Overview
Sociology is the study of human behavior in all its richness and complexity. Having knowledge of human interactions and the scientific explanations behind them makes sociology a useful and versatile major or minor, giving you an immediate advantage in any future career.
In pursuing a degree in sociology at UMN Morris, you will examine personal interactions and relationships, individual behavior, and the characteristics of groups and society. You’ll study the many aspects of humanity, including psychology, economics, anthropology, and history.
You’ll benefit from the personal focus of faculty who work one-on-one directly with you in classes and on projects and research, along with open-minded respectful dialogue and analysis from multiple points of view.
The UMN Morris sociology program provides a powerful foundation in theory and methodology, giving you a basis for success in research and graduate work, as well as your career. The curriculum covers a wide variety of topics in sociology, like gender, multiculturalism, sexuality, aging, race, ethnicity, systems of oppression, stratification, environmental issues, social changes, social justice, class, law, and human rights.
Degree Requirements
Student Learning Outcomes
By completing a degree in sociology, you will be able to
- comprehend topics of diversity and multiculturalism through the study of societies across various contexts and time periods;
- understand sociological principles and perspectives and how they apply to social issues;
- think critically through readings and analysis of a variety of primary and secondary source materials;
- gain competency in sociological research methods and sociological theories and how they apply to contemporary societies and social problems; and
- communicate your ideas effectively in writing and through oral presentation.
General Education Requirements
The University of Minnesota and its faculty are committed to providing an education that invites you to investigate the world from new perspectives, learn new ways of thinking, and grow as an active citizen and lifelong learner. The University’s general education requirements are designed to be integrated throughout your four-year undergraduate experience. These courses provide you an opportunity to explore fields outside your major and complement your major curriculum with a multidisciplinary perspective.
Transferring Credit
Put your credits to work for you at UMN Morris, where you’ll earn a degree from a highly ranked public liberal arts university.
Careers & Graduate School
Careers
The advanced understanding of personal and organizational behaviors, coupled with the scientific and reasoning abilities that are a vital facet of the Morris experience means you’ll have lots of options with a sociology degree. UMN Morris sociology graduates have continued on to fulfill careers in many varied professions:
- Accounting
- Business administration
- Counseling
- Economics
- Education
- Environmental health
- Gerontology
- Human resources
- Law
- Medicine
- Public affairs
- Social work
- Theology
Graduate School
The skills and knowledge that you develop in the sociology discipline will prepare you for higher study.
The majority of UMN Morris sociology graduates continue on to advanced study. They have earned entry into many highly-regarded and competitive graduate and professional programs:
- Adler Institute
- Brigham Young University
- Cornell University
- Drew University
- Florida State University
- Hamline University
- Indiana University
- Luther Seminary
- Mankato State University
- North Dakota State University
- Ohio University
- Portland State University
- Rollins College
- South Dakota State University
- University of Wisconsin
- William Mitchell College of Law
Costs & Aid
The University of Minnesota Morris is a national public liberal arts college committed to making a high-quality education available to students from across the country. Expenses for housing, meals, books and supplies, transportation, loan fees, and personal expenditures can vary.
Learn more about the cost of attendance
Use our net price calculator to estimate your cost of attendance
Research & Engagement
UMN Morris faculty work closely in collaboration with their students to help them jump start their professional careers.
Research
Writing and presentations of research papers and findings are a crucial part of the sociology curriculum, preparing you for experiences in higher academic study or the workplace. Past UMN Morris sociology students have won prestigious statewide undergraduate research paper competitions. In addition, as an integral part of the sociology program, you’ll be able to:
- Attend local and regional conferences
- Collaborate with faculty in publishing papers in professional journals and reviews
- Perform first-hand, independent research and work hands-on in service learning or similar projects
The culmination of the sociology program is the capstone seminar. This class is a hands-on introduction to professional sociological research, and calls on all the skills and knowledge you’ll have developed in the course of your studies. You’ll be able to design your own research project, execute it, analyze the findings, write up the results, and present it to colleagues in a public forum.
Engagement
UMN Morris boasts a large number of student-led organizations, including the sociology and anthropology clubs. Joining campus organizations is a great way to engage with your interests and find other like-minded people.
At UMN Morris, participating in a study abroad experience is strongly encouraged. Through study abroad, you’ll get a view of your major through a new lens. As a UMN Morris student, you will enjoy access to the many programs supported by the UMN Learning Abroad Center. Visit the UMN Morris Academic Center for Enrichment for more information about these opportunities.
