Faculty

Chairperson: Professor Kim Mac Innis

Professors: Walter Carroll, Jodi Cohen, Fang Deng, Patricia Fanning

Associate Professor: Michele Wakin

Assistant Professors: Norma Anderson, Kimberly Fox, Aseem Hasnain, Colby King

Department Telephone Number: 508.531.1355
Location: Hart Hall 215
Website: www.bridgew.edu/sociology

Degree Program

• BA in Sociology
  Concentrations: City, Community and Region; Education; Global Studies and Social Justice

Undergraduate Minor

• Sociology

The following program is currently inactive:

• BS in Sociology

Click on Academic Programs  for program information and requirements.

The Department of Sociology offers a major program in sociology and a minor in sociology. Sociology majors may concentrate in City, Community and Region; Education; or Global Studies and Social Justice. Students may also combine a major in sociology with an education major.

The department provides a strong liberal arts curriculum aimed at developing well-rounded, informed citizens with strong critical thinking abilities. Department programs also impart skills to students, preparing them for a wide range of professions. Career options include positions in education, research, industry, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and the criminal justice system. The department encourages students to continue on to graduate study.

Many department faculty members engage in research and the department encourages student-faculty collaborative research. Students may also carry out internships.

Sociology

The Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology is the scientific study of human social relationships. It allows individuals to understand the connections between their own experiences and the society in which they live. In carrying on social life, human beings interact with each other and construct patterns of relationships, groups, classes, institutions and societies. Individuals shape those patterns and those patterns, in turn, shape individuals and their lives. In fact, the central insight of sociology is that social relationships and social interactions shape human behavior, attitudes and resources.

Sociology courses provide students with an understanding of how these social relationships arise, why they persist, what effects they have, and how they maintain social order or contribute to social change. Students learn the theories and research methods used in sociology. Students have opportunities to engage in collaborative research with faculty members or to participate in internships. These opportunities enable students to deepen and apply what they have learned in classes and enhance their opportunities in the labor market or in graduate school.

Educator Licensure

Students interested in seeking Massachusetts teacher licensure should refer to the following department links for specific teacher licensure and program requirements: Elementary and Early Childhood Education  or Special Education  for students double majoring in elementary education, early childhood education or special education; or Secondary Education and Professional Programs  for students minoring in secondary education (high school, middle school or PreK-12 specialist).

Honors Program

The honors program in sociology provides highly motivated sociology majors with opportunities to enhance their academic program through intensive scholarly study and research designed to be of assistance in postgraduate employment or in the pursuit of an advanced degree. Contact the Department of Sociology for further information concerning eligibility and application.

Overseas Study Opportunities

The Department of Sociology urges its majors and minors to study abroad, both via Bridgewater State University sponsored study tours and as exchange students at universities. The Office of Study Abroad can assist students. Any student contemplating study abroad should consult the department with all pertinent documentation. Final acceptance of credit will be determined upon receipt of official transcripts and supporting material and, in some cases, may not be equivalent to the credits earned in a regular semester or year at Bridgewater State University.