explore the complexities of social behavior

Are you a people watcher? Does human social behavior fascinate you? UNE’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program focuses on the origins and evolution of human social interaction. Through hands-on learning opportunities, including fieldwork, research, and internships, you will learn about a range of social challenges; consider their cultural, global, and political implications; and find out how to be part of the solution. You’ll leave the program ready to pursue a career in social service or a graduate degree in sociology, social work, law, economics, environmental studies, public health, or many other disciplines.

Two U N E students sit together at an outside table each reading a textbook
A student looks at their Brightspace homepage on a monitor in the library

Why UNE for Your B.A. in Sociology

Because student engagement is a high priority, we offer research opportunities, guest speakers, fieldwork, and hands-on classroom experiences that get you excited about sociology. This focus on learning by doing not only makes for richer student experiences but gives you an edge when applying for employment or graduate study.

  • Emphasis on engaging fieldwork, internships, and capstone experience
  • Personalized academic support
  • Travel abroad opportunities
  • Strong job and graduate school placement rates
Allie Symonds

Allie Symonds ’18

Sociology, Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies

Experiential Education

During my time at UNE, I did an internship at Sweetser in the Crisis Unit working with children ages 5–17. When my internship was over, I was offered a job as a youth and family counselor in the crisis unit where I worked for about a year until moving on to digital research. I am grateful that UNE provides internship opportunities for students while they’re in school because it provides on-the-ground experiences that you aren’t able to get in the classroom. For me, it showed me that I did not want to pursue the counseling/therapy track and instead focus on research.

I took a few research classes but the most influential experience I had was working in the Self and Close Relationship Lab. I started in the lab as a freshman and it opened my eyes to another side of psychology I didn’t know was available. While working in the lab I gained extensive experience in all aspects of the research process and currently use much of what I learned in my full-time job. I wouldn’t be on the track I am — on the career path I’m on — if I hadn’t gotten involved in undergraduate research. The number of hours I spent in the lab along with the ability to work one-on-one with Dr. Peterson afforded me so many experiences and learning opportunities that aren’t available through only classes.

I wouldn’t be on the track I am — on the career path I’m on — if I hadn’t gotten involved in undergraduate research.

Sociology, Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies

What Will You Study? Sociology Degree Curriculum Overview

B.A. in Sociology Courses

The following are examples of the exciting courses that the Sociology major offers:

  • Society in Latin America
  • Sociology of Food, Health, and Society
  • Societies of the Future Through Science Fiction Cinema
  • Medical Sociology
  • Sociology of Law
  • A Just Society

We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor.

Meet Cam, a Sociology Major With a Passion for Videography

He plans to use visual storytelling to engage the public and inspire action around important issues — like protecting our oceans and fisheries. Cam is one of the many UNE students who are gaining the skills and knowledge to make an impact and be of service.

Career Paths for Sociology Majors

A deep and nuanced understanding of human social behavior is an advantage in virtually every profession. While your degree in Sociology will position you to pursue advanced graduate study in a variety of fields -- from social work, counseling, and public health to criminology, law, and medicine -- there are many careers you may consider, including:

  • Lawyer
  • Public Relations/Advertising Specialist
  • Market Researcher
  • Journalist
  • ESL/ELL teacher
  • Mediator
  • Social Justice Advocate
  • Youth Services Administrator
  • U.S. Government Civil Servant

Career Advising for Sociology Students

Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.

Taking Sociology Beyond the Classroom

International Medical Missions

As a Sociology major, you may opt to travel to Latin America as part of the IMM(UNE) club, which conducts medical volunteer missions in places like Guatemala and Ecuador.

Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology Program

The Sociology major’s focus on applied, hands-on learning gets you out in the community, elbow-to-elbow with a variety of professionals in real-world settings.

Internships for Sociology Majors

Our database of more than 900 internship sites allows you to gain valuable professional experience in a field you want to explore. Our graduates have interned with legal services organizations, international charities, downtown community organizations, public access television stations, and many other groups.

For more information, contact Sam McReynolds, Ph.D., at (207) 602-2765 or smcreynolds@dhnpsf.com.

A student peruses the books in the library

Senior Capstone Experience

As an Applied Social student, you choose a capstone experience to widen the scope of your expertise. There are three ways to fulfill the applied capstone experience (ACE).

Internship

You may take between 9 and 16 credits to complete this ACE. You may select from more than 800 sites in the departmental database. This learning opportunity should parallel your area of interest and help you gain experience, skills, and knowledge of how systems work and how to develop options in a given field.

Thesis

You may take between 9 and 16 credits to complete this ACE. The thesis should build on the work you have done in the Sociology major. This academic work should prepare you for graduate study in disciplines that have been incorporated into your study.

Study Abroad

It typically takes 15-16 credits to complete a study abroad experience. While studying in a foreign society and culture is important, the primary focus is to take courses from the new institution that will help you to develop your areas of interest as it relates to your major. In short, there needs to be an integrated social science experience that drives the study abroad learning as well as the opportunity to explore a new society and culture for this to be a successful experience. All study abroad experiences should first be cleared with the department chair to see if they qualify to meet the requirement for the capstone.

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology FAQ