About the Program
With its wide array of subject areas, small class sizes, and funding opportunities for research and travel, the sociology program offers a personalized learning environment filled with abundant opportunities. As one of the most flexible and interdisciplinary programs at Westminster, the Sociology program truly allows you to customize your learning. You can even apply credits from other classes in other areas of social science toward your sociology degree, allowing you to complete your degree in as little as three semesters. Plus, you can earn credit through internships, directed studies, and study abroad experiences.
What You'll Learn
In the Sociology program, you will explore the foundations of sociology through a variety of perspectives via interactive lectures, readings, class discussions, field trips, and hands-on experiences in the community. By the end of the program, you will be prepared to excel in many different graduate programs, professional programs, and careers. During your time at Westminster you will:
- Enhance critical, analytical, and integrative thinking skills.
- Improve writing and other communication skills.
- Develop skills to conduct, evaluate, and understand different types of social research.
- Develop your global consciousness, social responsibility, and ethical awareness.
- Gain an understanding of sociology’s concepts, foundations, and perspectives.
Plan of Study
You’ll start with a foundational course in sociology before moving on to more advanced courses in social problems, social theory, and social research methods. The majority of your coursework will be completed through electives covering a wide range of sociological topics or other areas of social science including anthropology, justice studies, political science, and psychology. You’ll complete your degree requirements with a senior project or thesis that explores any sociology-related question, issue, or theme that most interests you.
Sample Courses
Social Problems
Focusing on topics including poverty, unemployment, crime, substance abuse, racism, discrimination, gender inequality, and global inequality, you’ll use sociological analysis to examine how social problems are defined and dealt with in the United States and other parts of the world.
Gender, Popular Culture, and the Social World
This combined course explores gender, popular culture, and the social world from a range of diverse perspectives. You will explore topics through field trips, guest lectures, class activities, and films.