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College of Arts & Sciences

Sociology

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Why pursue a sociology degree at North Central College?

Sociologists study social interaction, social group and societies. Sociology addresses topics like dating relationships, organized crime, race relations, mental health, work organizations, social mobility, world systems and more. Sociology students develop substantive insight into unique questions like why do some people “get ahead” and others not, how does social media impact our self-presentation and what do changing definitions of sexuality and gender portend for our lives. At North Central, you’ll be presented with intellectual challenges and professional skills that promote personal development. Sociology opens many engaging career pathways like urban planning, social service providers, public health workers, community liaisons, journalists, educators and counselors. Sociological skills can lead to graduate school or a wide range of rewarding careers in government, education, non-profit or private corporations.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Studying the ways society develops and functions and offering new solutions
  • Making sense of and challenging ideas around social justice, change and fairness
  • Conducting sociological research through data collection

then a degree in SOCIOLOGY might be for you.

Why study sociology at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • Chicago Encounters
  • Crime, Law and Society
  • Criminal Justice System
  • Health, Illness and Care
  • Life Changes and Choices
  • Gender: Patterns/Privileges/Possibilities
  • Policing and Corrections
  • Power-Based Personal Violence
  • Race/Ethnicity: Conflict and Change
  • Schools and Society
  • Social Class: Get Ahead/Fall Behind
  • Social Inquiry: Qualitative
  • Social Inquiry: Quantitative
  • Social Life and Social Theory
  • Sociological Culminating Experience

Campus Virtual Tour

Beyond the Classroom

As a sociology major, you can:

  • Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
  • Apply for a Richter Grant and explore your own research interests from anywhere in the world.
  • Conduct research and present findings at local, regional and national conferences.
  • Learn more about the community through community engaged learning projects and volunteer opportunities with organizations like World Relief, Circle K and North Central’s Cardinals in Action.
  • Join the Alpha Kappa Delta sociology honor society.

 

More Department information

 

Sociology, B.A.

Sociology is the study of social interactions, social groups and societies. The subject matter ranges from dating relationships, to organized crime, race relations, mental health, work organizations, social mobility, world systems and pretty much everything in-between.  Wherever people, groups and societies are connected to one another, this is the subject matter of the discipline. As a sociology student, you will develop substantive insights into these areas. For example, why some people "get ahead" and others not; how social media impacts our presentations of self in society; what the changing definitions of sexuality and gender portend for our lives. Along with these insights, you will develop a research sophistication and practical, real-world experiences that will lead to careers and meaningful work lives going forward. You will be presented with intellectual challenges, professional skills and intriguing ideas—all with the intent of promoting your own personal development, a career suited to your interests and a society that promises a greater sense of social justice and fairness.

Sociology opens up many engaging career pathways and offers valuable preparation for positions in many different types of organizational settings such as educational institutions, not-for-profit organizations, private corporations and government agencies. With a bachelor's degree in sociology, graduates are positioned to obtain and excel in occupations as urban planners, social service providers, public health workers, community liaisons, journalists, educators, admissions counselors, public relations professionals, juvenile counselors and police officers. For those students who are considering an advanced degree, sociology facilitates entry into professional programs in law, social work, public policy, theology, administration (e.g. public, business, fine arts), as well as master's and doctoral programs in sociology.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see .

Core Courses

Inequalities Course

One of the following:

Pathway Courses

Three courses from any of the following three areas:

Problems Courses

Tools Courses

Institutions Courses

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Sociology Minor

For additional programs and courses in this department, see .

A minimum of 20 credit hours, including:

Inequalities

One of the following:

Electives

An additional 12 credit hours of Sociology, with at least four credit hours at the 300- or 400-level.

Sociology Internships and Jobs

Whether you have an undergraduate, master's degree, or doctoral degree, sociology opens up many engaging career pathways and offers valuable preparation for positions in different types of organizational settings such as, educational institutions, not-for-profit organizations, private corporations, and government agencies.

Internships

  • Mental health services intern, Wheaton, IL
  • Intern, Illinois State Police, Downers Grove, IL
  • At-risk youth mentor, Metropolitan Family Services, Wheaton, IL
  • Intern, HHS Planning and Consulting, Chicago
  • Refugee resettlement intern, World Relief, Aurora, IL
  • TLC youth advocate, Hesed House, Aurora, IL
  • Adult probation services intern, 19th Judicial Circuit, Waukegan, IL
  • Exploring diversity intern, Bardwell School, Aurora, IL
  • Not-for-profit management, Appalachia Service Project, Johnson City, TN

Graduate Schools

Recent graduates in sociology have been accepted at:

  • University of San Diego
  • Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Careers

  • Urban planner
  • Social service providers
  • Public health workers
  • Community liaisons
  • Journalists
  • Educators
  • Admission counselors
  • Public relations professionals 
  • Juvenile counselors
  • Police officers

For those students who are considering an advanced degree, sociology facilitates entry into professional programs in law, social work, public policy, theology, administration (e.g. public, business, fine arts), as well as master's and doctoral programs in sociology.

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The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.

Sociology Student Profile

Dakota Drew '24

Meet Dakota Drew, a first-generation student at North Central College. Coming from San Antonio, Texas, she's not just pursuing a degree in criminology and sociology but also breaking barriers by participating in ROTC and women's wrestling. Awarded a three-year Army ROTC Scholarship in 2022, covering tuition and fees, Drew thrives in both realms. In her second year on the wrestling team, she took second place in her weight class at the CCIW Championships and earned a spot on the Academic All-CCIW Team. Discover how her military training enhances her leadership and critical thinking skills.

Dakota Drew

Sociology Student Profile

Olivia Rosenberg '25

Olivia Rosenberg, a transfer student from a Big Ten institution, found her niche at North Central College, thriving in a supportive environment where she's connected with professors and classmates on a deeper level. Majoring in communication studies and sociology, Rosenberg is passionate about meaningful communication and hopes to pursue a career that ignites her motivation daily. Thanks to influential faculty like Dr. Mara Berkland and a diverse array of extracurricular involvement, she's gaining invaluable real-world experience. Explore Olivia's transformative journey at North Central College.