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Think of the undergraduate Sociology degree program at PennWest as the launching pad for a variety of career paths as well as for graduate education in Sociology and other social sciences.
This rigorous curriculum addresses fundamental sociological questions and social issues such as racial, class and gender inequality, violence and victimization, disparities in health care and global social problems. It also offers you a foundation in sociological analysis and applied skills in social research methods, including in-depth interviews, ethnography, focus groups, evaluation assessments and big data.
You’ll learn under the guidance of expert faculty who bring experience in research, community development and industry to illustrate how sociological analysis can be applied to everyday situations. By working with them, you will also develop knowledge to work with people from diverse backgrounds, craft social policy and implement and evaluate social programs.
As a student you may follow the Sociology track or opt for a concentration in Human Services. In both cases, you will have multiple opportunities to network with peers and professionals in the field through clubs, organizations, field experiences and internships. You’ll graduate with strong technical abilities and professional competencies that will empower you to effect change in the context of your job, your family, your community and the broader society.
Credits: 120
Contact:
Kim Hardner
khardner@pennwest.edu
814-732-1521
Number of job openings for social workers projected each year over the next decade.
Growth of employment opportunities for social workers from now until 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Build a peer and professional network through Sociology clubs and organizations.
PennWest’s BA Sociology degree prepares graduates to work in a variety of professional settings including local, regional and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and for-profit enterprises. In fact, there are employment opportunities for sociology graduates in every industry in the modern workplace. Our alumni have found success in the fields of education, health and human services, government, criminal justice, community relations, business and environmental services.
Sociology graduates in every industry of the modern workplace. Our alumni have found success in:
The median annual wage for a sociologist with a master’s degree was $92,910 in May 2021.
Expert faculty bring experience working in research, community development, and various industry contexts to illustrate how Sociological tools of analysis can be applied to better understand everyday situations and solve social problems. Students can expect to develop sought after skills in:
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 regional organizations including:
PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.
