What is Sociology?
The study of sociology gives the student an understanding and appreciation of the nature of society, social institutions, and people as social beings and creators of culture.
Through systematic investigation and analysis, students gain knowledge and insight into the complex relationships found in the modern world. Students are then better prepared to make intelligent judgments in their own lives and to contribute more effectively to society and the world.
Sociology as a Foundation
Sociology provides a background for pursuing further study in sociology, business, law, social work, social services, counseling, communications and other related areas. Beyond gaining knowledge in the classroom, the sociology program works closely with the Meelia Center for Community Engagement to incorporate service-learning into many of our courses. Your experience in the sociology program will regularly challenge you to connect the concepts you are learning in your courses to real world issues facing the community in the Manchester area and beyond.
Where are Sociology Majors Employed?
A degree in Sociology provides students with a unique critical lens through which to view the world and work setting. This means that sociology majors bring new and innovative ideas into the work place that employers value. Additionally, our use of service-learning in the classroom provides students valuable with real world experiences and social network connections to people working in your future occupational field.
The Sociology program at Saint Anselm prepares students for employment in a wide range of public and private sector occupations in such areas as:
- management
- public relations
- human resources
- applied research
- public policy
- administration
- teaching
Thinking about Graduate School?
Many of our graduates elect to pursue an advanced degree in sociology or a related field. Our curriculum prepares students to enter graduate programs by providing them with on the ground research experience in our senior seminar course and gives them the statistical background necessary to excel in graduate level statistics courses. Students may also seek out additional research experience by working as research assistants on faculty research projects or making use of the various funded student research opportunities.
Sociology is the scientific study of human social life, groups, and societies. The study of Sociology gives the student an understanding and appreciation of the nature of society, social institutions, and people as social beings and creators of culture. Students in the major explore dimensions of social life and raise questions, synthesize information, analyze data, and present conclusions. Through systematic investigation and analysis, students gain knowledge and insight into the complex systems of relations constituting the modern world. Thus, students will be better prepared to make intelligent decisions in their own lives and to contribute more effectively to shaping society and the world.
Major requirements include:
- SO 101 - Introduction to Sociology
- SO 211 - Research Methods
- SO 212 - Social Statistics
- SO 325 - Sociological Theory
- SO 453 - Senior Seminar
- Additional 4 Sociology electives (excluding SO 150, SO 256, SO 352, SO357, SO359, SO450, SO451, SO 481, and SO 485).
Major Course Sequence:
Students typically begin with SO101 in the first year, followed by SO 211 in their sophomore year, SO 212 in their sophomore or junior year, SO 325 in the first semester of the junior year, and SO 453 in the senior year. Sociology electives may be taken at any time. Students are highly encouraged to take a one (SO 481) or two course (SO 485) internship in their senior year.
Freshman Year | |
Fall | Spring |
HU - 103 Conversatio I | HU 104 - Conversatio II |
SO 101 - Introduction to Sociology | EN 105 - Freshman English |
Elective or Core | SO Elective |
Language | Language or Core |
Sophomore Year | |
Fall | Spring |
SO 211 - Research Methods | SO 212 - Social Statistics |
Historical Reasoning | Aesthetic Engagement |
Scientific Reasoning | SO Elective or Core |
Language or Elective | Elective |
Junior Year | |
Fall | Spring |
SO 325 - Social Theory | SO Elective |
SO 344 - Global Society (core) | SO Elective |
Philosophical/Theological Reasoning | Philosophical/Theological Reasoning |
Core/Elective | Elective |
Senior Year | |
Fall | Spring |
SO 481 - Sociology Internship | SO 453 - Senior Seminar |
SO Elective | SO 481 - Sociology Internship |
Philosophical/Theological Reasoning | Philosophical/Theological Reasoning |
Elective | Elective |