Sociology
Overview
THE SOCIOLOGY PROGRAM
Are you fascinated by the way people view an event in vastly different ways? Do you wonder how communities of seemingly diverse perspectives agree to act for the betterment of society or an organization without compromising individual values? How can you understand issues and offer more positive actions?
The Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology provides you with a deep understanding of the sociological perspective that will help you discover answers to these questions. When you choose the Service Learning Track, your courses and activities build upon the sociology core with an emphasis on community engagement. Service Learning is central to a rigorous curriculum that presents you with the opportunity to apply classroom theories to unscripted problems in real-life settings. You will bring your experiences back to the classroom for
reflection, discussion, and debate, connecting theory and practice in a powerful way.
In the Social Research track, you will focus on Social Research methods that build upon the sociology core. Your courses within the major culminate in a substantial, individual research project for your Capstone experience. You will use sociological theory to understand the relationship between larger social forces and individual experiences, and analyze complex problems through the sociological lens and insight.
The Sociology concentration and minor at Bryant provide you with a deep understanding of the sociological perspective. You learn the basic theories of sociology, sociology research methods, and how they’re useful to people in all fields.
In the Sociology concentration, you specialize in either traditional sociology or service learning.
FUTURE CAREERS, POST-GRAD OPPORTUNITIES
The Sociology core is combined with a broad set of liberal arts courses and a minor in Business Administration, establishing the foundation for rewarding careers in a variety of for-profit and nonprofit settings. Bryant’s comprehensive education will prepare you for diverse careers in business, the health care industry, criminal justice, social services, and government. The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program also provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies in areas such as sociology, business, law, education, and public policy.
SOCIOLOGY FACULTY
The Sociology faculty are talented researchers who have published popular textbooks in sociology, authored articles on immigration and identity, and examined how to create learning opportunities for students that encourage them to be critical and inspired thinkers. These gifted teachers connect academic studies with real-world experience in problem solving through courses in data analysis and community-based learning.
Requirements
For an 18-credit concentration:
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Community Engagement and Service Learning (SOC250SL) |
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Principles of Sociology (SOC251) or Honors Sociology (SOC253) |
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Research Methods in Sociology (SOC400) |
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Social Theory: The Study of Isms and Phobias (SOC454) |
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Two (2) additional Sociology courses, at least one at the 400 level |
For a 12-credit minor:
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Principles of Sociology (SOC251) or Honors Sociology (SOC253) |
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Two (2) Sociology courses |
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One (1) 400-level Sociology course |
To learn more, please contact:
Judith McDonnell, Ph.D.
Professor and Sociology Curriculum Coordinator
Department of History and Social Sciences
jmcdonne@bryant.edu
FOCUSING ON FOSTER CARE
Ariana Alicea ‘12
Studied: Sociology, Business Administration, Psychology
In a directed study she developed junior year with her mentor, Sociology Professor Sandra Enos, Ph.D., Alicea identified steps states could take to better assist young adults as they age out of foster care systems.
Alicea built on that project as part of her senior Capstone project, developing a model for a business with the mission of helping these young people learn to build relationships and gain vocational skills.
“It’s important to have faculty who engage students, not only in the classroom but also in the community,” she says.
