University of Connecticut (Storrs)

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Degree Overview

A degree in sociology opens many doors for careers in a variety of fields such as community organizing, law, public policy, teaching, higher education and social work. Sociology is an analytic discipline concerned with understanding people as creators of, and participants in, society. The field is broadly concerned with the study of modern society and its social organizations, institutions, groups, and social roles. Sociologists study social influences on human behavior, such as sexuality, ethnic identity, and religious belief, and how individuals become members of families and communities. The field is also concerned with social problems, especially all forms of prejudice, discrimination, and inequality, and with poverty, crime, violence, and the threatened environment. Sociologists emphasize sources of social problems in the organization of society, public policies for their alleviation, and today’s questions of social justice. Finally, they study how individuals, both alone and working in groups, can change the society in which they live. A major in sociology opens many doors for careers and is excellent background for advanced training in a variety of other fields.