By majoring in sociology you’ll be exposed to a very diverse view of the world and learn critical thinking skills required in today’s global society.
Are you among the majority of students who have yet to decide on or find interest in a particular major? Do you, nevertheless, see yourself working with and for the service of others?
Sociology is one of the oldest yet most dynamic areas of learning. Through the systematic study of society and patterns of social behavior, students who major in sociology develop extensive knowledge in people and groups from all walks of life.
Workforce Ready
Sociology cultivates in students the ability to critically analyze social, political and economic issues from different theoretical perspectives. The major also prepares students to make comparisons objectively, communicate their findings effectively and propose their solutions confidently.
According to sources such as Newsweek, Time Magazine and U.S. News and World Report, employers look to hire graduates who are critical thinkers and problem solvers.
Being adept, knowledgeable and comfortable working in a diverse environment is especially significant in an increasingly globalized world, as contacts and interactions between different people through sales, marketing, service provision, government, education and tourism have increased.
Career Outlook
Sociology is a
ready-made discipline to help train students in global and people-oriented
careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median annual income
for sociology graduates was $82,050, with the job outlook for sociology majors
into the 2030s increasing at around 9 percent (faster than average). This means
a major in sociology is as relevant and useful for careers today as it will be
for the future.
The sociology program
under the Department of Sociology and International Studies at La Roche
University provides you with the opportunity to select a range of courses to
help prepare you for a wide spectrum of career interests and jobs.
Curriculum
Designed to teach a combination of theory, methodology and critical thinking, the sociology program covers a variety of subjects such as the environment, politics, education, history, race and ethnicity, human services, culture and crime.
The flexible and interdisciplinary nature of the major also makes it easier for students to take on an additional major or minor. Sociology majors at LRU have double-majored in:
- Psychology
- Political science
- International studies
Student also have minored in:
- Management
- Finance
- Criminal justice
- Information technology
We strongly encourage students to obtain internships while in the program. Past students have held internships at numerous governmental and non-governmental organizations, businesses and institutions of higher learning.
Expert Faculty
Students majoring in sociology work closely with the chair of the department, whose active scholarship
includes regular peer-reviewed publications in scholarly journals and books, as
well as presentations of research papers at international and local conferences
on a variety of subjects. These include ethnic relations, development,
secession movements, the environment, globalization, ethics and government,
social movements, culture and identity, and organizational behavior.
Clubs/Activities
Students who majored in sociology have joined many clubs and organizations on campus, including Student Government Association, the Inclusion Council, the Courier, the men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, softball, baseball, cross-country and tennis teams.
Scholarships
In addition to La Roche’s merit-based scholarships, we offer annual and endowed scholarships, thanks to our generous donors.
Dr. MariJean Ferguson Sociology Endowed Scholarship
This award is available to a currently enrolled full-time student with merit and need, and who has an interest in women’s issues, rights or equality.
- Applicants must be beginning or returning to higher education to pursue an undergraduate sociology degree after having postponed attainment of that degree due to extenuating circumstances
- Freshman applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0. Upperclassmen applicants must have completed at least 15 credit hours and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Recipient must maintain full-time student status during the award period
- Essay and two letters of recommendation required
- Non-renewable award
Apply Online
What Can You Do With Your Degree?
We have a high employment rate among our LRU sociology alumni. Many are now pursuing successful careers in the following fields:
- Public administration
- Social and health services
- Criminal justice
- Business, retail and finance
- Pre-K and K-12 Education
- Higher education (college and university)
- Counseling
- Social research
- Nonprofit organization
- Journalism and public relations
The degree also prepares students for graduate programs in both sociology and non-sociology disciplines, including law school. Some of our alumni have graduated with master’s degrees and doctorates from institutions such as Boston College, London School of Economics, and Georgetown University, as well as programs such as GSPIA at the University of Pittsburgh.
What Our Graduates Say:
“As a student in the sociology program at La Roche, I developed my voice and skillset as a researcher and activist against institutionalized racism and injustice. The work that I do as an educator of urban high school students is a direct application of the studies.”
Jalyn Evans ’15
Lead Teacher in Humanities, Codman Charter
Boston, Massachusetts
“Sociology has made me more socially aware, empathetic and passionate to help others.”
Daniel Skender ’14
Protective Services Investigator, ACHIEVA
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
"My training in sociology has given me deep respect and openness toward children, families and educators. It has shaped my thinking in a way that encourages me to look at the world with greater understanding and compassion.”
Christa Cooke ’11
Cyert Center for Early Education, Carnegie-Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
“As an urban planner, and working for an organization that serves economically-challenged communities, I apply my sociological knowledge to critically examine issues and problems as well as to develop realistic solutions.”
Zinat Elizabeth Naderi ’10
Housing Analyst, Federal Home Loan Bank
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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