Sociology

Our department is a vibrant community featuring leading scholars within sociology and related fields. Faculty have expertise in a range of theories and methods, from ethnography to social network analysis, underscoring our commitment to training our students in the many tools within the sociological toolkit. Program strengths include the sociology of environment, gender, race, political and economic sociology, with increased focus on sociology of health and cultural sociology.

Read about the Indigenous history of our local land.

What You Can Do with a Degree in Sociology

A major in sociology prepares students for careers in the environment and society, the criminal justice system, demographics, human services, business, education, social science research, community relations, and federal, state, and local government agencies, just to name a few.

The American Sociological Association lists in their brochure “21st Century Careers with an Undergraduate Degree in Sociology” the following categories for sociology graduates’ first jobs:  

  • Social services, counselors
  • Sales/marketing
  • Administrative support
  • Teaching and education
  • Service occupations
  • Information technology
  • Public relations
  • Social science research
  • Management
Photo of David Martin

How the Department of Sociology Launches Your Career

“The years I spent in the University of Oregon were among the most transformative and fulfilling of my entire life, in large part due to the outstanding support and guidance I received from my former faculty and graduate student colleagues. Since graduation, I’ve held both tenure-track faculty and director level administrative positions, and I am currently professor and head of sociology at Lake Michigan College—a role in which I have a direct and positive impact on my community through my teaching and scholarship. I was lucky to find my purpose in life early; all I ever aspired to be is a professor. After the years of hard work, particularly as a Black and Arabic, and first-generation college graduate and professional, I am now living a dream that truly started when I first stepped foot onto the University of Oregon campus. The training I received in the UO Sociology program, and the people I was fortunate to meet there, were instrumental in helping me to make that dream come true. Go Ducks!”

—David Martin, PhD in Sociology, '17

Our Degree Programs

The undergraduate program in sociology provides a broad understanding of human society for students in all fields as well as more advanced programs for sociology majors. It is a popular choice for students in other fields who wish to double major or minor in an area of study that will enhance their understanding of society and the behavior of people.

The department offers graduate work leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and is intended for students seeking a professional career in research and teaching in both academic and nonacademic settings. The department does not offer a terminal master’s degree, although students enrolled in the PhD program will also receive a master’s degree as part of their training.

Undergraduate Degrees
 
Graduate Degrees
 

 

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Learn from Experts in the Field

Our faculty includes specialists in the areas of criminology, demography, education, environment, organizations, race and ethnicity, stratification, and work & occupations.

The sociology faculty is affiliated with many university programs:

  • Center for the Study of Women and Society
  • Center on Diversity and Community
  • College of Education
  • Environmental Studies Program
  • Department of Public Policy, Planning and Management
  • Indigenous, Race and Ethnic Studies Department
  • Global Studies Department
  • Oregon Survey Research Laboratory
  • Department of Religious Studies
  • Russian and Eastern European Studies
  • Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Department
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Get Real-world Experience

In our department, motivated students can seek internships in the community, join honors societies, and conduct independent study or work with a faculty member on research. Our Peer Leadership Program lets undergraduate students practice communication skills and get involved in programs and initiatives to benefit all students.

Scholarships & Funding

The department offers several internal awards available for both graduate and undergraduate students. Undergraduates can apply for the annual Diana May Woodruff Award as well as several college- and university-wide scholarships. Graduate students are eligible for several prestigious awards in addition to funding through graduate employee positions and term-by-term research assistantships.

Undergraduate Scholarships 
Graduate Funding

Academic Support

Sociology majors can find drop-in help related to degree progress and course planning from the undergraduate team in our Academic Program Offices. At Tykeson Hall, you can work with college and career advisors, who can help you explore your interests, schedule your classes, plan for graduation, discuss career interests, and more.

Undergraduate Advising 
Support for Graduate Students

Sociology News and Events

SOCIOLOGY - When Burks arrived at the UO in 1992, he had no idea what to study, but an introductory sociology class grabbed his attention. “It appealed to my curiosity about what makes people tick,” he says. Burks would go on to have a career filled with danger and intrigue as a special agent for the US government, protecting international dignitaries and overseeing security at embassies around the world.
GLOBAL STUDIES, SOCIOLOGY - Japan's energy shift after the Fukushima disaster saw a surge in fossil fuel use. How does this impact their long-term sustainability goals? Recent research by Yvonne Braun of global studies and Michael Dreiling of sociology is featured.
SOCIOLOGY - Department of Sociology Professor Claire Herbert and Sociology graduate employee Amanda Ricketts’ collaboration was accepted at Social Problems peer-reviewed journal. This research was funded by a Marquina Award from the Department of Sociology and a research grant from the Center for the Study of Women in Society.

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Drawing Science Workshop
Sep10
Drawing Science Workshop Sep 10 Knight Library
Overcoming Academic Perfectionism
Sep12
Overcoming Academic Perfectionism Sep 12
2024 Electrochem PNW Conference
Sep19
2024 Electrochem PNW Conference Sep 19 Willamette Hall
2024 Electrochem PNW Conference
Sep20
2024 Electrochem PNW Conference Sep 20 Willamette Hall
Graduate Employee Day of Teaching
Sep25
Graduate Employee Day of Teaching Sep 25 Willamette Hall
The Achievement of James Joyce
Sep28
The Achievement of James Joyce Sep 28 Baker Downtown Center
13th Annual SPICE Science Open House 2024
Oct9
13th Annual SPICE Science Open House 2024 Oct 9 Willamette Hall
Dept. of History Graduate Student Welcome Back Barbecue
Oct10
Dept. of History Graduate Student Welcome Back Barbecue Oct 10 Wayne Morris Family Farm Picnic Shelter
How to Use Career Resources on Campus for International Students
Oct10
How to Use Career Resources on Campus for International Students Oct 10
How to: Resume and Cover Letter tips (Workshop)
Oct14
How to: Resume and Cover Letter tips (Workshop) Oct 14 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall

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