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Sociology Major

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Study the complexities of human relationships, society and social movements with the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in the College of Liberal Arts at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. Learn to view social constructions and institutions—such as the economy,Ìýeducation,Ìýgender, family, politics, race and sexuality—from numerous perspectives. Gain experience in high-level research methods like administering surveys, analyzing data and statistics, conducting fieldwork and interviews, and learn to write detailed reports.

Students are rigorously trained in theories and methods of social analysis. The 123-credit Sociology Major comprises research-intensive coursework and internships, with classes surveying a broad range of topics that include

  • gender and sexuality,
  • globalization and international studies,
  • health and medicine,
  • media and popular culture,
  • Philadelphia and urban sociology,
  • race and ethnicity, and
  • religion and society.

You have the option of choosing the , in which coursework focuses on the health sciences, such as global health and urban health. Courses also delve into topics including health and disease in American society, health and reproduction, medical sociology, population studiesÌýand more.Ìý

Graduates of this major often advance to master’s and doctoral degree programs, though graduates are well prepared to enter the workforce in several professional areas, such as business, community planning, education, healthcare, law, politics and social work.

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students in class.

Classes & Curriculum

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is a 123-credit program that can be completed over four years of full-time study. Courses offered in this program include the following.

  • Development of Sociological Thought
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Race, Science, Health & Medicine
  • Research Design and Methods
  • Sociology of FoodÌý
  • Statistical Methods in Sociology

Fourth-year students are also required to complete a capstone and theÌýwriting-intensive Senior SeminarÌýcourse, which prepareÌýthem to transition into professional careers.

Learn more about required courses for the Sociology Major.

Related Graduate Degrees

*Lewis Katz School of Medicine

Related Graduate Certificates

+1 Accelerated Degree Programs

51³Ô¹ÏÍø offers 10 accelerated +1 Accelerated Degree programs. Eligible undergraduate students can use up to 12 specified graduate credits approved by the College of Liberal Arts to fulfill requirements for their undergraduate degree. Students apply for graduateÌýprograms in their junior year. Students in the Sociology Major may be interested in pursuing the following 4+1 accelerated programs.Ìý

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Advising support is provided by the College of Liberal Arts Center for Academic Advising. You can find more information on the CLA Academic Advising webpage ().

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional DevelopmentÌýin the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. .

Program Contact

With questions regarding the Sociology Major, contact the following staff member.

Joseph DelMastro is the seniorÌýadministrator in the Sociology Department.
Phone: 215-204-1376
Email:Ìý

The following staff members lead the Sociology Department.

Matt Wray is the chair of the Department of Sociology.
Email:

Catherine Staples is the coordinator.
Phone: 215-204-1494
Email:

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Honors Program. .Ìý

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies.Ìý

  • is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
  • is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.Ìý
  • is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

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Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your College of Liberal Arts coursework and enhance your undergraduate experience at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with more than 300 student clubs and organizations. You’ll have opportunities to meet and network with other students, get involved with the community, grow your interests, and develop résumé-boosting skills and experiences.

The is the official undergraduate association for sociology majors and minors. SUMMA’s purpose is to promote academic and professional interdisciplinary applications of sociology, to promote awareness of sociological issues and provide opportunities for student involvement.

Learn more about 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s student clubs and organizations.

Accreditation

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s departments and programs are accredited by the .

Additional Program Information