Minor in Sociology

Human rights. Global justice. Cities. Social Change. Gender. Race. Media. Crime. Economy. Inequality. Youth culture. And even Happiness. A minor in sociology lets you explore some of the most urgent and fascinating topics today. 

A minor in sociology is an excellent complement for students intending careers in health-related fields, the non-profit sector, government, higher education, human resource management, city and regional planning, or public policy.

  • Sociology equips students with skills in real-world problem solving.
  • Students learn how to evaluate sound research.
  • Students develop a deep appreciation for how organizations work and how social context shapes human behavior.

Did you know the MCATs were revised to include a large section on sociology? Do you know why? Because those in medical and health-related professions recognize that to treat people, to address health and illness, medical professionals need to understand people and the social contexts that shape their decisions about and their access to medical care.

It is the same for a wide range of careers. Whether a civil engineer, an architects, city or regional planner, one needs to comprehend how people understand and relate to the built environment. Specialists in technology and computer science need to understand the propensity of human error and the conditions that minimize that error. Managers and marketers, to be successful, must understand what motivates individuals and groups to act, the meanings behind their action and why some messages move individuals and groups to act, while other message fall flat. Effective educators need to understand the social hurdles that students bring with them to the classroom.

The sociology minor provides that understanding and is indispensable for professional success across a wide range of careers.

6 courses (18 credits): 4 electives, Introduction to Sociology, and Classical Sociological Theory.

Opportunities

All students have opportunities to

  • conduct independent research
  • engage in globally-related activities through coursework and language study at Mason and abroad
  • participate in many forms of public service
  • prepare for their future careers through internships, career-focused minors and other college-to-career activities

Tags:

Sociology