Sociology

Learning Format

On-Campus

Types

Bachelor's, Minor
Sociology

Confront the Problems Facing Our World

Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions. It is a field that explains puzzles in our personal lives, our communities, and the world, with topics that range from crime to education, from the family to social policy, from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture.  As social scientists, sociologists apply scientific reasoning and methodologies not only to understand the array of formidable problems facing our country and our world, but also to encourage social change against structures that perpetuate inequality and oppression.

Discover the skills and tools you need to see the world through a fresh lens and to innovate paths for social change and social service. Graduates of our program have successfully entered fulfilling careers as teachers, social workers and case workers. They also work in nonprofit organizations as community engagement managers or diversity, inclusion and equity specialists. Some of our alumni pursue master’s degrees in applied sociology, higher education administration, and social work, to name a few. Others have gone on to obtain degrees from leading law and graduate schools in the region and beyond.  

The Department of Sociology & Criminology at Framingham State is a vibrant community of committed faculty and engaged students. In fact, sociology majors rank the availability of faculty, faculty concern for student progress, and quality of teaching as among the best aspects of the program. The connections between students and faculty - built in classes, research projects, and service - mean learning and social change go hand in hand. 

Black Lives Matter

Learning Outcomes

  • Comprehension: Recognize the impact of social patterns, human diversity, cultural difference, and globalization on social life.

  • Application: Use sociological principles, theories, and concepts in the interpretation of social phenomena.

  • Synthesis: Design and conduct an empirical sociological research project using quantitative and qualitative methods.

  • Evaluation: Assess the extent, consequences, causes, and potential solutions of social problems and inequalities.

Program Requirements

Program Requirements

All students must satisfy a general education requirement consisting of ten (10) courses outside of the major department. The General Education Domain II-A (Analysis, Modeling, and Problem Solving) requirement is satisfied through the completion of the Sociology major.

  • SOCI 101 Introduction to Sociology

Or

  • SOCI 130 Social Problems
 
  • SOCI 301 Sociological Theory
  • SOCI 302 Quantitative Methods I – Research Design
  • SOCI 303 Quantitative Methods II – Data Collection & Analysis
  • SOCI 320 Uncovering Meaning in the Social World

Capstone:

  • SOCI 480 Sociology Senior Thesis Seminar

Or

  • SOCI 495 Internship in Sociology

Or

  • ANTH 495 Internship in Anthropology

Five (5) Courses:

  • All Sociology majors are required to complete 5 department electives (can be Anthropology, Criminology, or Sociology), two (2) of which must be at the 300-level or above.

Areas of Focus
Students majoring in Sociology may elect to follow an area of focus within the major. An area of focus is not the same as a concentration and will not be noted on a student's transcript or audit. A cohesive sequence of courses in a subfield of the discipline enables students to strengthen their knowledge for employment opportunities upon graduation and/or advanced post-graduate training. Students interested in pursuing an area of focus are encouraged to choose their major electives from the courses listed below:

Area of Focus: Anthropology
Anthropology provides an understanding of culture, the various adaptive styles human beings have devised, and the ways in which they have become diversified. It is designed to prepare students for careers involving interaction and cooperation with people from diverse cultural, religious, and ethnic groups. Some examples are government; international development; foundation administration; business enterprises, especially those with overseas interests; non-profit organizations, especially non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) with global interests; human ecology; and environmental consulting. In addition, this area of focus prepares students for graduate study in anthropology, sociology, and international relations.

Recommended courses:

Area of Focus: Business and Society
This subfield is for students interested in professional and business careers. The focus is on various models of work systems in American enterprise, the social regulation of business, the character of the global economy, and markets as systems of social exchange relating to families, work organizations, and the state. Fieldwork is encouraged for students through our field experience course.

Recommended courses:

Area of Focus: Deviance and Social Control
A focus on deviance and social control implies taking a careful look at how forms of social and personal behavior that violate mainstream norms arise, and at how mainstreamers and mainstream social institutions regard and respond to such behavior. We will be looking at behavioral styles called “crime”, “delinquency”, “immorality”, “non-conformity”, and so forth. How do such modes of behavior arise and how do they become labeled as deviant styles by the society and its mainstream enforcers? How do deviants assess their own behavior and how is it viewed by others? How does it affect their relationships with others? What do “insider-outsider” relations consist of? What does society as a whole define as order? How do various social institutions and groupings (the legal and medical establishments, and the upholders of public morality) respond to what they view to be disorder? How does society punish transgressors and enforce rules and impose sanctions? This subfield is particularly suitable for those interested in the practice of law and law enforcement, politics, public administration, mental health, and social work.

