Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of social behavior, groups and societies as they change over time. You’ll explore how individuals connect to families, institutions, religions, cultures and societies—and learn to think, write and examine social problems at an entirely new level.

Prepare for leadership in a wide range of fields

As a sociology major, you’ll study individuals in their social contexts. You’ll examine the subtleties of class, race, gender, aging and social inequality; and 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 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.

Sociology majors prepare for in-demand careers in one of three areas of specialization:

  • Social Services prepares you for graduate study and a rewarding career in social work.
  • Social Analysis prepares you for graduate study, law school and successful employment in a wide range of research-oriented occupations.
  • Social Health and Wellbeing prepares you for graduate study and for work addressing social structures that affect health policies, unequal access to health care, and social inequalities in wellbeing.
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.
 

Lapree Crawford

Dominican University Graduate

"I am continually amazed by the faculty and staff. I have a real sense that everyone on campus cares about me as a person. Dominican has been a dream come true for me. It has provided me with amazing opportunities and inspired me to pursue a career as a medical social worker.”

Second majors and minors

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

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.

Alissa Vance

Dominican University Graduate

“Dominican made it possible for me to attend college by providing my family with generous financial aid. Once I got to campus, the faculty motivated me to work harder every day. My goal now is to finish law school and practice law.”