Sociology

Prepare for Leadership in a Wide Range of Fields

As a sociology major, you’ll study individuals in their social contexts and examine the subtleties of class, race, gender, aging and social inequality. You’ll learn to write, conduct original research and communicate effectively within organizations and across cultures. In small classes, you’ll work side-by-side with caring professors who are experts in the field. You’ll also prepare for leadership roles in a remarkable range of professional settings, including social and public service agencies, community organizations, marketing firms, schools, hospitals, businesses, law firms, government agencies and research institutes.

More Ways to Learn, On Campus and Beyond

Practical experience is built into the sociology curriculum. Our internships draw on Chicago’s wide-ranging research and social service resources. We make our connections your connections, so you can test-drive your dream job in the real world. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to collaborate with faculty on original research, and present your ideas at our spring research expo or even at conferences of professional sociologists. Through Dominican’s community-based learning program, you’ll combine in-depth academic study with civic engagement in community organizations, in Chicago and beyond. In addition, the university offers a choice of study-abroad programs on four continents.

Second Majors and Minors

 About 50% of criminology students choose to double-major in sociology or another discipline. You also can select a minor from among 45 options. Among the most popular:

• Social Justice and Civic Engagement
• Latinx/Latin American Studies
• Black World Studies
• Study of Women and Gender

A double major is offered for students interested in earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in both sociology and criminology.

Prepare for Meaningful Service in High-demand Fields

A survey of U.S. employers by Hart Research Associates found that 93% of bosses say that “a job candidate’s demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly and solve complex problems” is the most important factor in hiring decisions. That is the essential skill set of our sociology graduates. Deeply rooted in the liberal arts, our curriculum is designed to prepare you for lifelong intellectual and professional competence. In graduate school and in the workplace, our alumni know what they’re doing. They’re deeply informed, open to new ideas, comfortable with emerging technologies and able to adapt and thrive through long and meaningful careers. They have earned their way into leadership positions in the professions of their choice.

Career Opportunities

Sociology and criminology graduates are often employed in the helping professions. The recent trend is for many sociology-related occupations to require a graduate degree, including social work, therapy, counseling and case management.

Students who want to work in the social services field without a graduate degree often land in support positions or quasi-professional roles. One example would be a role like domestic violence counselor, which may require an undergraduate sociology or criminology degree plus completion of an in-house training course.

A sociology degree also serves as excellent preparation for students who want to pursue an advanced degree in business, law, public administration or urban planning.