explore the complexities of social behavior
Are you a people watcher? Does human social behavior fascinate you? UNE’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program focuses on the origins and evolution of human social interaction. Through hands-on learning opportunities, including fieldwork, research, and internships, you will learn about a range of social challenges; consider their cultural, global, and political implications; and find out how to be part of the solution. You’ll leave the program ready to pursue a career in social service or a graduate degree in sociology, social work, law, economics, environmental studies, public health, or many other disciplines.
Why UNE for Your B.A. in Sociology
Because student engagement is a high priority, we offer research opportunities, guest speakers, fieldwork, and hands-on classroom experiences that get you excited about sociology. This focus on learning by doing not only makes for richer student experiences but gives you an edge when applying for employment or graduate study.
- Emphasis on engaging fieldwork, internships, and capstone experience
- Personalized academic support
- Travel abroad opportunities
- Strong job and graduate school placement rates
Steven Byrd, Associate Professor of Spanish and Portuguese
I think that UNE has a nice balance of teaching, research, and service. It’s not a university of professors solely doing research and distracted from the classroom. We have a culture, especially in the tenure ranks, of trying to maintain the balance between being a good teacher and being there for our students as well as working on our research and partaking in service activities.
I received a faculty mini-grant from UNE to do research on the culinary culture of the Brazilian northeast. For me, it’s the second article in a series of articles. The first article that I wrote was about another state in the southwest of Brazil. Now, I’m looking at the northeast of Brazil because it is an area with a lot of traditional dishes, especially things related to beef. For my research, I spent a month in the city of Hasifi in Brazil this past summer. Hasifi is in the state of Pernambuco, which is where the original sugar plantations began. There are a lot of cattle in the area. There is also a rich tradition of seafood from fisherman, which makes sense because Hasifi is located right on the coast. All of these aspects of the cuisine there were part of my research.
UNE Students
I've taught students at the University of Texas, and I've taught students at the University of New England, and I will take the students at the University of New England ten times out of ten. I really like the students’ demeanor here. They have a particular curiosity and the attitude of a student — they are excited and eager to learn. There is a sense of humility that allows them to be open-minded. They genuinely put effort into assignments and care to turn in their best work. They trust the faculty, and I appreciate their sense of willingness.
I love working with students outside the classroom. I’ve been the advisor for the drama club, UNE Players, for two years now. It comes with its own unique set of challenges, but I love the students’ idealism and energy. They are inspiring. They want to make plays happen no matter the obstacles. I like helping the students and watching them grow through these experiences. It feels rewarding.
I've taught students at the University of Texas, and I've taught students at the University of New England, and I will take the students at UNE ten times out of ten.
What Will You Study? Sociology Degree Curriculum Overview
B.A. in Sociology Courses
The following are examples of the exciting courses that the Sociology major offers:
- Society in Latin America
- Sociology of Food, Health, and Society
- Societies of the Future Through Science Fiction Cinema
- Medical Sociology
- Sociology of Law
- A Just Society
Curriculum
| CAS Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 42–43 |
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| SOC 150 – Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 268 – Practice of Social Research | 3 |
| SOC 270 – Classical Social Theory | 3 |
| SOC 280 – Contemporary Social Theory | 3 |
| SOC 300 – Internship | 3 |
| SOC 370 – Applied Field Methods | 3 |
| One (1) 300- or 400-level elective | 3 |
| One (1) Social Cultural Studies Course | 3 |
| One (1) Social Global Studies Course | 3 |
| One (1) Sociology, Anthropology, or Archeology course at any level | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Select one (1) Applied Capstone Experience (see more details below) | Credits |
|---|---|
| Option 1 - Internship | 9–16 |
| Option 2 - Capstone Thesis | 9–16 |
| Option 3 - Study Abroad | 9–16 |
| Total Credits | 9–16 |
| Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 120 |
|---|
Applied Capstone Experiences (ACE)
Internship
Students may take between nine (9) and sixteen (16) credits to complete this ACE. Students may select from over seven hundred and fifty (750) sites in the Civic Engagement database. This learning opportunity should parallel the student’s area of interest and help them to gain experience, skills, and knowledge of how systems work and how to develop options in a given field.
Thesis
Students may take between nine (9) and sixteen (16) credits to complete this ACE. The thesis should build on the work the student has done in the Sociology major. This academic work should prepare them for graduate study in disciplines that have been incorporated into their study.
Study Abroad
Students typically take between fifteen (15) and sixteen (16) credits to complete a study abroad experience. While studying in a foreign society and culture is important, the primary focus is to take courses from the new institution that will help the student develop their areas of interest as they relate to the major. In short, there needs to be an integrated social science experience that drives the study abroad learning and the opportunity to explore a new society and culture for this to be a successful experience. All study abroad experiences should first be cleared with the Academic Director to see if they qualify to meet the requirements for the capstone.
Sociology majors may use a Social Global Awareness course to fulfill the major requirement and the CORE requirement.
Students in this major can participate in the pre-health graduate school preparation tracks.
To learn more about the program see the Academic Catalog.
