Sociology
Undergraduate Major & Minor College of Liberal Studies
Bachelor of Arts
About:
About:
Sociology is all about people — how we live, work, and connect with one another as local and global citizens. As a PLU sociology student, you’ll dive into topics that shape everyday life: human relationships, contemporary family life, ethnic diversity and race relations, poverty and inequality, social justice, and how communities organize for change.
A sociology degree opens doors to career paths and grad programs in areas like social services, education, law, politics, nonprofit leadership, and business. At PLU, our program is research-oriented and designed to encourage skill-building step by step. You’ll sharpen your analysis and writing abilities while exploring the big questions that impact the world around us.
Want hands-on experience? You can complete an internship with organizations like social service agencies, shelters, or educational institutions, where you’ll gain real-world training and career insight before you graduate.
Skills you'll gain from this program:
- Research Across Methods — Build skills in both numbers and stories. You’ll practice surveys, data analysis, interviews, and fieldwork so you can study people and communities from every angle.
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving — Learn to break down complex social problems like poverty, violence, and discrimination. You’ll practice evaluating policies and developing evidence-based solutions.
- Understanding Inequality — Explore how race, class, gender, and power shape opportunities and experiences. Courses on topics like social stratification, gender and society, and race and racism give you the tools to analyze — and challenge — systems of inequality.
- Capstone and Applied Experience — Your coursework builds toward a senior research project where you design, carry out, and present original research. Many students also complete internships in schools, social service agencies, non-profits, or advocacy organizations.
- Theory into Practice — Build a strong foundation in sociological theory and apply it to real-world issues.
Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs
- Property Specialist, King County Housing Authority
- Supportive Services Coordinator, Northwest Medical Specialties
- Kindergarten Teacher, Federal Way Public Schools
- Legal Assistant, Tree Law Office, PLLC
- Participant Recruitment Coordinator, Rainier Clinical Research Center, LLC
- Financial Advisor, Cascade Fire Solutions
- Certified Behavior Technician, Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc
- Data Advocacy Manager, Casey Family Programs
Graduates from the last 5 years: Their graduate programs
- PhD in Sociology, Indiana University
- PhD in Sociology, George Mason University
- PhD in Psychology, Northwest University
- Master of Social Work, University of Hawaii
- Law School, Seattle University
- Master of Science in Applied Statistics, Indiana University
- Master of Business Administration, University of North Texas
It’s FREE to apply to PLU
When you're ready, we're here. Apply now and fulfill your potential!
Get StartedEvery single 2024 Sociology graduate reported landing a job or getting into graduate school within six months of graduation.
Internships
80% of 2024 Sociology graduates completed internships, gaining real-world experience that directly connects to their career goals.
Study Abroad
Take your studies global! Sociology students have studied abroad in places like Trinidad & Tobago, Namibia, Scotland, and Australia. PLU offers a special J-Term course in Northern Ireland — taught by a PLU professor!
