Sociology Major

Explore the diversity of social behaviors and interactions.

Sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociology is a great foundation for work as varied as social work, nonprofit management, entrepreneurship, human resources, law, business, and communications, among others.

Why study sociology at the College of Charleston?

You will understand the social causes and consequences of human activity by engaging with sociological theories and data. You will learn from, and potentially conduct research with, inspiring professors who are experts in fields such as environmental sociology, gerontology, health, crime, deviance, gender, and sexuality.

What will I learn?

You will learn about diverse topics such as inequality, group behavior, social change, and criminology, among others. You will also develop skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, research, leadership, teamwork, and written and verbal communication.

View Curriculum: Sociology

Program

All human behavior is social. Few fields have such a broad scope and relevance for research and application. Sociology covers topics such as family structures, mob mentalities, organized crime, religious cults, race, gender, social class, work environments and social structures of sports.
  • Internship Opportunities

    We help you find the right internship opportunity to meet your professional goals. Internship opportunities allow you to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a workplace setting. It is a chance to link theories, concepts and ideas to concrete situations while providing service to the community. They also help you figure out how you might use sociology once you graduate. Recent students have interned with various local organizations.
    • American Red Cross
    • Carolina Youth Development Program
    • Charleston County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department
    • Charleston-Dorchester Community Mental Health Center
    • Department of Social Services
    • Heart Health Program at MUSC
    • Mayor's Office for Children, Youth and Families
    • South Carolina Coastal Conservation League

  • Study Abroad

    Explore other cultures, learn a new language, gain new insights about the world and apply your classroom knowledge. Past trips have included faculty-led experiences to Ireland and Greece.

  • Bachelor's Essay

    You may complete a Bachelor's Essay to synthesize the knowledge and skills you have developed. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your full potential to employers.It also provides you material to apply to graduate programs.

Careers & Outcomes

Sociology is a rapidly expanding field. It addresses the most challenging issues of our time. Leaders who craft policies and create programs need these valuable skills and insights. A sociology major offers you endless professional opportunities. You might pursue careers in fields like:
  • social work.
  • teaching.
  • public policy.
  • human resources.
  • communication and public relations.
  • marketing.

About the Minor

A minor in sociology is the perfect fit for almost any major. Sociology examines the causes and consequences of human behavior. A minor helps you learn to think critically, improve your communication skills and understand society.

View Curriculum: Sociology Minor