Sociology

Sociology is a major and minor at F&M. By studying human social interaction and social structures, you will learn the origins of sociological thought, explore the relationship between self and society, and examine sociology as it relates to social stratification, race, gender, sexuality, health and medicine, politics, education, culture, family, and more.  

Since sociology so often intersects with other disciplines at F&M, your coursework will often cross into other departments. Students often combine a sociology major or minor with government, public policy, business, gender and sexuality studies, psychology, public health, anthropology, or a language. An understanding of sociology enriches all social sciences, and this flexibility allows you to explore your own curiosities. Sociology students are characterized, above all, by the diversity of their interests, so no two sociology degrees are the same!

By the time you graduate, you will be able to demonstrate: 

• A deeper understanding of how groups of people connect and interact, and the consequences of those interactions.
• An understanding of sociological theories and influential thinkers in the field.
• An ability to engage in sociological research and interpret sociological research findings.
• An ability to employ sophisticated oral and written communication about complex ideas.
• The ability to collaborate effectively in ways that will be useful in the workplace.
  

Wondering what sociology courses are like? Explore our course catalog to see what classes are available to you.

With F&M’s many research and study-abroad offerings, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take what you’ve learned and apply it to the world around you.

Research Opportunities 

You’ll find incredible opportunities to conduct research into the topics that interest you. You can explore topics that are relevant to your own experiences or those that intrigue you about the experiences of others. Some students use the summer to dive into this research, while others pursue their interests in course papers or  year-long independent study projects. Recent student research topics include stereotypes in the media; gender differences in how people choose majors or occupations; how first-generation college students acquire the skills and dispositions to succeed in selective liberal arts colleges; how art museums privilege nationalism and national identity; an analysis of ethnic portrayals in French films; an examination of race and social class differences in access to arts education in public schools; and a study of the experiences of first-generation college students from rural backgrounds. 
Explore research at F&M

Off-Campus Study

Studying abroad helps sociology students build a deeper understanding of different cultures and human interactions. Popular locations include South Africa, Denmark, Argentina, England, Australia, and Spain.
Explore off-campus study at F&M

Entrepreneurship at F&M

In the spirit of living up to Benjamin Franklin’s legacy of creating solutions in the service of the public good, Entrepreneurship at F&M is a program that offers exciting opportunities for all students to explore and develop entrepreneurial skills. In addition to courses in entrepreneurship, there are several supporting programs, including: 

• The F&M Incubator, which offers opportunities for students to bring their creative solutions to life. You’ll work in a team and you may receive mentoring, specialized support, and/or project funding. You’ll also attend a series of workshops on customer identification, design thinking, marketing and legal considerations, and other topics.  
• A summer entrepreneurship experience during which you’ll earn course credit and gain real-world experience for your resume while discovering and mastering the entrepreneurial skills needed to bring innovation to any organization. You’ll be matched as a paid intern with sponsoring startups, entrepreneurs, and other organizations that are looking to innovate or disrupt the status quo across a variety of industries.
• Workshops that introduce, discuss, or focus on entrepreneurship methods and insight
• Events featuring F&M alumni and members of the wider community who have changed the status quo in all sectors of the economy and society

Learn more about entrepreneurship at F&M

What can you do with a degree in sociology? Our graduates are prepared to pursue advanced degrees or begin their chosen careers from day one. The creative and intellectual activities that make up the work of sociology — including analyzing, writing, collaborating with others, and critical thought — help you develop useful and productive skills, which are valuable for any post-college plan.

Graduate School

Many F&M sociology graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees in education, public policy, international relations, business administration, psychology, medicine, speech-language pathology, nursing, occupational therapy, public health, social work, and sociology.

Career Paths

Sociology graduates enjoy a number of exciting and varied career paths and achieve success in a wide range of industries including law, business, government, medicine, and social work. They hold positions such as (in alphabetical order): 

• Affirmative Action Counselor
• Admissions Counselor
• Attorney / Public Defender
• Business Analyst
• Caseworker
• Child advocate
• Community Organizer
• Consumer Researcher
• Content Manager
• Data Analyst
• Environmental Organizer
• Family Planning Worker
• Health Professional
• Hospital Administrator
• Human Resources Manager
• Legislative Aide
• Librarian
• Market Researcher
• Mental Health Professional
• Peace Corps Volunteer
• Policy Analyst
• Professor
• Project Manager
• Public Health Advisor
• Research Scientist
• Rural Health Outreach Worker
• Social Worker
• Teacher
• Urban Planner