Sociology (BA)

Why major in Sociology?

Are you interested in why humans behave the way they do? Are you observant and enjoy conducting research? If so, the study of sociology could be for you. Sociologists observe the activity of social, political, and economic groups and organizations and they examine the effect of social influences on a variety of individuals and groups. They use scientific research methods to find answers to complex social questions and devise potential solutions to society’s problems.

Why major in Sociology at AU?

Individual attention is the hallmark of the sociology program at Aurora University. As a Sociology major, you will learn about a wide variety of timely topics including globalization, culture, human rights, politics, global health, social justice, gender and sexuality, and crime.

AU’s diverse course structure prepares you for jobs across many fields. Sociology majors are taught to identify problems that exist in the world around them. They apply problem-solving skills to these social dilemmas and exercise their creative abilities to find remedies. They learn to take a position on an issue and to construct a rationale to support their perspective.

The study of sociology prepares you for research and interpretation of human behavior, interaction, and organization. As an AU Sociology major, you will learn to use both quantitative and qualitative methods when conducting research. You will develop the research skills necessary to help administrators, educators, lawmakers, and social workers solve social problems and formulate public policy.

Our Sociology graduates pursue careers in social services, health services, community work, various types of applied research, policy writing, advertising, business and administration, marketing, and education. If you want to pursue a career as a sociologist, AU prepares you for the advanced study required to conduct research. Many of our students have earned graduate degrees and developed professional careers also in academia.

Research projects completed by AU Sociology majors have included such topics as ageism, homelessness, the Mexican immigrant experience, racial/ethnic identity, global mental health, maternal health in developing countries, students’ perceptions of online social networks, societal attitudes towards foreign accents, and the invisibility of non-Europeans in textbooks.

You can expand your career opportunities with a double major. Sociology blends well with a number of other academic programs, including Business AdministrationCriminal JusticeHealth Science, and PsychologyEven with a second major, you’ll still be able to graduate in four years.

The lens through which I think about the world, brought into focus through AU's sociology program, underpins my work trying to improve women's and children's health in low-income countries. Natalie Jansen ’13 | MA ’15, PHD ’19 Sociology, University of Kansas
$98,590

2022 annual median salary for sociologists with master's degree

5%

2022-2032 projected job growth rate

Career possibilities
  • Admission counselor
  • Congressional aide
  • Consumer advocate
  • Data analyst
  • Human resources generalist
  • Immigration services specialist
  • Insurance agent/broker
  • FBI/CIA/IRS agent
  • Foster care/adoption worker
  • Manager of program development
Career options with additional education or experience
  • Career services counselor
  • Community planning and development
  • Financial aid director
  • Gerontologist
  • International marketing
  • Marriage and family therapist
  • Professor/Teacher
  • Public administrator
  • Rehabilitation counselor
Neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both. American sociologist C. Wright Mills
Experiential learning

Experiential learning

As an AU Sociology student, you can personalize your studies to meet your interests. The program also offers professional internships to help you explore your options. AU students have interned at Abraxas Youth & Family Services; Chicago Advocate Legal, NFP; Family Counseling Services; Focus House; Heartland Human Care Services; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy; Mutual Ground; United Nations; World Relief.

Where our sociology graduates work

  • Accuity Inc.
  • American Academy of Pediatrics
  • Edward’s Lifescience
  • Gateway Foundation
  • Kendall County Health Department
  • National Center of Poverty Law
  • State University of New York
  • Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame
  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • YMCA of Metro Chicago

Where our sociology graduates go to graduate school

  • Case Western Reserve
  • Concordia University
  • DePaul University
  • Duke University
  • Kansas University
  • Loyola University of Chicago
  • Northern Illinois University
  • Northwestern University
  • University of Notre Dame
  • The University of Chicago