Sociology
Overview
School of Arts and Sciences / Sociology
Sociology is the scientific study of human groups in modern societies and the social and cultural forces that affect them.
As a very broad major, sociology offers students a valuable preparation for such varied professions as law, medicine, business, education, politics, social research, and public service. Most importantly, perhaps, it helps you cultivate a critical awareness of society, which is essential for survival and success in today’s postmodern society.Dual Majors
The sociology major may be pursued along with another major. The majority of our sociology students are also criminal justice majors. Some other majors to combine with sociology are in communication, English, political science, psychology, religion, or social work.
For instance, a dual major in sociology and communication provides a two-pronged approach to the present world, offering a dually-focused basis in both theory and practice. Both majors focus on theory, research, and practice. While sociology offers a close look at the intersections of race, gender, and class, communication establishes the backdrop of the media, film, and interpersonal relationships in which to observe and describe these social patterns. Both courses of study offer suitable training for professions in law, business, politics, cinema, and journalism, equipping students with invaluable critical thinking and public speaking skills.
Most sociology majors have the opportunity to engage in field research and/or internship under the guidance of faculty members.
Students also have the opportunity to pursue a minor in business administration, Catholic studies, health care administration, international studies, justice and society Studies, and women’s studies.
Courses in this Major
SOC 237 (257): THE CITY: CONFLICT AND CHANGE
This course is a study of world cities; their growth and influence on personality; urban violence and its control; neighborhood development and metropolitan planning; and the effects of national and international economic forces on cities in developing and industrial nations.
SOC 306: COMPLEX ORGANIZATIONS IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
A study of the founding, transformation, and disbanding of organizations, the pace of organizational evolution in modern societies as well as the sources of change and stability in contemporary organizations in the U.S. and in other societies, particularly organizational structures, processes, environments, culture, innovation, and effectiveness.
SOC 308 : SOCIAL INEQUALITY IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
This course analyzes the structure of social stratification and the impact of globalization and economic restructuring on structured inequality in the United States and in the world, using the structural perspective and the world system theory.
SOC 309: HEALTH, HEALING, AND HEALTH CARE
This course provides an introduction to the sociology of health, healing and health care, and to social epidemiology. Examines the relationship between healthcare providers and their patients, with special attention to alternative health-care providers and bioethics. Analyzes the health-care systems in the United States and in some developed and developing countries.
SOC 320: DELINQUENCY AND JUVENILE JUSTICE
This course addresses a comparative and historical survey of juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice. Study of the nature, magnitude, and social location of youth crime; analysis of causal theories; and overview of programs aimed at delinquency prevention and control.
"Society is unity in diversity."
— George Herbert Mead
Blaze Your Own Path
Career Paths
Graduates from the sociology program have started careers in research, advertising, marketing, banking, sales, insurance, government, community service organizations, and health agencies. Others have begun careers in business, special education, and rehabilitation services. A few graduates are involved in research, training, teaching programs, and business.
In addition to knowledge in specific concentration areas, students develop skills in social research design, statistics, and data analysis. As a result, many students have been successful in entering the business world. Corporate recruiters are interested in serious students with strong analytical skills, verbal and written communication skills, computer literacy, and familiarity with statistics and research. Students can improve all these skills while pursuing a B.A. degree in sociology at La Salle. Graduates of La Salle’s sociology program have taken many different paths after graduation, including (but not limited to):
- victim advocate
- police officer
- high school guidance counselor
- graduate student in social work
- medical editor
- youth counselor in a juvenile detention center
- geriatric counselor
- insurance adjuster
- law school student
- graduate student in sociology
Internships
Professional internships serve a number of important functions.
Linking Theory with Practice:
La Salle’s mission is to foster “creative teaching that blends theory with practice, producing an educational experience with practical applications.” The link between the theories, best practices learned in class, and the practical application of that knowledge in a professional setting is a quintessentially Lasallian tradition. Your internship allows you to take the academic ideas and theories you have learned in class and apply that knowledge in a real world, hands-on setting where you will be mentored and apprenticed by experienced professionals in criminal justice, legal, government, advocacy, and nonprofit settings.
