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Department of Sociology

Sociology gives you tools to see the world differently, understanding relationships, communities, and nations, and finding solutions when societies face challenges or break down.

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Sociology is the science of social life, human connection, and the institutions that shape our world. At The University of Akron, you’ll explore questions that matter:

How do families, healthcare systems, and governments impact everyday life?
What causes inequality—and how can we create solutions?
Why do societies succeed, struggle, or change over time?

Our faculty are not only accomplished researchers but also mentors dedicated to your success. You’ll learn by watching, doing, and engaging through research projects, internships, and community involvement. Whether your path leads to graduate school, public service, or a career in business, healthcare, or law, sociology gives you tools to think critically and act with purpose.

Our Programs

Explore flexible degree and certificate options in sociology designed to fit your interests, career goals, and general education needs.

Gain a broad foundation in sociology while tailoring your studies to your passions. The B.A. program explores how individuals, groups, and institutions interact, preparing you for diverse career paths in research, business, healthcare, law, and public service. Hands-on opportunities in research and community engagement help you apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

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Examine how health, illness, and healthcare systems are shaped by social factors. This concentration highlights issues like healthcare access, inequality, and policy, preparing you for roles in public health, advocacy, and social services, or for graduate study in health-related fields.

Focus on social inequality, power, and change. You’ll explore pressing issues such as race, gender, poverty, and global justice, gaining tools to critically analyze challenges and work toward meaningful solutions. This pathway is ideal for students interested in law, nonprofit leadership, or policy work.

Enhance any major with a deeper understanding of social dynamics and institutions. The minor completes all General Education requirements and strengthens your ability to critically analyze people, communities, and systems—skills valuable in any career.

Develop advanced skills in research design, data collection, and statistical analysis. This certificate equips you with transferable tools used across industries — ideal for students considering graduate school or careers in research, market analysis, or program evaluation.

Learn practical strategies for addressing conflict and driving social innovation. With a focus on restorative justice and systemic change, this certificate prepares you to build solutions that strengthen communities, organizations, and institutions.

Study crime, law, and society in an interdisciplinary program combining sociology, political science, and criminal justice resources. Prepare for careers in law, law enforcement, or policy.

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Strengthen your medical school application with a foundation in behavioral and social sciences. Sociology courses reveal how social determinants influence health and health behaviors.

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Earn a Bachelor of Arts degree that bridges philosophy, sociology, and psychology. This interdisciplinary pathway equips you with analytical, social, and critical-thinking skills.

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Undergraduate Research

Work alongside faculty on meaningful projects that explore health, justice, and social change, building skills and insights for your future.

Get involved in research

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Real-World Experience

The real world is the best classroom. In sociology, you’ll gain experience through internships, research, and partnerships with organizations across Akron.