African and African American Studies Minor
Advantages
Elevate a civic engagement concentration with an insight into issues related to racism and celebrating African and African American cultures.
Outcome
Racial Justice Advocate
Undergraduate Major
Sociology Major (BA)
As a sociology major at Widener, you'll study society, human behavior, and social interaction through civic engagement, hands-on research, and internships that will set you apart in a wide range of fields.
At a Glance
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Offered as
Major & Minor
Format
On Campus
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Sociology Major
A degree in sociology at Widener will help you navigate and address social and people-oriented problems across a diverse range of fields and industries.
Hone your analytical and research skills as you work closely with local communities to address pressing issues and advocate for social change and improved public policies. You'll gain invaluable workplace experience through internships, research, experiential learning, and civic engagement projects.
With a range of specializations to choose from, whether you choose to pursue graduate work or jump into the field, you'll graduate with unique skills you're passionate about using for positive change.
Sociology Degree Specializations
This specialization will teach you how to use sociology to address everyday problems in society while cultivating an understanding of core sociological concepts and theories. This specialization requires you to apply sociology to the real world and culminates in a 200-hour internship in an organization related to your interests and career goals. This specialization will prepare you for a wide variety of professional activities and for a life of engaged citizenship.
If you're interested in the relationship between civic engagement, social movements, and social change, this is the specialization for you. You'll explore how engaged citizens have worked to transform social structures and cultural relations in order to address social problems.
This specialization provides you with real-world experience though interdisciplinary service-learning courses and culminates in a 200-hour internship with an organization you're passionate about. You'll graduate prepared for careers in organizations that advocate for social change, like unions and social movement organizations, as well as for work in journalism, diplomatic relations, and beyond.
This specialization prepares you for job opportunities in a wide range of organizations in both the public and private sectors, as well as graduate school in occupational therapy, physical therapy, or other health-related fields. You'll develop an understanding of how core sociological concepts and theories relate to health and learn a variety of research methods to study the social world.
This track culminates in a 200-hour internship with an organization in the health care field and is required for sociology majors in the pre-physical therapy and pre-occupational therapy pathways, but is open to all sociology majors.
With this specialization, you'll learn how to test core sociological concepts and theories using a variety of research methods to study the social world. This specialization culminates in a two-semester sequence in where you'll use your training to craft, carry out, and present original research. You'll graduate prepared for a wide variety of careers that require data collection, data management, and data analysis.
Sociology Degree Program Options
Sociology majors can participate in the following pathways:
These pathways culminate in a 200-hour internship with an organization in a related field, preparing students for graduate school as well as job opportunities in a wide range of organizations in both the public and private sector.
Social Work & Sociology Dual Degree
Students have the flexibility to earn two degrees following this pathway—a social work BSW degree and sociology BA degree. The Applied Sociology specialization is required for this dual degree.
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Applied Sociology & Criminal Justice Double Major
This double major is designed for students interested in the impact of communities and social interactions on everyday problems in society, including crime and deviance. The Applied Sociology specialization is required for this dual degree.
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Students wishing to earn a double major in sociology and another field of study should contact the chair of the sociology department for more information.
Pair Your Sociology Major with a Minor or Certificate
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Sociology Majors
Why Study Sociology at Widener?
Learn Beyond the Classroom
You'll have the opportunity to apply sociology to the world around you with internships, research, and civic engagement projects. Through these unique learning experiences, you'll grow your professional network and build confidence in your sociological skills.
You can also join a variety of clubs and organizations across campus to expand your network and enjoy new experiences with like-minded individuals.
Experience Mentorship & Support From Day One
Student Stories
Our Faculty
"Through individualized mentorship and one-on-one advising, our students gain a close relationship with all of the faculty in our department. By teaching a seminar on career development, overseeing student internships, and mentoring student research projects, we develop meaningful, lasting connections with all of our undergraduate majors and minors."
Sociology gives you critical insight into our society operates, and the tools we use to study society can be deployed in any career path.
"Our department offers many service learning classes. These courses allow students to explore sociology in a traditional classroom while also working on projects in the community. Students come to understand course content while also cultivating the real world knowledge and skills needed to be civically engaged citizens and leaders in their chosen profession."
Recent News
ASC 101 Sheds New Light on Personal Experiences
Widener's College of Arts and Sciences recently launched a new approach to general education courses in the ASC 101: Thinking Through series of classes required for all students.
Students Get Firsthand Access to the 2024 New Hampshire Primary
All eyes were on New Hampshire for their 2024 Primary Election, and Widener had boots on the ground to experience the festivities firsthand.
Students Experience MORE! Opportunities with Donor-Funded Internships
The Experience MORE! program helps financially support students who need summer break to work and earn money. The program instead makes it possible for them to do unpaid or low-paid internships that will help prepare them for rewarding careers.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions
Financial Aid
Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to getting you the financial assistance to make the cost of college—an investment in your future—affordable. This free, online application is the gateway to grants, loans, and other forms of financial aid. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education offers billions of dollars in financial aid to eligible students. Widener gets in on the action, too, annually awarding aid to students with need.
You and at least one parent or caregiver will need a separate FSA ID to access the Federal Student Aid's online system and serve as your legal signatures. Make sure to create your unique FSA IDs before you get started. Our school code is 003313.
Paths to Savings
Nearly 100% of Undergrad Students Receive Financial Aid
Nearly 100% of new full-time undergraduate students receive significant financial aid offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs and make a Widener education not only affordable, but well worth the investment. In fact, once your total financial aid is calculated, the cost of a Widener education is often equal to if not lower than other competitive universities–but with far superior outcomes for your career and earning potential.
The first step to see how much aid you qualify for is submitting the FAFSA.
Scholarships Start at $100,000 Over 4 Years
(including $20,000 per academic year for transfer students)
Funding you don't have to pay back after graduation? That's a win-win! Scholarships and grants are a way for the university and other organizations to honor the academic, merit, and talent-based achievements of our students.
4+1 Students Save Time & Tuition
In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. During your fifth year of study, you can also apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships to further reduce education costs. To learn more about graduate scholarships and assistantships, please speak with your academic advisor during the spring semester of your senior year.
Undergraduate Admissions Office
-
Muller Hall
- 888-WIDENER
- admissions.office@widener.edu
Sociology Department
-
Kapelski Learning Center, Room 239C
- 610-499-4406
- balatshaw@widener.edu