Building Professional Networks, Getting a Job, and the Resume:
Today it’s both what and who you know. Several of our students have obtained employment at the organizations where they interned. While the jump from one’s internship experience to permanent employment at the internship agency site is a possibility, the social networks developed through the internship experience are permanent, far-reaching and can aid in future employment possibilities. Internships provide students with occupational and social networks that are invaluable in a competitive, tight labor market.
Building the Resume:
Internships provide students with a way to distinguish themselves on their resumes from other job applicants adding an experiential component to their list of academic achievements.
Testing the Waters
Internships provide students with the chance to determine if their career choice is right for them. Part of the intellectually and experiential journey of an internship is trying your hand at different career possibilities. It may be the case your internship confirms what job is right for you or you may come to realize that your career interests lie elsewhere. Our students have interned at places such as:
- Philadelphia Adult Probation and Parole
- New York City Council/Public Technology
- New Leash on Life
- Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office
- Philadelphia Police
- Attorney’s Office
- Delaware Valley Intelligence Center
Advising and Career Center
Good advising is essential as you progress through your time here at La Salle. We will help guide you through your undergraduate program and help you understand where you are in your studies and what you need to do to succeed. We’ll not only help you select the courses that will keep you on track to graduation, we’ll help you think through your skill set and interests to choose the perfect career after graduation.
The support does not end at graduation, either. As a benefit to alumni, the resources of our Career Center will always available, in conjunction with the Office of Alumni Relations. Alumni return to La Salle to network, explore opportunities to change careers, and recruit new employees for their organizations.
I am an Explorer
Kathleen A. Bogle, Ph.D.
Kathleen A. Bogle, Ph.D., is an associate professor of sociology and criminal justice at La Salle. She received her master’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Joseph’s University and her doctoral degree in sociology from the University of Delaware. Her major areas of research interest include gender, intimate relationships, and violence against women, particularly sexual assault […]
Kathleen A. Bogle, Ph.D.
Kathleen A. Bogle, Ph.D., is an associate professor of sociology and criminal justice at La Salle. She received her master’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Joseph’s University and her doctoral degree in sociology from the University of Delaware. Her major areas of research interest include gender, intimate relationships, and violence against women, particularly sexual assault on the college campus. Her first book, Hooking Up: Sex, Dating, and Relationships on Campus, was released by New York University Press in 2008. Since the release of her book, Bogle has done extensive media interviews, with quotes appearing in Cosmopolitan, Men’s and Women’s Health, The New York Times, Newsweek, O Magazine, Seventeen, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and many more. She has also appeared on several national radio and television programs, including NPR, the CBS Early Show, and ABC’s Nightline. Her second book, Kids Gone Wild: From Rainbow Parties to Sexting, Understanding the Hype Over Teen Sex (co-authored with Joel Best) was released in 2014. Bogle has been an invited speaker at colleges all over the country.
Beyond the Classroom
Study Abroad
Journey to a new place for an entire semester
Study Abroad
Students who study abroad have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, a new language, and a new environment for an entire semester. Through our own programs in Italy, Mexico, Ireland, and Australia, or through partnerships with other Lasallian schools around the country, students can choose among programs on six continents.
A trip to another country can reveal the subtle nuances of what makes a culture its own. Studying abroad can help a sociology major better understand the human person and develop a well-rounded world view. Comparing cultures first hand and immersing yourself in a different society can become an invaluable experience for your career ahead.
To explore more about study abroad visit http://www.lasalle.edu/travelstudyabroad/.
92% of graduates are employed, volunteering full-time through service programs or pursuing additional education full time within one year of graduation.
83% of faculty hold a Ph.D. or the highest degree in their field.
Ranked in Forbes 2017 Top U.S. Colleges.
Listed by the New York Times in the Top 6% for median income of graduates at age 34.