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Kraig Brinkerhoff kraigb@byu.edu Appointment Hours: M 9:20-1:00 & 2:00-4:30 T 2:00-4:30 W 9:20-11:50 & 2:00-3:00 Th 9:20-10:50 & 2:00-4:30 F 10:00-12:00 & 2:00-4:00 Call (801)422-3541 to schedule an appointment and please review our Advising Syllabus. |
The Discipline
Sociology is the study of social relations, for example, the study of social interaction and the relations of power in modern society, family and community life, organizations, and institutions. Among other things, sociologists study social change and social movements, diversity and the origins of inequality, and social conflict. The study of sociology includes learning about the theoretical perspectives and the diverse research methodologies that inform sociological analysis.
Undergraduate Programs and Degrees
Career Opportunities
Students major in sociology in preparation for a number of different careers. Individuals are trained to analyze available information, summarize findings, draw conclusions, and solve problems. The study of sociology prepares a student for professional training in law, social work, public policy, and public or business administration. Sociology also provides training for occupations that do not require graduate training: commercial and retail sales, real estate, financial planning, information management and analysis, and market research. Students interested in working for nonprofit organizations and for government agencies should consider majoring in sociology. Students interested in studying criminology or a career in law enforcement may also consider sociology as a major. Becoming a sociologist requires further graduate study, a PhD is required.
Sociology can be utilized as a pre-professional degree for law, public policy, medical school, business school, or a variety of other professional tracks, such as social work (pre-MSW) or public administration (pre-MPA).
Study Options
Students are encouraged and given opportunities to participate in research projects, either their own research or as a research assistant.
Students have many opportunities to study abroad, spending summers studying inequality in Mexico or globalization and social problems in Southeast Asia.
Students are encouraged to participate in service learning and community-based programs, or Washington Seminar.
Students have many opportunities to pursue professional internships in a variety of state and community organizations.
Students are required to take two senior-level (Capstone) courses dealing with topics such as social change; modern society; family; crime, justice, and corrections; work and occupations; markets and society; complex organizations; and political sociology.