Why Choose Sociology at Bethel University?
Sociology is the study of how people, groups, and societies work, and this degree trains you to see the patterns behind everyday life. Bethel University's Sociology major examines social institutions, culture, inequality, and behavior, teaching you to ask sharp questions about the world and back up your answers with evidence. It is a degree for people who want to understand society and help change it for the better.
The program pairs that perspective with real method. You learn sociological theory alongside research methods and statistics, then apply them across courses on stratification, gender, deviance, law, and community issues. The result is a versatile skill set in research, analysis, and critical thinking that prepares you for careers in human services, research, and public-facing work, as well as for graduate study in fields like social work, law, and counseling.
What You’ll Learn
In this program, you will learn:
- A command of the core sociological perspectives, principles, and methods
- An understanding of social institutions, class structure, culture, socialization, and social control
- A knowledge of major social theories, including functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism
- The ability to design and conduct social science research from hypothesis through analysis
- Skill in applying statistics to analyze and interpret data
- Insight into social stratification and the impact of inequality
- An understanding of how sociologists study gender and its social dimensions
- A sociological perspective on deviance, crime, and social control
- An understanding of the relationship between law and society
- The ability to analyze current social issues and their policy solutions
Courses You'll Take
These are the main courses that define the major:
SOC 111, Principles of Sociology
SOC 321, Social Theories
PSY 330, Research Methods
PSY 313, Psychological Statistics
Sociology Electives
You will also complete 21 hours of sociology courses numbered at the 200, 300, and 400 levels, with no more than six hours at the 200 level. Options from that pool include:
SOC 323, Social Stratification
SOC 325, Sociology of Gender
SOC 414, Sociology of Deviance
SOC 409, Law and Society
SOC 322, Urban Sociology
SOC 470A, Senior Seminar
Beyond these, you will complete additional hours of sociology courses at the 200, 300, and 400 levels, with no more than six hours at the 200 level.
Career Possibilities
Social Services Specialist
Connects individuals and families with support, resources, and programs through community and government agencies.
Case Manager
Coordinates services and support for clients, tracking their needs and progress over time.
Community Outreach Coordinator
Plans and leads programs that engage and serve a community or population.
Research Analyst
Designs studies, gathers data, and interprets findings to support organizations, policy, or social research.
Human Resources Specialist
Applies an understanding of groups and behavior to hiring, training, and workplace culture.
Policy Analyst
Studies social issues and evaluates policies to inform decisions in government or nonprofits.
Nonprofit Program Coordinator
Develops and manages programs that address social needs within an organization or community.
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