sociology major students working together

Sociology Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Discover the importance of individual and group identities and explore how social interactions and relationships with our environments connect us as a society.

Learn how to use data to inform decisions and understand how the world is shaped by social factors like sex, age, race, ethnicity, education, sexual orientation and social class. UND's Sociology program offers a great deal of flexibility, allowing you to combine your interests and create your own program of study. And with a mix of on campus and online courses, you can choose the option that works best for you.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120 (major)

What is a sociology degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Sociologists see the world as being shaped by social factors. An understanding of these factors is critical in both your personal and professional life. The sociological perspective helps you develop a broader view of how the various pieces making up society are interconnected.

Sociologists also use data to come to informed decisions. In this program, you'll gain the skills you need to collect and analyze data. You'll develop skills in research design and analysis by learning how to collect the best data to answer a question or solve a problem.

A sociology degree provides a solid foundation that enhances your work in sociology and other disciplines. Coursework includes:

  • Core courses in theory, research methods and statistics
  • A capstone course to showcase your skills
  • Elective coursework in deviance, family, gender, health and aging

The department also offers a minor in Sociology.

UND's Sociology Degree

  • Join the Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society.

  • Present your research at local and regional conferences.

  • Gain experience in the field through internships and research with award-winning faculty.

  • Get hired! At UND, you'll receive help perfecting your resume, practice interviewing, and learn effective job-hunting strategies.

  • Raise your grades by getting free academic support at UND. We offer individual tutoring sessions, along with specialized writing and math support programs.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized Degree Map software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

What can you do with a sociology degree?

92K

Median salary for sociologists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

53K

Mean salary for advertised positions requiring a sociology degree, 2020

Labor Insights

Sociology is one of the most flexible majors around. It can lead to careers with organizations as diverse as community health centers, the FBI and universities nationwide. A Sociology degree gives you skills for success in a wide range of careers, including:

  • Business
  • Criminal justice
  • Health and human services
  • Public administration
  • Social work

A sociology degree leads to rewarding careers in areas including:

  • Corrections
  • Environmental activism
  • Higher education
  • Hospital administration
  • Housing management
  • Human resources
  • Juvenile court systems
  • Market analysis
  • Rehabilitation counseling

Jobs You Can Get with a Sociology Degree

Many of our graduates successfully pursue graduate degrees in sociology or related disciplines. The major is also an excellent path to law or medical school. UND sociology alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • American Lung Association
  • Communicare Health Centers
  • Community Options
  • City and state governments

Sociology Degree Courses

SOC 355. Drugs and Society. 3 Credits.

Social factors affecting use and control of self-administered psychoactive drugs, including alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and more illicit substances. Topics include social definitions, causes, controls and consequences of drug problems. F,S.

SOC 252. Criminology. 3 Credits.

This course provides an in-depth investigation into the major criminological theories that explain the causation, occurrence and development of criminal behavior. Crime typologies and the social correlates of crime and victimization are discussed. Provides an explanation of the methods criminologists use to study crime trends and criminal patterns of behavior. F,S.

SOC 335. Families in a Changing Society. 3 Credits.

An exploration of how family forms, norms, and theories have changed over time; the social forces that influence families at each of the major life stages (such as courtship, marriage, parenthood, old age); how statuses such as race, class, gender, and sexuality influence a person's opportunities for family formation and experiences within families; and the social policies that help or hinder family functioning. F.

SOC 340. Sociology of Gender. 3 Credits.

This course is a sociological exploration of how gender dynamics have changed across time and vary globally. How gender creates barriers and opportunities - for both men and women - across multiple facets of social life is emphasized. S.

SOC 436. Social Inequality. 3 Credits.

An examination of various forms and modes of portraying human inequality. An investigation of the role of inequality in human affairs, its measurement and significance. F.

SOC 450. Deviant Behavior. 3 Credits.

This course examines the nature, types and societal reactions to deviant behavior; special emphasis on the process of social typing, regulation of deviance, deviant subcultures, and identities. F.

Leaders that Do

Students at UND take chances, seek challenges and become leaders in the community.

Explore More Options

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department?

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