Sociology, BS

What you will study

Learn to think critically about community and societal issues in UCM’s on campus or online Sociology bachelor’s degree program. Under the guidance of faculty mentors, you’ll develop the skills to work with people, analyze data and become a community leader. 

Our undergraduate classes take a scientific approach to social issues and societal problems, grounding your knowledge with historical and cultural context. Popular classes you may take include:

• Culture and Society
• Institutions and Social Action
• Outsiders and Outcasts
• Popular Culture
• Protests, Social Movements and Social Change
• Social Deviance
• Society and Self

Community research projects

Many courses in the BS degree in Sociology include small research projects. This gives you clarity about what a Sociology degree can do when you apply it to the field. One way to approach these projects is by helping community organizations answer questions with data. 

For example, you may help a local library figure out what kinds of resources it needs for their programs and operations. You could also help social services organizations figure out the best ways to recruit employees and retain them long term.

Finally, as a senior, you’ll complete two in-depth course projects in theory and research. These projects focus even more on how to become a sociologist by helping you address community-based problems that are important to you. Regardless of whether you’re joining us in Warrensburg or through the online Sociology bachelor’s degree option, you’ll start making an impact as a sociologist even before you graduate.

 

 

Unique learning opportunities in the BS degree in Sociology

Sociologists work in the community to assess, understand and solve problems. That’s why the University of Central Missouri prioritizes hands-on, real-world experience for students who want to learn how to become a sociologist.

• Internships: Learn how to apply social analysis in the field by completing an internship. Sociology students have interned in the past at Kansas City organizations such as the International Relations Council, Swope Health and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.
• Ambassador Program: We select several high-performing students each year for this mentorship opportunity. Selected students pair with faculty mentors to build leadership skills, speak on behalf of the Sociology programs and develop career plans.
• Undergraduate research: Develop a research idea based on a social issue that’s important to you. Pair with a faculty mentor to learn how to explore your topic and build presentation skills. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to present your work to both on- and off-campus audiences.
• Volunteer work: Get a better understanding of community needs by volunteering for a local social services organization. This work builds your understanding of what a Sociology degree can do and gives you real-world experience to list on your resume. You can even get course credit for your volunteer efforts.

 

What can you do with a degree in Sociology from UCM?

The applied theories and research skills you learn in UCM’s on campus or online Sociology bachelor’s degree program prepare you to enter the job market immediately. Most of our graduates with Sociology degrees move directly into community-level jobs. There, you work with data to improve an organization or assist the community directly through work in:

• Fundraising
• Health care
• Human resources
• Marketing
• Public relations
• Social services

You’ll be well-prepared to keep moving up from there. Employers say they like hiring UCM sociologists because they know how to work with both people and data in an organizational context. That — along with critical thinking skills gained — prepares you to work in administrative leadership. 

Through coursework in Warrensburg or the online Sociology bachelor’s degree program, you’ll also be prepared to enter graduate school. Graduates with Sociology degrees have entered master’s programs at:

• University of Kansas
• University of Iowa
• University of Missouri 
• University of Missouri - Kansas City

What a Sociology degree can do for you

Are you wondering how to become a sociologist? The interactive tool below allows you to explore job opportunities for sociologists, salary information, projected career growth and other metrics that show you what a Sociology degree can do for your future.  You can also find information about salary, overall career growth projections and additional metrics to help you plan your future. For further employment opportunities, see https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/sociologists.htm

 

 

Financial assistance options for your on campus or online Sociology bachelor’s degree

The University of Central Missouri works hard to ensure you can afford your BS degree in Sociology. We provide you with many ways to finance your college education, including grants, scholarships and tuition awards. You can also apply for federal financial aid to cover any remaining college expenses.

As a student earning one of our Sociology degrees, you can also apply for certain UCM alumni scholarships available to Sociology majors, including:

• Dr. James C. Britton Scholarship in Sociology and Social Work
• Dr. Mark Wehrle Sociology and Social Work Scholarship 
• Riley and Janet Pittman Scholarship in Sociology
• The Launa Boston Scholarship
• The Billy Hu Sociology and Social Gerontology Scholarship

You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.