Sociology is the scientific study of individuals, groups, and society. The scope of this academic discipline is vast, which is why sociology has a great deal to offer, especially in our increasingly connected world in which we live.
Courses in sociology focus on the many ways in which social factors influence our lives. Some classes examine social institutions, such as family, peer, and religious institutions.
Others look at the ways in which poverty and wealth are distributed across society, influencing families across generations. Still other courses explore the often subtle ways in which our culture impacts everyday lives in areas such as health, education, and even the social media we consume.
While the subject areas covered are diverse, foundational to the Sociology program at St. Bonaventure University is a belief in the basic dignity of every human being. Furthermore, the department offers to its students an orientation of self in relation to others and to basic social institutions, including the family, church and state as well as the economic, educational and governmental processes within a global framework.
A key strength of our sociology program is that it positions students to graduate with a degree that enables them to pursue employment along various career paths. Some of these include work in social services, as counselors, management, as teachers, and in marketing firms. Find out more about what people are doing with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology.
Other graduates choose to continue their education, pursing a variety of master level and even terminal degree programs.
There is no better way to study individuals, groups and society than by going out into the world around you. Learn more about experiential learning opportunities on our main Sociology & Criminology webpage.
The Department of Sociology and Criminology offers a B.A. in sociology, a minor in sociology, a minor in human services, a minor in criminology, as well as a B.A. in criminology.
Bachelor of Arts in sociology
The major in sociology provides the student with a study of the ways in which social factors influence our lives, an examination of social institutions, a study of how poverty and wealth are distributed across society, and an exploration the often subtle ways in which our culture impacts everyday lives.
Degree requirements and a four-year plan for the sociology major
Three available minors
Students who are not sociology majors may complete a sociology minor, a human services minor, or a criminology minor to aid in the understanding of their major fields.
Requirements for the sociology minor
Requirements for the human services minor
Requirements for the criminology minor
Interested in criminology as a major?
The Department of Sociology and Criminology also offers a B.A. in criminology. To learn more, visit the Criminology Program.