BA in Sociology

 

Sociology at Mason helps you see beyond the surface—connecting personal experiences to the larger social forces that shape our lives. 

Engage Real-World Issues
Explore social movements, inequality, race, gender, and globalization—and how they shape everyday life.

Turn Knowledge into Action
Our focus on public sociology connects classroom learning to real-world impact and urgent social challenges.

Learn Through Experience
Gain hands-on experience through internships, independent research, and study abroad in a global context.

Build In-Demand Skills
Develop strong research, critical thinking, and communication skills valued by employers and graduate programs.

Launch Your Future
Prepare for careers in public service, education, research, business, and more—or continue to graduate study.

Your Perspective. Your Voice. Your Impact. Join a program that challenges you to think differently, ask better questions, and make a difference in the world around you.

 

Major Map: Sociology

  First Year Middle Years Last Year
Academics

Meet with the sociology academic advisor to review AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, and transfer credits.

Take SOCI 101: Introductory Sociology.

Enroll in CHSS 100 or 101 if you're a new student, or choose CHSS 300 if you're a transfer student. These 1-credit courses are essential for a successful transition to George Mason University!

Prioritize Mason Core courses in the Foundation and Exploration categories.

Take foreign language placement test, obtain a heritage language waiver, or register for language classes to meet intermediate proficiency.

Maximize academic success by being familiar with Masons’ academic standards.

Attend your professors’ office hours -this helps build connections and supports your academic success. 

Meet with the sociology academic advisor to choose courses and stay on track with meeting degree requirements (add a reminder to do so each September and February).

Take degree required courses:

Enroll in ENG 302 Advanced Composition, or submit a portfolio and take an exam to apply for a waiver.

Want a specific focus in your degree? Declare a sociology concentration: 

Or consider the Immigration Studies Minor. 

Explore how sociology concentrations, potential minors, and career interests align with future goals in the Sociology Career pathways page.

Consider applying for honors in the Major (take SOCI 416 or SOCI 485 early if interested in this!)

Explore a wide range of sociology electives offered at Mason.

Interested in a Master’s in Sociology? Check our Bachelor to Accelerated Master's (BAM) program. 

 

Work closely with the sociology academic advisor to verify you are meeting all graduation requirements.

Take a Capstone course:

Apply for graduation (see details on full graduation process here).

Submit your research to CHSS Research Symposium. 
Career and Professional Prep

Explore Sociology Career pathways.

Check out University Career Services; they can help you build a resume and begin to develop a professional persona.

Complete your Handshake profile to explore job and internship opportunities.

See internship opportunities on the Sociology Internship page.

Explore events hosted by the District of Columbia Sociology Society (DCSS).

Learn about (or join) the American Sociological Association (ASA) – headquartered in Washington, D.C.! 

Look for internship opportunities via  University Career Services and Handshake or the Sociology Internships page.

Attend CHSS LinkUp to enhance your career prospects by connecting with sociology alumni—start building valuable connections as you explore internships and job opportunities. 

Attend a career and internship fair (October and February each year).

Find a sociology related internship or job and enroll in SOCI 416 for academic (Capstone) credit.

Consider taking UNIV 420: College to Career or UNIV 421: College to Grad School.

Create a LinkedIn profile and start developing your professional persona.

Thinking about graduate school? Check out the our graduate school info page. 

Review job types, employers and alumni connections on the Sociology Career pages.

Update your resume and gain skill in interviewing (check out University Career Services).

Update your LinkedIn and Handshake profiles.

Attend the Career Fair to secure job opportunities and network with employers as you prepare to launch your career after graduation. 

Prepare for graduate school: gather letters of recommendation, transcripts and write personal statements (check out our graduate school info page for tips).

Ask for letters of recommendation in a timely fashion (at least 1-2 months prior to the deadline!).
Experiences

Attend a meeting of Public Sociology Association to meet fellow sociologists or explore other student groups and events on Mason 360.

Attend CHSS LinkUp  to learn about career pathways and possibilities from sociology alumni .

Thinking about studying abroad? Attend an info session with the Global Education Office or consider a semester at Mason Korea.

Explore American culture and social change at Smithsonian museums, Planet Word, or the Anacostia Community Museum. 

 

Consider participating in research, join the Social Sciences Research Lab (no experience necessary).

Interested in cross-cultural learning? Check out the Sociology study abroad/global education options.

Do you want to engage directly with real-world next system projects? Apply to be a Next System Fellow.(applications open each fall, fellowship each spring)

Attend a meeting of Public Sociology Association to meet fellow sociologists or explore other student groups and events on Mason 360.

Working on independent research or interested in doing so? Consider applying for the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program through Mason’s Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR).

Eligible for Federal Work Study? Apply to be a Federal Work Study Research Assistant.

Consider becoming a CHSS Ambassador.

Like the major? Become a Sociology Ambassador to share information about the major with new students (email the Undergraduate Director today!).

Enjoyed sociology? Become a Sociology Ambassador to share info about the major with new and prospective students (email the Undergraduate Director today!)

Attend lectures hosted by Mason’s research institutes, including the Center for Social Science Research, and Institute for Immigration Research.

Sign up the American Sociological Association (ASA) newsletter and attend events at the DC headquarters.

 

Tags:

Sociology