Meet our faculty and professional staff
Honors Program
We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor.
Meet Cam, a Sociology Major With a Passion for Videography
He plans to use visual storytelling to engage the public and inspire action around important issues — like protecting our oceans and fisheries. Cam is one of the many UNE students who are gaining the skills and knowledge to make an impact and be of service.
Career Paths for Sociology Majors
A deep and nuanced understanding of human social behavior is an advantage in virtually every profession. While your degree in Sociology will position you to pursue advanced graduate study in a variety of fields -- from social work, counseling, and public health to criminology, law, and medicine -- there are many careers you may consider, including:
- Lawyer
- Public Relations/Advertising Specialist
- Market Researcher
- Journalist
- ESL/ELL teacher
- Mediator
- Social Justice Advocate
- Youth Services Administrator
- U.S. Government Civil Servant
Career Advising for Sociology Students
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
Taking Sociology Beyond the Classroom
International Medical Missions
As a Sociology major, you may opt to travel to Latin America as part of the IMM(UNE) club, which conducts medical volunteer missions in places like Guatemala and Ecuador.
Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology Program
The Sociology major’s focus on applied, hands-on learning gets you out in the community, elbow-to-elbow with a variety of professionals in real-world settings.
Internships for Sociology Majors
Our database of more than 900 internship sites allows you to gain valuable professional experience in a field you want to explore. Our graduates have interned with legal services organizations, international charities, downtown community organizations, public access television stations, and many other groups.
For more information, contact Sam McReynolds, Ph.D., at (207) 602-2765 or smcreynolds@powerorigin.net.
Senior Capstone Experience
As an Applied Social student, you choose a capstone experience to widen the scope of your expertise. There are three ways to fulfill the applied capstone experience (ACE).
Internship
You may take between 9 and 16 credits to complete this ACE. You may select from more than 800 sites in the departmental database. This learning opportunity should parallel your area of interest and help you gain experience, skills, and knowledge of how systems work and how to develop options in a given field.
Thesis
You may take between 9 and 16 credits to complete this ACE. The thesis should build on the work you have done in the Sociology major. This academic work should prepare you for graduate study in disciplines that have been incorporated into your study.
Study Abroad
It typically takes 15-16 credits to complete a study abroad experience. While studying in a foreign society and culture is important, the primary focus is to take courses from the new institution that will help you to develop your areas of interest as it relates to your major. In short, there needs to be an integrated social science experience that drives the study abroad learning as well as the opportunity to explore a new society and culture for this to be a successful experience. All study abroad experiences should first be cleared with the department chair to see if they qualify to meet the requirement for the capstone.
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future in UNE’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology? Get started today.
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology FAQ
What is a sociology degree?
A sociology degree explores human behavior and society. Sociology is a social science that looks at interactions from individual to a global scale, both in history and the modern era. Students learn to ask important questions, research, and use data to tackle problems such as how important social categories like class, race, and gender intersect with power, wealth, family conflicts, cultural issues, discrimination, and healthcare disparities.
UNE offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology program that helps students grasp current social problems and find solutions. This degree equips students with diverse skills and experiences, boosting their future academic and career prospects, and empowering them to be more active and aware citizens.
Learn more about the B.A. in Sociology degree program at UNE in Maine
Additionally, UNE offers a Minor in Sociology which provides students with a broad-based exposure to sociological theories and methods, as well as a wide range of current social issues. Students receive extensive experiential learning opportunities as well. A sociology minor can help students pursue careers in a variety of disciplines including sociology, criminology, social work, law, economics, environmental studies, and public health.
What can you do with a sociology degree?
A sociology degree opens doors to many graduate programs and careers. After your bachelor’s, your next step could be graduate school for business, law, social work, public health, or education. With a master’s or doctorate in sociology, you could even become a professor.
Many sociology graduates work in social services like counseling, teaching, social work, and policing. Administrative roles in communication, human resources, marketing, or public relations are also common. Sociology majors also learn a lot of human behavior skills that prepare you for roles in management.
Students who graduate with a degree in sociology from UNE have pursued many fascinating careers, including lawyers, public relations/advertising specialists, market researchers, journalists, ESL/ELL teachers, mediators, social justice advocates, youth services administrators, and U.S. government civil servants. UNE students have the ability to work with our Academic and Career Advising Center. It doesn’t matter if you have a clear career goal or just a general interest in a field.
How long does it take to get a sociology degree?
The time it takes to earn a sociology degree varies by the type of degree. An associate’s degree takes around two years, a bachelor’s takes about four years for full-time students, a master’s takes one to two years, and a Ph.D. program usually lasts four years or more.
Universities offer a B.A. and/or a B.S. in sociology. A B.S. dives deeper into research methods and data analysis, with more major-specific courses. On the other hand, a B.A. takes a broader, interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing liberal arts over specialized studies like a B.S. Whether you are working toward a B.A. or a B.S. in sociology, you must complete 120 credit hours, no matter which school you attend.
