Sociology

A Major, Concentration and Minor

Today’s complex world requires a deep understanding of human beliefs, behavior, values, and social relationships. Bryant offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sociology with two content tracks for those who want to build this knowledge and help encourage positive change. 

The Sociology and Social Research content track within the Sociology major includes ten courses of in-depth study in the field of sociology, to complement the business and liberal arts core.

The Sociology and Service Learning content track within the Sociology major includes ten courses of in-depth study in the field of sociology, to complement the business and liberal arts core.

The Sociology concentration includes six courses of in-depth study in the field of sociology. A concentrator could specialize in either of the two content areas: sociology and social research or sociology and service learning. 

The Sociology minor is available to all students. Four courses are required for the minor, which offers a critical understanding of the field.

The Sociology and Service Learning minor is available to all students. Four courses are required for the minor, which offers a critical understanding of the field.

Studying Sociology at Bryant

The Sociology faculty are leading researchers, teachers, and writers.  Drawn from multiple disciplines within the field, the faculty work closely with students to provide insights and skills that enable them to critically interpret social structures and apply theory to practice.

Sociology and Social Research

The Sociology and Social Research content track employs the time-honored practice of reading, writing, discussion, and debate to study culture, institutions, and inequality. The program puts emphasis on research design and data analysis, and invites students to discover the excitement of sociological imagination and the problem-solving power of its analytical techniques.

Sociology and Service Learning

Practical service experience, paired with critical reflection and theoretical studies in the classroom, gives Bryant students in the Sociology and Service Learning content track insight into human social relationships and behavior. In this way, learning informs the students’ service, and service strengthens their learning. The program focuses on the development of leadership skills and a philosophy of service to guide students’ decisions in their work and life.  

Courses

In addition to the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements, students must complete the following:

Service Learning Content Track:

• Principles of Sociology or Honors Sociology
• Community Engagement and Service Learning
• Research Methods
• Social Theory: The Study of Isms and Phobias
• Sociology and Service Learning Capstone I
• Five Social Science Electives (at least three in Sociology)
• At least one of the following:
  • Sociology and Service Learning Internship: Field Study
  • Sociology and Service Learning Capstone II
  • Sociology and Service Learning Leadership Practicum
• At least two of the following:
  • Contemporary Social Problems - Service Learning Option
  • Gender, Illness, and Health - Service Learning Option
  • Urban Sociology - Service Learning Option
  • Globalization and Childhood - Service Learning Option
  • Sociology of the Family - Service Learning Option
  • Sociology of Sport - Service Learning Option
  • Sociology of Work - Service Learning Option

Social Research Content Track:

• Principles of Sociology or Honors Sociology
• Community Engagement and Service Learning
• Statistics II
• Research Methods
• Social Theory: The Study of Isms and Phobias
• Sociology Capstone I
• Four Social Science electives (at least two in Sociology)

The Sociology concentration requires:

• Principles of Sociology or Honors Sociology
• Community Engagement and Service learning
• Research Methods
• Social Theory: The Study of Isms and Phobias
• Two additional courses, at least one at the 400 level

The Sociology minor requires:

• Principles of Sociology or Honors Sociology
• Two sociology courses
• One 400 level sociology course

The Sociology and Service Learning minor requires:

• Community Engagement and Service Learning
• Principles of Sociology or Honors Sociology
• At least one additional sociology course that has the Service Learning (SL) designation
• One 400 level sociology course

For complete course descriptions, please refer to the course catalog. 

Opportunities After Graduation

The analytical and interpretative skills offered by the study of Sociology are the foundation for career success in a range of professions, including:

• Criminal justice
• Law
• Counseling
• Social Service
• Marketing
• Public Relations
• Public Policy
• Non-profit management

Students are also well-prepared to continue their study in graduate school.

For More Information

To learn more about the Sociology programs at Bryant, please contact:

Gregg Carter, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of History and Social Sciences
gcarter@bryant.edu