Sociology

Study the strands that connect the real-life social network.

From intimate settings like the family and the neighborhood, to broader institutions like the church and the state, sociologists investigate the complex workings of human culture and society. They explore the way social constructs like race, ethnicity, and economic background shape behavior and relationships; they analyze large-scale social movements. If all that sounds fascinating to you, you just might be a sociologist at heart.

As a sociology major at Oglethorpe, you’ll take courses like:

Social Problems
The Family
Crime and Deviance
Gender and Society
Elites and Inequality
Race and Ethnicity in the United States

Along with mastering the foundations of sociological theory, research methodology and the study of the discipline’s various subfields (stratification, gender, sexuality, social class, race, etc.), sociology students also develop strong skills in critical thinking, spoken and written communication and analysis of complex arguments and texts.

Social Work Track

For students interested in working directly with vulnerable and at-risk populations, consider the sociology degree with social work track. This unique Oglethorpe program enables students to gain a solid foundation in the methodological and theoretical frameworks informing social work while also practicing hands-on skills. Each student is required to complete a 4 credit-hour internship working directly under the supervision of a social worker.

Real-World Experience
Life After Oglethorpe
Degree Requirements & Courses

As a major metropolitan center, Atlanta is a busy, bustling city, with a diverse population – a wonderful place to study culture and society through experiential learning and simple observation.

In Career Development, you’ll find a team on-hand to help you find an internship that complements your major in sociology and supports your career plan. Recent placements include Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the Chamblee Police Department, the Gainesville-Hall County Senior Life Center, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Partnership Against Domestic Violence.

For students completing the social work track, the required 4 credit hours of service-learning offer an opportunity to learn on the job while making a difference. Recent placements include the Latin American Association, Buford Highway People’s Hub & Schools of Atlanta, Heartbound Ministries, Chop Art, Jacob’s Ladder and Inspiritus.

Hone your research skills with the Survey of Research Methods course required of every major. Covering both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, this class empowers sociologists-in-training with a broad set of research tools as each student conducts their own independent research project. Students can also expect to research various social issues through project-embedded learning in their elective courses.

With strong skills in communication, critical thinking, and research – plus a deeper understanding of people from all cultural backgrounds – sociology graduates have an edge in all kinds of careers. Along with academic work in sociology, or a hands-on helping career as a social worker, consider work in business, education, law, or politics.

Study in the field of sociology prepares students for diverse careers, graduate and professional study and responsible citizenship. Recent graduates have gone on to graduate study in MSW programs at Kennesaw State and the University of Georgia, as well as the Master’s in Urban Planning at the University of Georgia and the Ph.D. in Sociology at Emory University.

Recent graduates who have entered the work force are working in various positions within the non-profit and educational and legal sectors. Recent alumni are working in positions such as Outreach Coordinator for the Latin American Association, Performance Auditor for the City of Atlanta, Senior Community Organizer for the Asian American Advocacy Fund and legal assistants for various law firms in and outside of Georgia.

See degree requirements and course descriptions in the University Bulletin.