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Your Major Can Change the World
A bachelor’s degree in Sociology is superb preparation for graduate studies or a career in law, criminal justice, public service and other fields that make a difference in the community.
What Classes Do Sociology Majors Take?
As a Sociology major, you’ll take core courses in theory and research methods and additional courses in a pathway you select: General Sociology, Crime and Justice or Public Health. You will also develop and implement your own research project and build your resume and professional network at an internship aligned with your goals.
With your education and professional preparation, you’ll be ready for rewarding and meaningful work that makes the world a better place.
Faculty
Our professors are experienced and respected scholars — but they are teachers, first. Because Russell Sage College is a small school, you will find lots of one-on-one guidance from faculty mentors who work with you to brainstorm internship opportunities, propose research studies and workshop writing projects.
Special Opportunities for Sociology Majors
Sociology majors may apply for the Doris Adams Ferguson ’53 Memorial Fund for Sociology, which supports travel, field study or other expenses related to a research project, internship or advanced study. Ferguson Fellows recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to research women in politics and government; to Atlanta, to attend a national conference with a keynote address by writer Alice Walker; and to New Orleans, to study mental illness and poverty.
You will also learn from thought-leaders who visit campus to speak on wide-ranging and complex topics, as part of Hoffman Lecture in Sociology or another lecture series.
“Sociology majors are interested in social change, activism and social justice issues — and they bring that to the classroom.”
Michelle Napierski-Prancl, Ph.D.
Professor of Sociology
Sociology Major Spotlights
Students and recent graduates say the professional preparation at Sage has helped set them up for success.
Careers with a Degree in Sociology
Sociology majors become attorneys, social workers and public health and health science professionals. Others work in the criminal justice field, education, government or in research.
Recent Sage graduates have been hired by the New York State Assembly, Policy Research Associates Inc. in Albany and the Warren Street Academy in Hudson, New York.
Graduate Studies with a Degree in Sociology
Many Sociology majors choose to continue their studies and may receive assured acceptance or early admittance to:
- Russell Sage College’s M.S. in Forensic Mental Health
- Russell Sage College’s M.S. in Occupational Therapy (including accelerated program)
If you think you are interested in law school, we recommend you pursue an 18-credit minor in Pre-Law Studies. Sage offers an accelerated 3+3 bachelor’s degree/juris doctorate degree program with Albany Law School and Suffolk University Law School, which enables qualified students to earn a bachelor’s degree and law degree in six years instead of seven years.
Have Questions about a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology?
Program Director of Sociology & Faculty Director of the Denise Taber Finard ’80 Women’s Institute
Associate Professor and Program Director of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Sciences
Assistant Professor of Geography & Director of Service Learning and Community Engagement