Recommended courses:

Area of Focus: Gender Studies
Students who focus on gender studies closely examine the way in which gender systems are embedded into social institutions, culture, and everyday interactions. Courses teach students to develop methods of inquiry regarding gender that they can continue to apply in multiple realms—ranging from family and intimate relationships to public policies related to crime and justice. As such, departmental areas of sociology, anthropology, and criminology can incorporate a productive focus on gender.

Recommended courses:

Area of Focus: Human Services
This subfield is appropriate for students interested in careers in human services, such as non-profit agency administration, social work, counseling, community organizing, health care policy analysis, and health care administration. Additionally, this area of focus offers preparation for graduate study in social work, health care administration, law, sociology, psychology, education, and human resource management. The Human Services subfield provides an in-depth examination of the impact of social forces on human behavior.

Recommended courses:

Area of Focus: Social Justice
A focus on the study of social inequalities and the struggle to achieve a more equitable society and world. The area of focus examines class, race, ethnicity, national, and gender divisions and their connections to major social and political problems. It also considers possible solutions and related strategies for social change. This subfield is suitable for students interested in political activism, government service, social work, teaching, law, and graduate work in the social sciences.

Recommended courses:

#BannersForJustice! A collection of protest banners created by the FSU campus community at a workshop organized by Dr. Zeynep Gonen and led by Aram Han Sifuentes!
#BannersForJustice! A collection of protest banners created by the FSU campus community at a workshop organized by Dr. Zeynep Gonen and led by Aram Han Sifuentes!

Minor Requirements

The following courses are required to complete this minor:

  • SOCI 101 Introduction to Sociology
  • Four additional Sociology (SOCI) courses

Career Opportunities

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Social Worker

Help people cope with and navigate the logistics of a broad range of issues in their everyday lives.

Market Research Analyst

Help companies understand what products and services people want.

Diversity Manager

Develop and implement strategic initiatives that help attract and maintain a diverse workforce.

School Counselor

Help students navigate their academic careers and support their social development.

Community Developer/Organizer

Orchestrates innovative programs fostering inclusivity and empowerment to uplift marginalized groups.

Careers in Law and the Legal System

Lawyers, and paralegals who help them, prepare for hearings, trials, and meetings by gathering facts and evidence, preparing legal documents, conducting research on relevant case laws, trying cases, and advocating for clients.

City Planner

Helps shape what communities look like by developing short- and long-term solutions to improve infrastructure and revitalize areas based on the community’s needs.

Community Health Worker

Helps underserved communities and focuses on promoting health initiatives by acting as a liaison between health organizations—such as hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies—and the public.

Policy Analyst

Researches, evaluates, and develops policies to address social, economic, or regulatory issues, providing data-driven recommendations to support decision-making.

Journalist

Plays a vital role in social justice, using investigative, watchdog, and online journalism to spotlight societal issues by raising awareness and educating the public.

Social Science Research Assistant

Performs data entry and statistical analyses, assisting in preparing project-related reports, manuscripts, presentations, and other research documentation.

A variety of careers in Non-Profit & Social Services

Including but not limited to: Victim Advocate, Social Welfare Examiner, Residential Care Worker, Environmental Advocate, Grant Writer, Program Developer and Manager, Volunteer Coordinator

Zoe Ryan Williams

Sociology, Minor in Political Science

The sociology professors at FSU are a great group. They are always encouraging me and take pride in my success.

Student sitting at a table smiling at the camera

Tasia Clemons '18

The size of the University was an important factor for me in attending FSU. Because I enjoy one-on-one communication, I liked the small personal setting that you get here.

Forensic Science lab

Forensic Science lab

In the Lab with Dr. Brellas! Students extract DNA in their FORS 111 Forensic Science lab

Meet Your Faculty

Photo of Patricia Sanchez-Connally

Patricia Sanchez-Connally, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Sociology & Criminology Department and Assistant Coordinator, RAMS 101 Program
(508) 215-5767
psanchezconnally@framingham.edu
O'Connor Hall
Photo of Kaan Agartan

Kaan Agartan, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Sociology & Criminology Department
508-626-4854
kagartan@framingham.edu
O'Connor Hall
Photo of Dr. Zeynep Gönen

Zeynep Gönen, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Sociology & Criminology Department
508-626-4822
zgonen@framingham.edu
O'Connor Hall
Photo of Dr. Jonathan Martin

Jonathan Martin, Ph.D.

Professor, Sociology & Criminology Department
508-626-4894
jmartin50@framingham.edu
O'Connor Hall
View All

Learn more and apply

If Sociology sounds like a good fit but you would like to learn more, contact Admissions at admissions [at] framingham.edu (admissions[at]framingham[dot]edu) or 508-626-4500.

If you are ready to apply, click on the Apply link.