Bachelor of Arts
Sociology

Gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between people and cultures as a sociology major.

Oakland University’s bachelor’s degree in Sociology provides you with a variety of in-demand skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, social research, effective communication, engaging with diverse communities and working collaboratively across a wide range of social and cultural settings. Our program explores key aspects of human behavior and society, including social interaction, groups, culture, deviance, social structures, inequalities and social institutions such as families, education and religion. Sociology students gain essential theoretical and analytical tools that sociologists use to examine real-world issues affecting individuals and communities every day. A Sociology degree is a great choice for students who want to enter the labor market or graduate school with a broad range of skills. Sociology graduates are prepared for numerous careers in private and non-profit organizations, social services, public policy, education, marketing and advertising, and other areas. And for graduate work in countless fields such as law, medicine, public health, counseling, social work and others. While pursuing your passion in Sociology, you will have opportunities to do an internship, work with faculty on cutting-edge research projects and serve as a teaching apprentice or tutor for your peers.

Oakland University’s bachelor’s degree in Sociology provides you with a variety of in-demand skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, social research, effective communication, engaging with diverse communities and working collaboratively across a wide range of social and cultural settings. Our program explores key aspects of human behavior and society, including social interaction, groups, culture, deviance, social structures, inequalities and social institutions such as families, education and religion. Sociology students gain essential theoretical and analytical tools that sociologists use to examine real-world issues affecting individuals and communities every day. A Sociology degree is a great choice for students who want to enter the labor market or graduate school with a broad range of skills. Sociology graduates are prepared for numerous careers in private and non-profit organizations, social services, public policy, education, marketing and advertising, and other areas. And for graduate work in countless fields such as law, medicine, public health, counseling, social work and others. While pursuing your passion in Sociology, you will have opportunities to do an internship, work with faculty on cutting-edge research projects and serve as a teaching apprentice or tutor for your peers.

Bachelor’s in Sociology: The Oakland University Advantage

Oakland’s undergraduate sociology degree focuses on the development of critical thinking skills, familiarity with diverse cultural perspectives, the ability to conduct investigative research, and the aptitude for collaboration and dialogue.

Our sociology degree offers:

  • Internships and other hands-on learning opportunities. The sociology major includes an internship course that allows you to gain workplace experience. You may also serve as a teaching apprentice, earning course credit while gaining experience in classroom instruction.  
  • Framework for research — and application. At Oakland, we provide the foundation and framework to help you understand how social institutions shape individuals’ lives. As a sociology major, you will work with faculty members to conduct original studies while training in research methods and statistical analysis. Then you’ll have plenty of opportunities to apply those skills in relevant, impactful ways. 
  • Impressive faculty. Oakland University’s sociology degree program offers small classes taught by experienced faculty. You’ll learn from accomplished, award-winning scholars who bring their expertise and innovation to the classroom, research labs, and the field.
  • An interdisciplinary approach. Some of our sociology degree courses overlap with those for other majors and minors at Oakland University. Our sociology department works closely with social work, women and gender studies, LGBTQ+ studies, anthropology, religious studies, international studies, and other departments. Double majoring or minoring in one of these areas is a great way to increase the value of your bachelor’s in sociology.
  • Community through extracurricular activities. Our sociology majors may be nominated for the honors society, participate in seminars, join student-led organizations, participate in Oakland’s Sociology Club, and more.

What Can You Do With a Sociology Degree?

A sociology bachelor’s degree can provide you with research skills and knowledge of human relationships you can apply to a number of sociology careers and work in other fields, too, including: 

  • Criminal justice 
  • Health and medicine
  • Law
  • Local government
  • Public administration
  • Human services 
  • Urban planning

Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology: What You’ll Learn

As a major in sociology at Oakland University, you will study society and systematically examine the cultural and social factors that shape individual and group behavior. 

Through our Core, Capstone, and elective courses for the sociology bachelor’s degree program, you will learn about the fundamental processes of human interaction and the forces of social inequality and social change. 

You may choose undergraduate program courses that address relationships and interactions across gender, race, families, communities, medicine, religion, and more. These are just a few examples of our courses:

  • Queer Social Theory
  • The Sociology of Deviance
  • Racial and Ethnic Relations
  • Urban and Community Sociology

Sociology Bachelor’s Program Resources

Programs Related to the Sociology Degree

Are you considering your options beyond a sociology degree? Here are some other undergraduate degree programs at Oakland that may interest you: