B.A. in Sociology
Examine the dynamics of social interaction and investigate the origins of social problems.
Sociology majors at the University of Mississippi learn basic tools of sociological analysis including social research methods and theory. The curriculum equips students to more effectively negotiate the diverse society in which we live by addressing social inequalities, culture, community development, social institutions, and social change.
Key Benefits
Sociology majors develop the critical thinking skills necessary to better understand our globally connected and diverse world. They are trained in research and communication skills useful in a wide range of careers. The sociologists have particular strengths in the study of culture, inequalities, research methods, social change and development, and theory. The presence of both sociologists and anthropologists in the same department provides a unique strength for students.
Graduate Outcomes
A liberal arts education prepares graduates to deal with complexity and change. They gain key skills in communication, problem-solving, and working with diverse groups. Related careers in sociology include health care, law, demography, drug counseling, criminology, human resources, consumer advocacy, corrections, city planning, community relations, labor relations, child welfare, business, non-profit management, education, counseling, marketing, and gerontology research.
Experiences Offered
Sociology majors find academic enrichment through the Center for Population Studies, the McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement, service learning courses, study abroad, sociology field schools, research assistantships, and internships focused on health, economic development, and social justice. Students are currently working with many communities in the state (and abroad) on social change projects thanks to the relationship with these two centers.
B.A. in Sociology Faculty
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Mississippi includes sociologists who have areas of specialization that include race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, inequalities and stratification, community development, medicine and health, place and environment, population, culture, social psychology, science, politics and social change, family, religion, crime, deviance, work, and economy and organizations.
Course Requirements
A major in sociology for the B.A. degree requires 30 semester hours, including Soc 101, 302, 365, and 498, and 21 semester hours of sociology electives.
Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in sociology degree program are the same as the general undergraduate admission requirements.
Emma Willoughby
Emma (B.A. in Liberal Studies and Sociology, 2013) was a photographer for theatre productions, a writer for the student newspaper, tutor with the Writing Center, psychology teaching assistant, researcher with the Center for Population Studies, and helped create the Student Food Bank. She participated in a bioethics fellowship at the UM Medical Center to better understand the health care system. She then conducted ethnographic research examining health networks at a community health center in Clarksdale for her honors thesis. After graduation Emma earned a Master's in international health policy at the London School of Economics, then worked with the Center for Obesity Research at the UM Medical Center. Her research on the overlap of nutrition policy, trade policy, development, gender, and race fuels her current interest in rising obesity trends. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in health policy or development after teaching and travel in Asia.
Why study sociology at UM?
"The department fosters interdisciplinary research that is necessary to answer complex social questions. Also, Mississippi offers a wonderful context for thinking about social problems. It can feel like you're on the forefront of fresh change. Mississippi has lessons to share and stories to tell that can really make an impact in development and social change."