Skip to Main Site Navigation Skip to Content Skip to Footer
Back To Top

Sociology Major

decorative edge

Why Study Sociology?

Sociologists investigate how people interact and behave within the structure of groups, organizations and societies. The subject of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from the division of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture; and from the sociology of work to the sociology of sports.

decorative edge

Why Study Sociology at Eastern?

Practicum and internship courses complement classroom instruction in the Sociology major and give students an opportunity to gain experience in one or more field placement settings. Sociology majors graduate ready for employment in community, business and organizational settings or for graduate level study in sociology, social work, law and other career fields. A Sociology minor is also available to other majors.

Professor lecturing in front of class
decorative edge

Salary Potential

$92,910

Median salary, Sociologists (with master’s)

$42-147K

Salary range

* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Why have an employability handbook for Sociology?
  • To raise your awareness of what employability is
  • To explain how your employability is enhanced by majoring in Sociology at Eastern
  • To draw your attention to the many complementary opportunities beyond the major that can help you to further enhance your employability
  • To introduce you to the wide range of employment options for Sociology graduates

Hands-on Learning

Professor writing on white board

Internships

Sociology majors are placed at internships on campus, in local after-school programs and at local non-profits.

Members of the Best Buddies club

Clubs

Sociology majors join service-oriented student clubs such as Best Buddies and People Helping People.

Best Buddies
Group shot of the members of Alpha Kappa Delta sociology honor society

Honor Society

Many sociology majors join Alpha Kappa Delta, the sociology honor society. Getting involved in the society is an opportunity to grow intellectually and collaborate with other students and academics in service.

Alpha Kappa Delta

Career Options

  • Social services
  • Community work
  • Government services
  • Health services
  • Journalism
  • Policing
  • Human Resources
  • Advertising
  • Guidance counselor
  • Librarian/Researcher

Successful Alumni

Graduates of Eastern’s sociology program are employed in businesses throughout the region; in Connecticut’s departments of Social Services, Education and Corrections; in local and state police departments; and U.S. Immigration Services, to name some places of employment.

decorative edge
For more information


bergstromlynchc@easternct.edu
(860) 465-0016

decorative edge

In the News

basketball game

Eastern hosts 5th annual ‘End Relationship Violence’ event honoring Alyssiah Wiley

October 15, 2024

Eastern Connecticut State University hosted its 5th annual relationship violence awareness event on Oct. 9, bringing together faculty and students in honor of Alyssiah Wiley, an Eastern student who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2013. The event featured resource tables, engagement activities, guest speakers, basketball challenges and prizes to educate the campus community.

honor society thumb

Eastern inducts hundreds into honor societies in spring 2024

May 16, 2024

More than 20 academic programs and departments at Eastern Connecticut State University recognized student achievements this spring 2024 semester during honor society inductions and award ceremonies.

Cara Bergstrom-Lynch

Bergstrom-Lynch and Todd support victims of domestic violence

December 06, 2023

Two Eastern Connecticut State University faculty members recently participated in an annual fundraiser for Safe Passage, an organization helping domestic violence victims recover. Cara Bergstrom-Lynch, professor of sociology, and Emily Todd, dean of Arts and Sciences, took part in the Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage in Northampton, MA, on Dec. 3.

Alumni Testimonials

Roberto Rosado ’16
Willimantic Police Department

Roberto Rosado ’16

Robert Rosado is chief of police for the City of Meriden. “In diverse communities, sociology is an important field. Every culture, every group of people has a different way of thinking, so as law enforcement we need to be understanding of that.”

Kiyana-Nicole Smith
Sociology / ECE Double Major

Kiyana-Nicole Smith ’24

Kiyana-Nicole interned as a teacher assistant in sociology, providing guidance to students and taking notes on teaching strategies. For anyone looking for an internship, Smith said, “Try it for the experience. Find something you are interested in and see if it aligns with your career path. If not, that’s okay too. Keep an open mind because you never know what you may or may not like.”

Luis Rivera ’22
Sociology Major

Luis Rivera ’22

Luis completed an internship at the Department of Children and Families, assisting case workers with assessments, visiting families and working with a runaway adolescent. He discovered he has a passion for social services. “I can see myself working in social services for the rest of my life. I love the feeling of helping people and helping our social structures.”

Liselotte Hammer ’18
University of Bristol

Liselotte Hammer ’18

Liselotte Hammer is pursuing a master’s degree in sociology and criminology at the University of Bristol in England. “I had the best experience at Eastern. The classes were outstanding, my fellow students provided such a strong support system, but the best part was the professors. Every single one of them went out of their way to make sure their students understand the material.”

Pablo Cruz
Toddler Teacher

Pablo Cruz ’21

In summer 2014, Pablo began volunteering at Brooker Memorial Childcare in Torrington. He was hired as a full-time teacher after graduating in August 2021. “I’ve quite literally grown up at this place, as they have seen me transition from high school, to a college student and now to a college graduate. This is my dream job, as there’s no other place I would rather work.”

Patrice Eugene
English and Sociology

Patrice Eugene ’20

Patrice interned at the Chicago-Kent College of Law School in summer 2018. His role included working alongside judges and lawyers at government law firms while attending law classes. Eugene majors in English and sociology “Internships are great opportunities to act immediately on your passion, interest and curiosity.” Earning his M.A. at Columbia University in 2022, Patrice is now a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Pennsylvania.

Martha Quiroz
Sociology

Martha Quiroz ’24

Martha served her internship as a member of the board of Perception Programs, Inc., which provides therapeutic options for local residents. “Nonprofits have a special place in my heart being that I was supported by them from fourth grade up to my senior year in high school. They are essentially how I was able to pursue higher education.”

Jennifer Portella ’17
Financial Aid Counselor

Jennifer Portella ’17

Jennifer is a student services counselor at Quinnipiac University. “I enjoy studying human interactions and how people present themselves in society. The study of sociology taught me to consider the societal factors that influence individuals and groups. I learned how to gather information, assess it, analyze it and incorporate theories about human behavior to help me better understand people.”

Tanika Mangum ’06
Outreach Specialist

Tanika Mangum ’06

Tanika is an Outreach Specialist in the Federal Student Aid Office at the U.S. Department of Education. “At Eastern I was inspired by a diverse group of students and experiences that helped develop my leadership skills.”