Sociology Major

The sociology major will help you better understand why people behave the way they do on an individual, group, and societal level. Sociology is the study of human social interaction. We study not only why people engage in certain types of behavior, but how people's experiences based on gender, class, or race affect those decisions. Through our courses, you will gain a general understanding of human society and how individuals' lives are shaped by social forces. The Washington College sociology program is particularly strong in medical sociology, criminology, gender and family sociology, social welfare, and environmental sociology.

The major culminates in the completion of a Senior Capstone Experience (SCE), a year-long research project that can take one of the following forms:

• a traditional empirical research paper, collecting new data or using existing data
• a policy analysis
• a media production, including a video or podcast
• a service learning project, partnering with a local organization to collect information and design programming

The standards for the major are dictated by the American Sociological Association and its requirements for what future sociologists need to know, including research methods. Over the course of your time at Washington College, you will develop theoretical and analytic skills appropriate for graduate or professional school programs, prepare for careers in social service or allied fields, and acquire theoretical and practical knowledge for careers in business and industry.

The sociology major combines well with other majors, allowing you to create double majors that work strategically toward your career goals. You are encouraged to bring the perspectives you gain in other coursework back into your sociology classrooms. Sociology courses can be cross-listed with other majors, and we require a statistics course taught outside of our department to expand your understanding of the applications of sociological work. The tools our students learn are widely applicable to many careers. It is also possible to study abroad for a semester or whole year.