Create Impact in Society
Figuring out how and why people act the way they do is like trying to solve an incredibly complex puzzle. And understanding society as a whole and how we can make it better is the biggest puzzle of all. IUP’s Sociology program will prepare you to confront and solve these difficult problems and make a positive contribution to your community.
What You’ll Learn
Sociology is a social science that examines how human experience is shaped by broader social forces including cultural norms, social inequalities, and the structure of society as whole. By understanding how society and individual experiences are linked, Sociology prepares students to implement change at all levels of society.
The sociology curriculum is built on studying these important topics:
- Clinical sociology
- Delinquency and youth
- Racial and ethnic minorities
- Social stratification
- Social welfare
- Sociology of gender and human sexuality
Imagine Your Future
With a degree in sociology, you have dozens of options for developing a career path. The skills you learn in this program – critical thinking, problem solving, working with diverse groups of people – are in demand in today’s workforce in all fields and industries. Your studies in sociology are uniquely suited to give you a successful 21st century career.
You can launch your career in fields like human services, administration and planning, corrections, community organization, and research. IUP Sociology graduates have found careers such as:
- Community health workers
- Diversity managers
- Learning and development specialists
- Market research analysts
- Public relations specialists
Classes and Requirements
The sociology program at IUP teaches you the foundations of sociological theory and research.
You'll take a set of foundational courses that introduce you to sociological theory and issues of inequality. In these classes you'll also learn the skills and techniques of sociological research. As you progress through the program, you'll take at least one class from four of five distinct areas to give you a broad understanding of sociology as a discipline. In addition, you’ll take nine credits of sociology electives so you can focus your studies on your career interests.
If you want to begin your career sooner, you can apply for early admission to the Master of Arts in Sociology program as an undergraduate. You’ll take graduate-level courses in your senior year, and those credits will count toward both your bachelor's and master's degrees.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
General Sociology Minor
Compassionate and skilled professionals who understand what drives human behavior are in high demand in the workforce. If you’re pursuing a degree in psychology or business, for example, you can make yourself more marketable by adding a minor in sociology.
A minor in sociology requires 18 credits, and you can choose from two different tracks:
- Sociology/General
- Sociology/Human Services
To sign up, contact Dana Hysock Witham at dhysock@iup.edu.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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Student Organizations for Sociology Majors
The Sociology Club is very active on campus, hosting events where former students share their career or graduate school experiences with current students.
You could join the international sociology honor society, Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD). Members of AKD use what they’ve learned in sociology to help others. Membership is open to students who meet the minimum GPA requirements.
Popular Minors for Sociology Students
While pursuing your BA in Sociology, you could consider several relevant minors:
- Child and Adult Advocacy Studies (CAAST)
- Criminology
- Human Development and Family Science
- LGBTQ Studies
- Psychology
- Sustainability Studies
- Women's and Gender Studies
Early Admission to the MA in Sociology Program
To get a head start, you have the option to start your graduate degree in sociology while still finishing your undergraduate degree. Once you are accepted into the early admission Sociology MA program, you can apply up to 40 percent of graduate program credits earned to satisfy the requirements for the undergraduate degree.
The Early Admission program will not only fast track your career, it also saves you money – you'll be paying undergraduate tuition for part of your graduate education. Undergraduate students in their junior year may apply for early admission into the Sociology MA program. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA to be considered for early admission and must have completed at least 15 credit hours in their undergraduate major. Applicants are considered regardless of their major. Admitted students must maintain their GPA at/above a 3.0 to continue in the early admissions program.
Sociology Honors Program
The Honors Program is open by departmental permission to declared sociology majors with a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA and a 3.5 GPA in sociology courses.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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