Program Overview
Are you a people watcher? Does human social behavior fascinate you? UNE’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program focuses on the origins and evolution of human social interaction. Through hands-on learning opportunities, including fieldwork, research, and internships, you will learn about a range of social challenges; consider their cultural, global, and political implications; and find out how to be part of the solution. You’ll leave the program ready to pursue a career in social service or a graduate degree in sociology, social work, law, economics, environmental studies, public health, or many other disciplines.
Why UNE for Sociology
Because student engagement is a high priority, we offer research opportunities, guest speakers, fieldwork, and hands-on classroom experiences that get you excited about sociology. This focus on learning by doing not only makes for richer student experiences but gives you an edge when applying for employment or graduate study.
- Emphasis on engaging fieldwork, internships, and capstone experience
- Personalized academic support
- Travel abroad opportunities
- Strong job and graduate school placement rates
Academics
Examples of Available Courses
The following are examples of the exciting courses that the Sociology major offers:
- Society in Latin America
- Sociology of Food, Health, and Society
- Societies of the Future Through Science Fiction Cinema
- Medical Sociology
- Sociology of Law
- A Just Society
Curriculum
| CAS Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total | 42–46 |
| Sociology Core Courses | Credits |
| SOC 150 – Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 268 – Practice of Social Research | 3 |
| SOC 270 – Classical Social Theory | 3 |
| SOC 280 – Contemporary Social Theory | 3 |
| SOC 300 – Internship | 3 |
| SOC 370 – Applied Field Methods | 3 |
| Total | 18 |
| Electives | Credits |
| One (1) Social Global Studies Course | 3 |
| One (1) Social Cultural Studies Course | 3 |
| One (1) 300 or 400 level elective | 3 |
| One (1) Sociology, Anthropology, or Archeology course at any level | 3 |
| Total | 12 |
| Applied Capstone Experience Credits (Discussed Below) | Credits |
| Option 1 - Internship | 9–16 |
| Option 2 - Capstone Thesis | 9–16 |
| Option 3 - Study Abroad | 9–16 |
| Total | 9–16 |
| Total Credits in Major | 39–46 |
| Open Elective Credits Needed to Reach Graduation | Variable |
| Minimum Total Required Credits for Sociology Major | 120 |
Applied Capstone Experiences
Internship
Students may take between nine (9) and sixteen (16) credits to complete this ACE. Students may select from over 750 sites in the Civic Engagement database. This learning opportunity should parallel the student’s area of interest and help him/her to gain experience, skills, and knowledge of how systems work and how to develop options in a given field.
Thesis
Students may take between nine (9) and sixteen (16) credits to complete this ACE. The thesis should build on the work the student has done in the Sociology major. This academic work should prepare them for graduate study in disciplines that have been incorporated into their study.
Study Abroad
Students will typically take 15-16 credits to complete a study abroad experience. While studying in a foreign society and culture is important, the primary focus is to take courses from the new institution that will help the student to develop his/her areas of interest as it relates to the major. In short, there needs to be an integrated social science experience that drives the study abroad learning as well as the opportunity to explore a new society and culture for this to be a successful experience. All study abroad experiences should first be cleared with the Academic Director to see if they qualify to meet the requirement for the Capstone.
SOC majors may use an SGA course to fulfill both the major requirement and the CORE requirement.
Students in this major can participate in the pre-health graduate school preparation tracks.
To learn more about the program see the Academic Catalog.
Meet our faculty and professional staff
Honors Program
We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor.
Meet Cam, a Sociology Major With a Passion for Videography
He plans to use visual storytelling to engage the public and inspire action around important issues — like protecting our oceans and fisheries. Cam is one of the many UNE students who are gaining the skills and knowledge to make an impact and be of service.
Careers
A deep and nuanced understanding of human social behavior is an advantage in virtually every profession. While your degree in Sociology will position you to pursue advanced graduate study in a variety of fields -- from social work, counseling, and public health to criminology, law, and medicine -- there are many careers you may consider, including:
- Lawyer
- Public Relations/Advertising Specialist
- Market Researcher
- Journalist
- ESL/ELL teacher
- Mediator
- Social Justice Advocate
- Youth Services Administrator
- U.S. Government Civil Servant
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, the Office of Career Services is here to help you plan your next step.
Beyond the Classroom
International Medical Missions
As a Sociology major, you may opt to travel to Latin America as part of the IMM(UNE) club, which conducts medical volunteer missions in places like Guatemala and Ecuador.
Experiential Learning
The Sociology major’s focus on applied, hands-on learning gets you out in the community, elbow-to-elbow with a variety of professionals in real-world settings.
Internships
Our database of more than 900 internship sites allows you to gain valuable professional experience in a field you want to explore. Our graduates have interned with legal services organizations, international charities, downtown community organizations, public access television stations, and many other groups.
For more information, contact Sam McReynolds, Ph.D., at (207) 602-2765 or smcreynolds@une.edu.
Senior Capstone Experience
As an Applied Social student, you choose a capstone experience to widen the scope of your expertise. There are three ways to fulfill the applied capstone experience (ACE).
Internship
You may take between 9 and 16 credits to complete this ACE. You may select from more than 800 sites in the departmental database. This learning opportunity should parallel your area of interest and help you gain experience, skills, and knowledge of how systems work and how to develop options in a given field.
Thesis
You may take between 9 and 16 credits to complete this ACE. The thesis should build on the work you have done in the Sociology major. This academic work should prepare you for graduate study in disciplines that have been incorporated into your study.
Study Abroad
It typically takes 15-16 credits to complete a study abroad experience. While studying in a foreign society and culture is important, the primary focus is to take courses from the new institution that will help you to develop your areas of interest as it relates to your major. In short, there needs to be an integrated social science experience that drives the study abroad learning as well as the opportunity to explore a new society and culture for this to be a successful experience. All study abroad experiences should first be cleared with the department chair to see if they qualify to meet the requirement for the capstone.