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Sociology

Sociology is an exciting discipline with opportunities for a wide range of career paths!  PennWest’s Sociology program is structured to give students a background in Sociological analysis and the applied skills necessary to pursue a variety of professional positions and positively contribute to societal change. There are employment opportunities for Sociology graduates in every industry of the modern workplace. Our alumni have found success in education, research and data analysis, public health, human and social services, social media, labor organizations, nonprofits, government, law, military, criminal justice, community and media relations, business and environmental sciences. 

Faculty engage in one-on-one mentorship to design research opportunities and internship experiences derived from students’ academic interests and career goals. Sociology majors have engaged in a variety of research and practice-oriented internships at:

  • Office of Children and Youth   
  • Family Services of NWPA   
  • Mission Empower   
  • Erie International Institute   
  • Coalition of Immokalee Workers  
  • Greater Erie Area Community Action Committee   
  • Red Cross   
  • Stairways Behavioral Health   
  • Creature Comforts Animal Clinic   
  • Erie County Prison  
  • Pittsburgh Police

Required courses for the BA in Sociology can be taken online or in a blended format on each PennWest Campus.

This program is for you if...

You want to build skills in:

  • Research Design and Development
  • Data Collection and Analysis
  • Report Writing
  • Survey Design
  • Interviewing Techniques
  • Group Facilitation
  • Strategic Planning
  • Policy Analysis
  • Community Organizing
  • Program Coordination and Evaluation
Credits
Credits
  • 120 Credits for BA

What You'll Study

In PennWest University’s Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, you will explore the complexities of human behavior, social institutions, and societal issues. The curriculum includes courses on social theory, research methods, social inequality, race, and gender. You will also have opportunities for hands-on learning through internships and fieldwork.

Program Study Image

 

Degrees Table
Degrees, Certificates, Minors Offered at...
  California Clarion Edinboro Global Online
Sociology, BA Program Offered At This LocationBlended Program Offered At This LocationBlended Program Offered At This LocationBlended Program Offered At This Location
Sociology, Minor Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person Program Offered At This Location

 

Meet Our Faculty

Our faculty are not just instructors; they are mentors, researchers, and industry professionals committed to providing an education grounded in real-world experiences and academic excellence. From engaging classroom discussions to hands-on experiential learning, our educators are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.

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How You'll Learn

This program is offered in a blended format at our California, Clarion and Edinboro campuses. A blended degree combines traditional in-person courses with flexible, online educational experiences.

More About Learning at PennWest

    Shaping Tomorrow's Thinkers with PennWest Sociology

    Lizzy and Kateryna discuss why they chose to study sociology and how they plan to transfer their academic skills to the field.

     

     

     

    What You'll Become

    Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from PennWest University, you will be prepared for a variety of impactful careers. The program equips you with critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, making you a valuable asset in fields such as public health, education, and criminal justice. Additionally, you will be well-prepared for advanced studies in sociology or related disciplines.

    Career Paths

    • Education 
    • Research and Data Analysis 
    • Public Health
    • Human and Social Services 
    • Social Media
    • Labor Organizations
    • Nonprofits 
    • Government 
    • Law 
    • Military 
    • Criminal justice 
    • Community and Media relations 
    • Business 
    • Environmental Services  

    Brittney Samuels '14

    Sociology grad puts education to work in corrections

    Read More
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    Brittney Samuels '14

     

    How We'll Help You Succeed

    $101,770

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023 the median annual wage for Sociology graduates was $101,770. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment of Sociology majors to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032.

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      We're here for you even after graduation, providing support and resources to help you succeed in your career.

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