Sociology

Students who major in sociology work toward a deeper understanding of how people live and work together in times of harmony and in times of discord and what makes societies work. Through classes, internships and volunteer opportunities, you'll learn problem-solving skills that are powerful tools in the interactions between individuals, groups, organizations, communities, societies and on global issues.

And, you'll build a foundation of skills in writing, oral communication, analytical thinking and interpersonal relations. You'll discover that studies in sociology are excellent preparation for a variety of careers and a solid base when combined with other work choices.

Program Requirements Department of Sociology Sociology Scholarships Minnesota Transfer Pathway

Program Highlights

• Two major programs offered:
  • Sociology
  • Interdepartmental Sociology (Currently, this program is not accepting applications)
• Active faculty research with student collaboration encouraged.  
• Emphasis on sociological approaches to thinking about social change.
• Internship opportunities are wide and varied and include work in the fields of corrections, market research, advocacy, program administration, human resources, and management training.
• Requests for student research have included a survey of older persons' satisfaction with nutrition programs or needs assessments. A recent intern worked to develop a program on educating the public about Medicare fraud.
• Select classes are available online.
• This discipline is also available as a minor to complement another major. 

Program Distinctions

• Internship program cited as a model for others by Commission on Applied and Clinical Sociology.
• Faculty and students engaged in timely, relevant research including immigrant workers in Minnesota, politics and food resources, social inequality, and environmental sociology.
• Sociology Professor Tracy Ore is the force behind St. Cloud State Community Garden, which was voted Best Community Garden in Minnesota by viewers of WCCO Television.
• Sociology alumni work in a variety of human service areas for government, nonprofits and businesses such as corrections, gerontology, social welfare, counseling or sales and human resources.
• Stephen Philion is the founder of the Greater Minnesota Worker Center, a St. Cloud based organization of workers, activists and leaders formed to address immigrant workers' issues.