Sociology

​Sociology is the scientific study of human social behavior. It examines social interactions, social organizations, and the influence that social groups, institutions and social structure have upon human behavior.​

Why Choose Sociology? 

Sociology is at the core of the social sciences, and bridges many disciplines. Sociology majors go on to work in a variety of different fields, from social and market research to policy analysis to human resources and community activism.

The Perspective

The sociology program at Manhattan College emphasizes critical thinking and ingenuity. As a sociology major, you will become familiar with sociological concepts, theories, research methods and findings. You will gain exposure to diverse social systems and cultures. You will graduate with a greater global awareness and appreciation for social justice and service. 

The Concentrations

The sociology program offers three optional career-focused concentrations. Each is designed to build careers in the following areas:

Crime, Law and Social Justice: For those seeking a career in criminal justice, law, community activism and/or human rights advocacy. Possible course topics include:

  • Juvenile Justice
  • White Collar Crime
  • Sociology of Deviance
  • Race and Resistance 

Immigration and Global Sociology: For students seeking a career in immigration policy and advocacy, local immigrant support services, or international cooperation and development agencies. This concentration is guided by an overarching commitment to social justice. Students explore the challenges facing immigrant communities, and the larger social development implications. Possible course topics include:

  • Power and Conflict
  • Urban Sociology
  • Political Economy of Global Migration 

Social Services: For students interested in social work serving specific populations or the community at large. Possible topics include:

  • Social Problems
  • The Family
  • Anthropology of Drugs
  • Codes of Gender 

For those interested in further study of human societies, cultures and their development, a minor in cultural anthropology is also offered.​

  • Meet a Major: Ryan Waters

    Sociology and urban studies major Ryan Waters discusses the benefits of double majoring for his future career and the many hands-on learning opportunities in the School of Liberal Arts.

    Start Your Manhattan College Story

What Will You Learn?

​Sociology’s core curriculum includes Social Inequalities, Research Methods and Sociological Theories. Senior year culminates with a research seminar. As a sociology major, you will:

  • Analyze the U.S. class structure and how class status affects one’s life
  • Learn the logic and skills of social scientific research
  • Gain first-hand experience collecting and analyzing data
  • Survey major sociological theories, tracing contemporary approaches to classical sociologists
  • Complete a capstone project based on original research

See degree requirements

What Will You Do?

​The sociology program will prepare you for graduate school or careers in research, teaching, human resource management, civil service and beyond.

​The faculty and staff, who were always ready to answer my questions, or guide me if I needed direction, constantly created in me a desire to learn. Their enthusiasm made me interested in topics I had never considered before, topics like urban anthropology, colonial literature, and nutrition. Every single one of my professors at Manhattan College has shown me why they love what they do, and it has made me love it too.

Kelly Cousins ’15, English Teacher in Changzhou, China