What is Sociology?

Human beings are social animals. They live in groups and do most things with other people. Much of what we think, say, and do is influenced by what others expect of us and by how others treat us. Sociologists study the patterns of interaction between people in all sorts of settings: at work, at play, at home, etc. They try to clarify what is going on, what lies behind it, what is likely to come from it, and what might be done differently. Their theories and research findings can provide insights into processes and events that affect us in our everyday lives.

Perhaps you have wondered why some families get along fine while others seem mired in problems, why some people get involved in criminal careers while others resist temptations, why some companies are much more productive than others, why some government programs succeed while others backfire. These are the kinds of issues sociologists look into in systematic ways.

Why Study Sociology?

The Sociology Department offers a wide variety of exciting courses so that students can tailor their course work to fit their educational and career goals. Students have opportunities to study important social problems such as crime, poverty, race relations, and political change. Students also learn how social institutions like the family, sexuality, religion, and education shape people's behavior and life experiences.

Opportunities abound for undergraduate sociology majors at IUPUC! Six students have co-authored research articles in academic journals. More are currently collaborating with faculty on research projects. Four students presented papers at the North Central Sociological Association annual meeting and 39 papers have been presented by IUPUC Sociology students at the Midwest Student Sociology Conference. Two students won awards in undergraduate research paper competitions. Students have also been awarded competitive scholarships, received undergraduate student research grants, and served as the student representative on the North Central Sociological Association Council.

A degree in sociology provides excellent preparation for careers in social services, law, criminal justice, health care, business, and industry. Sociology offers a unique perspective and practical skills for working in today's increasingly complex and global society. Students who graduate with a degree in sociology often find that they have unique analytical and research skills which make them competitive for a wide variety positions in today's job market.

So What Can I do with a Sociology Major? Check out the following links to find out!

Careers Resources for the Sociology Major

Careers in Sociology

Careers in Clinical Sociology

The Sociology Major as Career Preparation

Majoring in Sociology

Another strategy is to visit Monster.com and conduct a search using the keyword "sociology". It may not turn up anything in Indiana, but it will give you an idea of the types of employers that are looking for sociology majors.

• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

You can complete the requirements for the IUPUI Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology on the Columbus campus!

Sociology degree requirements
B.A. degree check sheet
Sociology course descriptions

Aimee Zoeller, Visiting Lecturer of Sociology

Division of Liberal Arts
4601 Central Ave.
Columbus, IN 47203-1769

Office: 812-348-7330
Fax: 812-348-7370
Email: anzoelleiupui.edu