UMass Boston

Sociology BA

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Leverage an understanding of the social forces that impact us every day.

Embark on a journey of exploring human behavior, social structures, and the complexities of society with the Sociology BA program at UMass Boston. Gain a deep understanding of social dynamics, inequalities, and cultural diversity while developing critical thinking, research, and analytical skills essential for addressing pressing social issues and creating positive social change.

In this program, you will:

  • Develop a sociological imagination and lens through which you can analyze and understand social phenomena, structures, institutions, and individual experiences
  • Acquire a strong foundation in sociological theories and research methods, enabling you to conduct rigorous social research, critically evaluate evidence, and analyze complex social issues
  • Cultivate effective communication skills, both written and oral, to articulate sociological concepts and present research findings

Career Possibilities

Conduct social research studies, collect and analyze data, and contribute to academic research projects, think tanks, or market research firms. Advocate for social justice issues to promote equality, fairness, and systemic change. Or, engage with diverse communities, develop relationships, and facilitate communication and collaboration between community members. These are just a few of the possibilities.

 

Become a(n):

  • Social Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Community Outreach Specialist
  • Sociology Educator
  • Social Justice Advocate

Plan Your Education

How to Apply

Apply for Admission

Please review the first-year and transfer apply pages for important information about application requirements, deadlines, and application status check.

Apply as a First-Year Student

Apply as a Transfer Student

Program Declaration

  • At time of admission to the University or by completion of an Undergraduate Program Add/Change form.
  • Current students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to be accepted into the major.

Deadlines & Cost

Early action deadline: November 1; Regular Decision Deadline: June 15

Financing Your Education

Become a Beacon and pursue your passion in UMass Boston’s diverse, supportive environment. Many students across our 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs receive financial aid—providing access to an education that’s exceptional and affordable. Click below to learn more about financial aid opportunities and deadlines.

Financial Aid Deadlines & Application Process 

Scholarships for First-Year & Transfer Students

For additional information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s Office or send an email to Bursar@umb.edu.

Curriculum

Course Requirements

Introductory Courses (6 Credits)

  • SOCIOL 101 - Introduction to Sociology 3 Credit(s)
  • SOCIOL 102 - Sociology in Boston 3 Credit(s)

Theory and Research Courses (6 Credits)

  • SOCIOL 201 - Sociological Theory 3 Credit(s)
  • SOCIOL 202 - Methods of Sociological Research 3 Credit(s)

Social Statistics Course (3 Credits)

Take one course from the list below.

  • SOCIOL 350 - Social Statistics 3 Credit(s)
  • SOCIOL 352 - Criminological Statistics and Data Analysis3 Credit(s)
  • PSYCH 370 - Statistics 3< Credit(s)

Electives (18 Credits)

Complete 18 credits of SOCIOL courses.

At least three courses must be at the 300-level or higher. Graduate courses in Sociology may not be used as major electives.

Senior Capstone Course (3 to 6 Credits)

Take one course from the list below.

  • SOCIOL 460 - Internship: Sociology in the City 6 Credit(s)
  • SOCIOL 461 - Internship in Law and Criminal Justice 6 Credit(s)
  • SOCIOL 470 - Senior Seminar in Sociology3 Credit(s)
  • SOCIOL 478 - Directed Study in Sociology 3-4 Credit(s)
  • SOCIOL 479 - Directed Study in Sociology 3-4 Credit(s)

Pass/fail: No more than one course taken pass/fail may be applied toward the major. The senior capstone may not be taken pass/fail.

Residency: No more than 15 credits from another institution may be applied toward the major. SOCIOL 201 and 202 may only be applied toward the major if transferred from four-year institutions.

Course limitations: ;No more than one directed study and one internship course may be applied toward the major. Sociology graduate courses (600+ level) may not be used as major elective requirements or for the senior capstone.

Course reuse: Students with a second major in criminal justice may only use SOCIOL 101 and 202 toward the second major. Students who complete SOCIOL 350 or SOCIOL 352 as part of another major must complete an additional three-credit sociology course in place of the quantitative methods course.

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Graduation Criteria

Degree Requirements

If this is the student’s only or primary major, the degree requirements below must be completed for graduation. See graduation requirements for more information.

Major Requirements

Complete at least 36 credits from at least twelve courses including two introductory courses, two theory and research courses, one social statistics course, six electives, and one senior capstone course.

Pass/fail: No more than one course taken pass/fail may be applied toward the major. The senior capstone may not be taken pass/fail.
Residency: No more than 15 credits from another institution may be applied toward the major (exception: all sociology courses taken at another UMass school will be accepted). SOCIOL 201 and 202 may only be applied toward the major if transferred from four-year institutions.
Course limitations: No more than one directed study and one internship course may be applied toward the major. Sociology graduate courses (600+ level) may not be used as major elective requirements or for the senior capstone.
Course reuse: Students with a second major in criminal justice may only use SOCIOL 101 and 202 toward the second major.

Contact

Location: Wheatley Hall, 4th Floor, Room 012
Phone: 617.287.6251
Fax: 617.287.6288

Administrative Assistant II: Danielle Foley
Phone: 617.287.6251 / Office: Wheatley 4-012

Administrative Assistant I: Ellen Noone
Phone: 617.287.6250 / Office: Wheatley 4-012

Internship Coordinator, Academic Advisor, & Grants Manager: Alison L. Moll
Phone: 617.287.6238 / Office: Wheatley 4-014

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Sociology Department

Learn more about UMass Boston's Sociology Department, our research, and our faculty.

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