See the world in a new light.

Sociology is the study of human social relationships, interactions and institutions. Studying sociology provides critical understanding of the ways people relate to one another in an organized society using its structures and cultures. Sociology encourages us to see the world in a new light. Much of our lives are socially constructed through friendships, social networks, families, church groups, socioeconomic classes, complex organizations, nations or global movements. Sociology uses both quantitative and qualitative tools to understand how and why our society changes.

 

Program type:

Major, BA or BS

Format:

On-Campus

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Overview

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science  -

Sociology 

The Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology are offered as both a BA and a BS. The BA focuses on qualitative tools like interviews, stories and community engagement while the BS focuses on quantitative research tools like surveys, statistics and data analysis. Both degrees answer the critical question “What is this all about?” Students may also select from one of the following minors or emphasis areas: gender studies, gerontology, leadership, urban studies and veterans studies.

An undergraduate degree in sociology is excellent preparation for graduate work in sociology or for entry level positions in business, social service and government worlds. Sociologists are found as teachers, researchers, employees of government agencies, research bureaus, welfare agencies and large companies. This social science based concentration provides excellent training for careers in law, education, medicine, social work and counseling.

Outcomes and Career Outlook

Upon completion of the BA or BS in Sociology, graduates will be able to identify and apply sociological theories to understand social phenomena; apply scientific principles to understand the social world; critically evaluate explanations of human behavior and social phenomena; and use sociological knowledge to inform social change.

Employment of sociology graduates is projected to grow up to 5% to 2030, with a median annual salary of $92,910, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

 

92,910

Median annual salary

5

Employment growth by 2030

Career Opportunities

  • Advertising Manager
  • Business Operations Lead
  • City Manager
  • City Housing Inspector
  • Community Development
  • Editor/Journalist/Writer
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Labor Relations Specialist
  • Lawyer/Paralegal
  • Research Sociologist
  • Social Welfare Worker

 

Plan of study

BA Option

BS Option

All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.

Bachelor of Science Requirements and Four-Year Plan

Review Full Degree Requirements Review Sample Four-Year Plan Download 4-Year Academic Map

Bachelor of Arts Requirements and Four-Year Plan

Review Full Degree Requirements Review Sample Four-Year Plan Download 4-Year Academic Map

 

Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the  NC-SARA state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

Student organizations

Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as a sociology major:

Honors College

The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, diversity, civility and academic excellence.

Undergraduate research

We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.