Family, and Children
- Political Sociology
- Race and Ethnicity
- Research Methods
- Social Inequalities and Systems of Oppression
- Social Movements and Social Change
- Sociology of Music
- Sociology of Religion
- Visual Sociology
Sociology students learn to analyze social problems, understand the role of social structure, culture, and context, gather and analyze data to draw conclusions about social phenomena, and clearly communicate social science knowledge through various forms, including images, writing, and speech. These analytical, research and communications skills are highly desirable in today’s fast-paced, fluid and global job market.
The strength of a degree in sociology is that rather than limit you to a single, narrow career track, our program provides you with the knowledge and skills to prepare you for careers and opportunities in a variety of fields, or for advanced degrees in graduate and professional programs.
Our recent graduates have used their sociological training to go on to careers or programs of study in such fields as:
- Law
- Government and public administration
- Social work
- Education
- International development
- Community organizing and development
- Non-profit management
- Human/social services
- Criminal justice
- Public health
- Business and marketing
The American Sociological Association’s brochure “Sociology, a 21st Century Major” lists the following ways that Sociology will give you the tools to navigate the changing world:
- Conduct research and analyze data. In Sociology you use both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Learn to recognize trends and patterns and produce social statistics such as those used in market research, opinion polling, program evaluation, sales and countless other applications.
- Communicate skillfully. Learn how to convey your ideas effectively in writing and in presentations. Strong communication skills are essential for success in the 21st century.
- Practice critical thinking. Learn to look beyond the surface of issues to discover the “why.” Build your analytical skills. Solve problems and identify opportunities.
- Gain a global perspective. Learn about different cultures and how to analyze the interaction of groups and societies through a global and historical perspective.
- Prepare for graduate school. An undergraduate major in sociology provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in a wide range of fields including law, business, social work, medicine, public health, public administration and, of course, sociology.
-
100%
of students participate in community-engaged learning
-
30%
of current majors are pursuing a double major
-
50%
of students graduate with a minor
A High-Quality Education
Bringing together "outside" students from universities and "inside" students from correctional institutions.
Learn More
Fostering and facilitating immersive global learning experiences is a distinctive and core feature of our department.
Learn More
All first-year students are enrolled in the innovative, interdisciplinary Core Program.
Learn More
Explore
Visit Campus
Interested in learning more about sociology? We'd love to meet with you. Schedule an academic appointment by calling our department at 937-229-3626. You can also choose to schedule a general campus tour and admission presentation.
Student Organizations
The Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Student Organization and Alpha Kappa Delta are groups that have a presence in our department.
Transformative learning
The Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work offers a variety of exciting curricular and co-curricular opportunities.
Real-World Experience
Through practical learning opportunities like internships and co-ops, you can build your resume, gain practical experience and prepare for a successful career.
Real-World Experience
Through practical learning opportunities like internships and co-ops, you can build your resume, gain practical experience and prepare for a successful career.
Next Steps
23
the average class size for sociology courses