Majoring in Sociology

Why major in Sociology?
Because sociology is about you and the world you live in. It is the scientific study of people and their activities, their work, their games, relationships, crimes, beliefs, organizations, problems and dreams. More than just a course of study, sociology is a way of thinking; a philosophy
of life which not only examines how things exist, but also asks why things exist the way they do, and what can be done to make things better.

What skills can I develop as a Sociology Major?
Firstly, you obtain a broad education in such areas as social inequality, race and ethnic conflict, crime and delinquency, social policy and social change, social work and counseling, global environmental problems, the sociology of family and gender, drugs and society, and the sociology of the Third World, among others. Through "hands on" experience (in class projects and in the required senior internship/practicum), you also acquire skills in social research and statistical analysis, in addition to computer literacy, as preparation for careers in government,
industry, social services and social change organizations as well as academia.

What kind of future can I anticipate with a B.A. in Sociology?
Because of your broad educational grounding and your competency in obtaining, organizing, and evaluating data, a B.A. in sociology opens up countless doors in our increasingly information-oriented society. Whether you intend to pursue graduate work or enter directly into the job market, you will find yourself well equipped to handle the pressures of our competitive society. Many undergraduates in sociology continue to pursue their masters and doctorates in the field of sociology, social work, anthropology, urban planning and environmental studies, just to name a few. Because of your exposure to research skills, interpersonal and organizational dynamics, and legal agencies, sociology is also an excellent preparation for law school, divinity school, or for careers in social services (e.g., social work, counseling) or social policy formation
and evaluation (e.g., community organization, lobbying, governmental programming). Even at the B.A. level, sociology majors acquire positions such as teachers, research associates and statistical analysts, family counselors, writers (freelance and technical), volunteer program coordinators, parole officers and other positions in the criminal justice field, business managers, youth workers, lobbyists, labor organizers, and community action leaders.

Is Sociology compatible with other areas of study as a second major or as a minor?
" Flexible" is the middle name of Loyola's sociology curriculum. Around a core curriculum of theory and research classes, students have the freedom to design their degree according to their particular interests and needs. Sociology is an excellent complement to majors in communications, religious studies, political science, psychology, philosophy, education,
and history - the possible combinations are as numerous as the degrees offered here at Loyola.
The sociology faculty also teach courses associated with various other interdisciplinary minors offered at Loyola such as the Africana Studies minor, Environmental Studies minor, Women's Studies minor, and Latin American Studies minor, to name a few.

As a department, what sets Sociology apart?
Faculty involvement and concern for our students. From the educational activities of the sociology student organization (LUSSO) to the informal departmental workshops and "socials"; we are interested in and involved with one another and with the Loyola and New Orleans communities at large. Your education is much more than the sum total of the theories and statistics learned in the classroom - it is the day-to-day experiences in learning and working with people concerned with society and its future.

What should I do for more information about Sociology?
Begin by registering for SOCI-A100, Introductory Sociology. Next, make an appointment with Dr. Lydia Voigt, the chair of the sociology department. She can answer many of your questions and help you design an individualized plan of study. Be sure to talk to some sociology majors or the departmental administrative assistant about our program and activities.
You are also invited to get involved with LUSSO, the Loyola University Sociology Student Organization and Alpha Kappa Delta, the international sociology honor society.