Sociology

Sociology is the study of social life, including individuals, groups, organizations, institutions, and societies. Sociologists investigate the social causes and consequences of human behavior and interaction, such as inequality, poverty, discrimination, and urbanization. Sociologists are curious about what is going on in the social world and more importantly, why and how this matters for societies. The University of Illinois Chicago Department of Sociology offers undergraduates a top quality education—indeed, UIC’s sociology department is ranked among the top 40 sociology departments in the country. As a public institution in one of the country’s most exciting cities, we are proud to be a department where faculty and students can apply their sociological lens to “real world” issues.

As part of your broader education at UIC, we believe that an undergraduate degree in sociology will prepare you for work in a wide range of fields through your development of important skills, such as the ability to apply sociological theories to understand social phenomena, understanding and application of research methods to understand the social world, and knowledge and use of statistical techniques and software.

See how other students found their fit below with this major!

Below is a sample of how UIC alumni have applied their sociology major to a professional path!

• Case Manager, Metropolitan Family Services
• Child and Adolescent Therapist, Kenneth Young Center
• Enrollment Advisor, Kendall College
• Financial Services Professional, New York Life
• Health Outreach Coordinator, Instituto del Progreso Latino
• Project Consultant, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
• School Counselor, Elgin High School
• Treatment Counselor, Youth Outreach Services
• Youth Services Program Manager, Corazon Community Services

In addition to the foundational set of skills and competencies you will acquire in any liberal arts and science major, there are also unique skills and perspectives you gain from your sociology major. Review the list below to learn more:

• Strong background in sociological theories
• Ability to apply sociological theories to understand social phenomena
• Knowledge and application of research methods to understand the social world
• Evaluation of quality of social scientific data
• Ability to analyze social scientific data
• Knowledge and use of statistical techniques and software
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to use sociological knowledge to inform policy debates and promote public understanding

There are many work place settings, industries, and career areas where you can apply your major based on your professional interests. Below is a sample list of industry clusters that other sociology majors have transitioned into professionally. What type of setting or career focus appeals to you?

• Arts, Media, and Communications
• Business and Entrepreneurship
• Criminology and Law Enforcement
• Cultural and Museum Studies
• Education
• Government, International Affairs, and Public Service
• Healthcare and Wellness
• Law and Legal Services
• Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations
• Science and Research
• Social Services