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:
- The Family
- The American Experience
- The Sociology of Work and Occupations
- The New American City
- Film and Society
- Elites and Inequality
- Religion and Society
Along with mastering the foundations of sociological theory, research methodology, and statistics, sociology students also develop strong skills in critical thinking, spoken and written communication, and analyzing complex arguments and texts.
Concentration in Social Work
For students who are interested in working directly with needy and at-risk populations, consider a degree in sociology with a concentration in social work. This unique Oglethorpe program enables students to gain a solid foundation in sociological theory while also practicing hands-on skills. Each student is required to complete a 12 to 16 credit-hour internship, working directly under the supervision of a practicing social worker.
Offered as:
B.A. in Sociology
B.A. in Sociology with Concentration in Social Work
Minor in Sociology (TU)
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. Your options include placements at the Chamblee Police Department, the Gainesville-Hall County Senior Life Center, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Partnership Against Domestic Violence.
- For students with a concentration in social work, the required 16 credit hours of service-learning offer an opportunity for students to learn on the job while making a difference. You can put your skills to good use at locations like the ABC Publicity, the Atlanta Police Department, the Atlanta Press Club, Marcus Autism Center, Wesley Woods Health Center, West Paces Ferry Hospital, and several local shelters and resource centers for the homeless.
- Polish your research skills with the Survey of Research Methods course required of every major. Taught in alternating years by faculty members from political science and communication, this class empowers sociologists-in-training with a broad set of research tools; each student also conducts their own independent research project.
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.
- Our recent sociology alumni have gone on to attend graduate school at Emory University, Tulane University, University of North Carolina, University College of London, and Vanderbilt University. Our alumni are serving on the faculty at Presbyterian College and Rutgers University.
- Many students who pursue sociology with a concentration in social work go on to pursue a Master of Social Work. A few recent alumni are now enrolled in MSW programs at Georgia State University and University of Georgia.
See degree requirements and course descriptions in the University Bulletin.