Academic Information

Sections:

Career Opportunities

The study of sociology, like other liberal arts and science disciplines, has a practical and an academic side. Sociology teaches skills of observation, organization, writing and data analysis. Research shows that employers strongly desire these competencies.

Other benefits extend beyond career concerns. Sociology helps students gain an understanding of the social world. The sociological point of view questions common sense beliefs and encourages students to acquire accurate answers about social behavior.

Job categories for employment include human services, criminal justice, business and commerce, education, research, community relations, computer information systems and communications.

Sociology is an excellent major or minor for pre-professional training. An undergraduate sociology degree provides a solid base in such fields as law, social work, journalism, criminal justice, urban planning, international relations, gerontology and business administration. Each of these professional fields requires an advanced degree. Some of the most prestigious MBA programs in the country seek students who have general social science undergraduate training rather than specialized business program preparation.

Becoming a professional sociologist requires at least a master's degree; a doctorate usually is beneficial. Professional sociologists teach in colleges and universities, do research for government and private agencies, and serve as consultants for many different types of businesses and organizations. Numerous universities have added graduate programs in applied sociology that prepare graduates to work on practical problems such as stopping urban decay, controlling crime or lessening racial tensions. Some applied sociology programs stress providing people-to-people services such as family counseling.

Program Requirements

The following files describe in detail the requirements for this program. Please consult a faculty advisor listed below before beginning your coursework.

Degree

Sociology, Associate in Arts

When planning your coursework, use the Student Planning Worksheet.

Advisors

If you are considering this program as an area of study, consult with a faculty advisor in this field. To send an email, click on the name of the advisor you wish to reach:

	Location	Phone
Shaheen Chowdhury	BIC 2704F	(630) 942-2503
Mary Jean Cravens	BIC 2704D	(630) 942-2333
Julie Ann Durrer	BIC 2704A	(630) 942-2032
Matt Green	BIC 2704E	(630) 942-2287
Christine Monnier	BIC 2704C	(630) 942-2438