Sociology

Sociology encompasses studies of the self and the intersection of personal biography with social forces, of social institutions like the family and workplaces, of collective behavior and social movements, and of world systems such as globalization. Sociology examines theoretical arguments with empirical data.

The Department of Sociology at UMass is among the highest ranked in the country by U.S. News and World Report, and is renowned for its applied curriculum, groundbreaking research, and outstanding advising.

Undergraduate Sociology program options include a Bachelor’s degree, a minor, and multiple certificates. The Labor Studies Program offers undergraduate courses as well.

Welcome to the Sociology Community

The field of sociology studies virtually every aspect of human society: the family, gender, race and ethnic relations, aging, education, work, population, and many others. Its principal goal as a discipline is to understand the workings of human society and to explain social behavior. Although sociologists do study what are commonly regarded as social problems — crime, drug addiction, and poverty, for example — they also examine fundamental social processes present in any society: social change, conflict and inequality.

Studying sociology as an undergraduate major is an excellent way to prepare for entry-level work or graduate school in various fields. New graduates have found opportunities in the fields of social policy, law, criminal justice, social science research, human resources, organizational and non-profit management, education, environmental policy and research, advocacy, and social work to name a few.  Students interested in continuing their education at the graduate level have successfully enrolled in law school, business school, social work and public policy graduate programs, as well as continuing on to pursue a PhD in Sociology.   The Sociology degree offers a multitude of opportunities and offers an excellent introduction to American society, social science research and demography, and international issues.

Faculty Spotlight: How Faculty Office Hours Support Your Academic Aspirations

The biggest misperception about faculty office hours is that you have to be struggling with the class to meet with your professor outside of class. This could not be further from the truth. You can take advantage of faculty office …

By Koni Denham
Koni Denham Director of Student Success - SBS
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SBS Award for Summer Internships

This scholarship award supports SBS students who will complete internships during the summer ’23 semester. Candidates must be in good academic standing with at least 45 credits. Preference will be given to students with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Students can apply …

By Koni Denham
Koni Denham Director of Student Success - SBS
Read more »

Thomas R. Will Scholarship – Criminal Justice

Supporting students in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences who have a criminal justice, law enforcement, or military background or focus. Preference will be given to students with financial need as determined by UMass Amherst. Additional preference will be …

By Koni Denham
Koni Denham Director of Student Success - SBS
Read more »

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Featured Alumni

Caitlyn Arnold’17, Sociology

Alumni
  • Beverly, MA
  • Admissions Manager The School for Field Studies

Featured Resources

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See below for skill-building classes – visit LinkedIn Learning for more.

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SBS College to Careers – SOCBEHAV 250

SOCBEHAV 250: College to Careers This class is all about YOU. • One credit, highly-participatory course • Learn about yourself…

Research Opportunities

Explore Outcomes

The SBS Office of Career & Professional Development annually surveys graduating seniors in order to provide a snapshot of their post-graduation plans.  The survey begins just prior to graduation, and continues until six months after graduation.  Our data collection process is guided by the industry standard put forth by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, and includes information collected by the SBS Office of Career & Professional Development, the Office of Institutional Research at UMass Amherst, and by various academic departments, as well as from information that is made publicly available by students.  The SBS undergraduate outcomes knowledge rate for 2020 was 60%, though knowledge rate varies among departments.

The SBS Office of Career & Professional Development annually surveys graduating seniors in order to provide a snapshot of their post-graduation plans.  The survey begins just prior to graduation, and continues until six months after graduation.  Our data collection process is guided by the industry standard put forth by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, and includes information collected by the SBS Office of Career & Professional Development, the Office of Institutional Research at UMass Amherst, and by various academic departments, as well as from information that is made publicly available by students.  The SBS undergraduate outcomes knowledge rate for 2022 was 70%, though knowledge rate varies among departments.

  • First Destination
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First Destination

SBS graduates pursue a range of plans after graduation, including employment, continuing education, and volunteering/service, among others.  This graph depicts what recent SBS graduates tell us they are doing within six months after graduation.