Sociology
Program Details
Sociology— the study of social life— is fascinating. Few fields have such a broad scope, ranging from the study of the family to hostile mobs, from the behavior of individuals and groups in complex organizations to the role of sport in society, or from the study of race and gender identity to global climate change.
As a student in the sociology major, you’ll practice using sociological theories and research methods and within the Jesuit tradition, which emphasizes learning through community engagement and service. Courses in the sociology major curriculum highlight a wide range of topics, including cultural diversity, inequality and social change. Graduates from the program go on to careers in law, higher education, public relations, nonprofits and urban planning.
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Curriculum
The sample course sequence below illustrates class offerings for the Sociology major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
Fall
- SOCI 101: Introduction to Sociology............ 3cr.
- PHIL 100: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy............ 3cr.
- ENGL 101: English Composition............ 3cr.
- History Elective............ 3cr.
- Second Language............ 3cr.
- CORE 101............ 0cr.
Spring
- SOCI 180: Culture & Society............ 3cr.
- THEO 111: Theological Foundations............ 3cr.
- Historical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Mathematical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Second Language............ 3cr.
- CORE 102............ 0cr.
Fall
- SOCI 200: Foundational Social Theory............ 3cr.
- ENGL 205: Literature and Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
- Philosophical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Scientific Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- SOCI 365: Contemporary Social Theory............ 3cr.
- MATH 156: General Statistics............ 3cr.
- Social Science Elective............ 3cr.
- Natural Science Elective............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspectives............ 3cr.
Fall
- SOCI 352: Investigating Social Life I............ 3cr.
- Sociology Elective............ 3cr.
- Creative Perspectives............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- SOCI 353: Investigating Social Life II
- Sociology Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- Sociology Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective
Spring
- Sociology Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Sociology Courses
Sample courses within the sociology major curriculum:
- Introduction to Sociology (SOCI 101) - This course explores social behavior within the context of group structure, society and culture. Basic sociological terminology and methodology are covered.
- Culture and Society (SOCI 180) - This course is a cross cultural study of human values, norms and behavior. Contemporary American as well as remote and prehistoric cultures will be investigated from the anthropological perspective.
- Foundational Social Thought (SOCI 200) - An introduction to classical sociological theory through the mid-twentieth century including an examination of basic concepts and theoretical projects and application to contemporary social contexts.
- Sociology of Sport (SOCI 232) - This course examines organized sport as an important institutional component of American culture and society.
- Collective Behavior (SOCI 265) - Overview of theory and research on various forms of collective behavior, including fads, fashions, urban legends, crowds, riots and social movements.
- Urban Anthropology (SOCI 360) - Introduction to the field of urban anthropology and to “the city” as an object of study. Explores urban life, culture and institutions by examining essays, ethnographies and films that reflect the research of observers of urban culture.
Sociology Outcomes
99% of Xavier students, including those in the sociology major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2022). Explore Xavier's Career Outcomes Dashboard to view career outcomes by major.
Jobs held by sociology alumni: Director of Public Relations, Attorney, Hospital Administrator, Airline Sales Executive, College Professor, Advertising/Marketing Account Executive, Director of Social Services, Police Officer
More: Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshop series on interviewing and resume writing techniques and maintaining an educational, vocational and employer information resource center. More than 100 nationally known companies visit the campus annually to interview graduating seniors for positions in business and industry.
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Tailor Your Academic Experience to Your Interests and Career Goals
With a varied course selection, you'll have the flexibility to customize your academic journey according to your interests and professional aspirations. Chose from courses covering diverse topics within the discipline, including social inequality, race and ethnicity, gender studies, globalization, social movements, criminology and research methods.
Experience a Transformative Education
Studying sociology at a Jesuit university offers you a unique opportunity to combine sociological inquiry with values of social justice, service and ethical reflection. By immersing yourself in a community that prioritizes the pursuit of social equity, you'll develop the skills and perspectives needed to address complex social challenges with empathy and compassion.
Kickstart Your Career in Cincinnati, Ohio
In Cincinnati, Ohio, you'll find numerous Fortune 500 companies, a thriving arts scene and thousands of nonprofit organizations. As a sociology major, you can benefit from valuable internship and experiential learning opportunities that can prepare you for a career within a wide range of industries.
Graduate With Honors
Are you looking for an academic challenge? The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
Sociology Major at Xavier University
Xavier's sociology majors have a sociological perspective based upon sound sociological methods and theories for a thorough understanding of social behavior. Students are encouraged to include job experience by participating in an internship in local social service agencies or related organizations.
Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."