News & Events
- Please welcome our three outstanding new faculty members!
Dr. Darcy Leach
Assistant Professor of SociologyDr. Marwin Spiller
Assistant Professor of SociologyDr. Jill Wightman
Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Why Major in Sociology?
Sociology is a rich discipline that prepares baccalaureate students in the best liberal arts tradition to be functioning citizens in the complex modern world. Sociology is a dynamic and powerful tool for understanding the way people organize themselves into families, groups, communities, cities and organizations, and societies. The sociological perspective is one you will carry with you throughout life, whether you enter a profession, start a business, or go to graduate school. It can be applied to the most pressing social issues and problems of our time. Sociological theories and concepts will help students to understand social problems such as crime, poverty, racism, violence against women and children, and sexism and to contribute to their solutions.
There are various fields of study within sociology. Here is a list from the American Sociological Association.
Majoring in Sociology at Bradley
Sociology here at Bradley is a popular major for students planning careers in such professions as law, business, journalism, health care, education, politics, social work, or public administration. In addition, exposure to theoretical and methodological issues and to comparative, historical and critical analyses provides those students who want to pursue graduate work with a strong academic background.
Sociology is a liberal arts major “with an advantage.” Beyond theories and concepts, sociology encompasses an array of research methodologies and techniques for data gathering and analysis useful to those who seek to diminish ignorance, poverty, prejudice and social injustice.
Students choosing to major in sociology acquire the research skills, as well as the theoretical knowledge, that enable them to readily transition into graduate school or work in the community, as substance abuse counselors; in the government, as policy analysts and urban planners; in criminal justice, as juvenile court workers and correctional counselors; and in a variety of other research and social service positions. The Department has an effective program for helping students interested in applied careers obtain internships at local social service, counseling, and criminal justice agencies.
The Faculty
Our faculty hold PhDs from leading institutions and have expertise in the following areas: globalization, national identity, family, gender roles, race/ethnicity, inequality, medical sociology, mental health, criminology, work and occupations, social psychology, and critical theory. While our faculty members are active in research and regularly publish scholarly articles and books, their primary concern is classroom teaching. They are personable and are available to students for academic advising, graduate school preparation and career counseling.
The Students
Sociology students come from a variety of backgrounds and have diverse interests and career goals. A number of our majors go onto graduate school in sociology or a related field. We are proud of the fact that some of our alumni are now recognized as outstanding educators and professionals.
Many of our students have two or more majors and plan to enter such fields as law, personnel administration, law enforcement, applied research, and social policy. Our majors often work with individual faculty members on community research projects, complete independent readings courses in substantive areas not covered by our regular curriculum, complete independent research projects, and participate in internships.
In addition, our Sociology Club provides students with the opportunity for social and academic interaction. Here, through the sharing of common experiences, students can forge close relationships with each other and with faculty. Students with at least a B average are also invited to join the two honor societies housed within our department: Alpha Kappa Delta, an international sociology honor society, and Pi Gamma Mu, an international social science honor society.
The Jobs
Sociologists are employed in many parts of the business world. They are engaged in research and strategic planning and public relations. Some are supervisors and directors of large corporations. Others do consulting or serve as staff researchers for the government or in private research firms. Many sociology majors enter into applied fields and work as case managers, counselors, coordinators, or managers. For additional information on jobs available to individuals with degrees in sociology, see information on Careers in Sociology.