UNE’s B.A. in Sociology requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. This includes:
- 42–46 credits of College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) core curriculum
- 18 credits of Sociology core courses
- 12 credits of Sociology electives
- 9–16 credits of applied capstone experience credits (internship, capstone thesis, and study abroad)
- Open elective courses as needed to reach 120 credits
Why should I major in sociology?
Are you someone who observes people? Are you curious about how power structures in society work and cares about fairness? With a sociology major, you’ll explore group dynamics, human behavior, and social justice. You’ll become a critical thinker, learning to analyze behavior and understand how individual and group characteristics affect society’s workings. Plus, you’ll enhance your communication skills.
Choosing to major in sociology at UNE means being part of a program that values active student involvement. We provide chances for research, guest talks, practical fieldwork, and interactive classroom learning that spark your interest in sociology. This hands-on, experiential learning approach not only enhances your education but also boosts your prospects for jobs or graduate study. This includes:
- Emphasis on engaging fieldwork, internships, and capstone experience
- Personalized academic support
- Travel abroad opportunities
- Strong job and graduate school placement rates
Which colleges have the best sociology degree program for me?
Many students want to major in sociology because they are interested in human behavior and/or social justice. There are two unique elements that set UNE’s Sociology program apart from others in New England. These elements include:
- Students complete a 120-hour internship. This helps students to engage in experiential learning, apply sociology to the real world, and undertake career explorations.
- Upper-level students participate in a semester-long applied sociological experience. One option is an internship with a minimum of 360 hours of engagement to be selected from a variety of area schools, agencies, and programs. A second option is for a student to study abroad and study in a foreign society and culture.
There are many other factors to consider when choosing which college or university has the best sociology degree program for you.
Faculty
Determine the sociology faculty that aligns with your interests and see if their research interests align with yours. UNE sociology faculty are all dedicated educators who bring extensive expertise in diverse sociological areas, fostering an enriching learning environment. They are committed to guiding students through the complexities of sociological concepts and their real-world applications. Students have plenty of opportunities for research and fieldwork with UNE faculty. This research can lead students toward a variety of career paths. Our small classes allow for personal attention and collaborative research with faculty.
Meet faculty and professional staff in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Curriculum
Evaluate the curriculum based on your preferences plus opportunities for internships and experiential learning.
UNE’s sociology curriculum focuses on the traditional foundations of sociology plus a wide range of current social issues. The following are examples of the exciting courses that the UNE Sociology major offers:
- Society in Latin America
- Sociology of Food, Health, and Society
- Societies of the Future Through Science Fiction Cinema
- Medical Sociology
- Sociology of Law
- A Just Society
Additionally, UNE’s sociology program provides students with broad-based exposure to theories and methods, as well as a wide range of current social issues. Students receive extensive experiential learning opportunities as well including:
- Internships – UNE has a database of more than 900 internship sites allowing you to gain valuable professional experience in a field you want to explore. Examples include legal services organizations, international charities, downtown community organizations, public access television stations, and many other groups.
- Applied capstone experience (ACE) – The goal is to widen the scope of the student’s sociology expertise. Options include:
- Internship – Students can select from more than 800 sites as a learning opportunity that should parallel their area of interest and help them gain experience, skills, and knowledge of how systems work and how to develop options in a given field.
- Thesis – Students can build on the work they have done in the Sociology major. This academic work should prepare them for graduate study in disciplines that have been incorporated into their study.
- Study Abroad – While studying in a foreign society and culture is important, the primary focus is to take courses from the new institution that will help students develop areas of interest as they relate to their major.
Learn more about the full Sociology curriculum
Career goals
Choose the sociology program that aligns with your career goals and aspirations. See what resources are available to help you plan your next steps.
A deep and nuanced understanding of human social behavior is an advantage in virtually every profession. A sociology degree from UNE positions you to pursue advanced graduate study in a variety of fields or a variety of careers.
Graduates of UNE’s Sociology program in Maine have chosen to continue their education in various fields including sociology, social work, law, economics, environmental studies, and public health. Graduates have also preferred to work directly with at-risk youth, family services, the criminal justice system, as well as many other areas of social and public service. In addition, you can collaborate with our Academic and Career Advising Center whether you have a specific career path in mind or a general interest in a field.
Learn more about Career Advising at UNE
Location and environment
Consider the location and environment that best supports your sociology journey.
UNE is Maine’s largest private university. We have three unique campuses that provide diverse learning opportunities. In Maine, two campuses in Biddeford and Portland offer renowned undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Additionally, our Tangier, Morocco campus hosts a unique semester abroad program for UNE students.
Learn more about UNE’s campuses and how you can visit us
UNE’s Global Education Program aims to foster global citizenship by providing the opportunity for all students to study abroad.
Learn more about study abroad opportunities at UNE
Financial aid
Consider whether the school you’re interested in provides financial aid or scholarships to support your education.
A UNE undergraduate education is very affordable. Our tuition is 16% below the average tuition for private universities in New England. Plus, all incoming full-time undergraduate students at UNE will receive Merit Scholarships from $5,000 to $22,000 per year.
Learn more about grants and scholarships available to students at UNE