Sociology

"Philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point, however, is to change it."
Karl Marx, Thesis on Feuerbach XI

Why Sociology?

Sociology is the study of group life. As a social science, it combines scientific and humanistic perspectives in the study of urban and rural life, family patterns and relationships, social change, inter-group relations, social class, environment, technology and communications, health care and illness, social movements, community responses to disasters, and pressing contemporary social issues. 

Sociology at UAS

At the University of Alaska Southeast, many courses are offered which demonstrate the breadth and depth of the discipline of sociology. You can take courses in deviant behavior and criminology; in close relationships and men, women, and change; in medicine and education; and in race, ethnicity and American multiculture. Sociology provides many distinctive ways of looking at the world that generates new ideas and reassesses old ones.

Program Opportunities

• Internships and Practical Experiences

Students with an emphasis in sociology have participated in internships working with state legislators, and the State of Alaska Departments of Health and Human Services, Corrections, and Education. Sociology students can also gain practical experience through working in policy research, administration and management, and in clinical and applied settings.

• Exchange Programs

Students may study for a year at another U.S. or Canadian university or in Europe or Latin America.

Minors

Within the Bachelor of Arts in Social Science, you pursue a minor field of study. Minors at UAS that complement sociology are:

• Alaska Native Studies
• Women's and Gender Studies
• Business

These programs combine with sociology to create a focus on diversity in society. They also provide you with a strong background to enter careers in various business enterprises and social services with a focus on working with people.

    “The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.”
Martin Luther King Jr.

Careers in Sociology

Sociology is a valuable social science major for students planning careers in a variety of fields, including:

• Social Research
• Social Psychology
• Criminology
• Demography
• Gerontology
• Education
• Public Administration
• Social Work
• Market Research

Many students who study sociology as undergraduates later pursue careers in law, business, medicine, community planning, architecture, and government.

Course Work

Sociology may be either a primary or secondary concentration area within the Bachelor of Arts in Social Science.

Primary Concentration Area (24 credits)

SOC 101 SSCI 300	Introduction to Sociology Research Methods in Social Science	3 3
Any six additional sociology courses, including:
SOC 201 SOC 301 SOC 325 SOC 343 SOC 375 SOC 377 SOC 410	Social Problems Sociology of Close Relationships Theory and Research in Criminology Sociology of Deviant Behavior Special Topics Men, Women and Change Sociology of American Multiculture	3  3  3  3  3  3 3
		24 credits

Secondary Concentration Area (15 credits)

SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology	3
Any four additional sociology courses, including:
SOC 201 SOC 301 SOC 325 SOC 343 SOC 375 SOC 410	Social Problems Sociology of Close Relationships Theory and Research in Criminology Sociology of Deviant Behavior Special Topics Sociology of American Multiculture	3  3  3  3  3 3
		15 credits

UAS Sociology Faculty

Juneau Campus

Virginia Mulle, Ph.D. Sociology
Associate Professor of Sociology
ginny.mulle@uas.alaska.edu

Alex Simon, Ph.D. Sociology
Assistant Professor of Sociology
alex.simon@uas.alaska.edu

Ketchikan Campus
Priscilla Schulte, Ph.D. Ed./Anthropology
Professor of Anthropology and Sociology
priscilla.schulte@uas.alaska.edu