Sociology

When you major in sociology at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, you have the flexibility to study a range of topics, including families, crime and deviance, health, mental health, substance use and survey research. Learn about social inequalities in race, gender, social class and social institutions, like education, religion and media. Develop skills in analytical thinking, effective communication, collecting, analyzing and interpreting data, and creative problem solving.
  • College

  • Hours Required

    120 credit hours
  • Minors Available

    Sociology

  • Areas of Focus

    Crime and Deviance, Family, Health, Social Inequality, Social Research

The Nebraska Difference

Curiosity

Discover what moves you with a diverse blend of academic disciplines.

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Flexibility & Choice

Customize your degree with course choices. Add a minor or second major.

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Hands-On Experience

Build knowledge, skills and experience in and out of the classroom.

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Limitless Career Paths

Connect your major, interests and goals to any field.

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Program Features

Focus and Range 

Dive deep into your sociology major while taking a wide variety of courses across all areas in the College of Arts and Sciences. Graduate academically well-rounded and eager to keep learning. Use your collaboration and communication skills to address complex problems and make a positive impact professionally and personally. 

1-to-1 Academic Advising and Career Coaching 

Along with your faculty, professional academic advisors and career coaches will help you make a one-of-a-kind degree plan. We are focused on your success, while at Nebraska and after graduation, whether your goal is employment or graduate/professional school. 

Undergraduate Sociology Teaching and Research Students (USTARS) 

Sociology faculty collaborate with and mentor undergraduate students as paid research or teaching assistants through Undergraduate Sociology Teaching and Research Students (USTARS)

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Notable Courses

Sociology of Crime (SOCI 209)

Social construction of crime and deviance. Emphasizes inequality in the risks of and responses to crime and deviance.

Sociology of Race and Ethnicity (SOCI 217)

Overview of sociological theories and research on the experiences of different racial, religious and ethnic groups. Concepts of race and ethnicity, including their social construction.

Contemporary Family Issues (SOCI 325)

Examine contemporary issues confronting families and family research. Adolescent pregnancy, union formation, parenting, work-family, divorce and family instability and family violence.

Environmental Sociology (SOCI 346)

Learn how social systems interact with ecosystems. Understand complex and often controversial questions about the social causes, consequences and responses to environmental disruption.

Sociology of Heath Care and Health Professions (SOCI 353)

Social and cultural bases of health care and health professions. Organization, distribution and delivery of health care. Institution and profession of medicine and health-allied fields.

Sociology of Mass Media (SOCI 373)

Sociological study of mass media, including the social construction of gender, race, class and politics. Explores audience interaction with media texts.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • Evaluation assistant, Survey, Statistics and Psychometrics Core Facility
  • Chronic disease evaluation intern, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
  • Survey research intern, Bureau of Sociological Research at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Intern, Nebraska Appleseed
  • Legislative page, Nebraska State Legislature

Careers

  • Coordinator of student-athlete development, Diversity & Inclusion, University of Kansas
  • Marketing & communication specialist, Nebraska Medicaid
  • Public health equity, AmeriCorps
  • Youth treatment specialist, HopeSpoke
  • Small business advisor, Celebrity Staffing

Graduate Schools

  • Master’s degree, Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Master’s degree, Global Public, Environmental, & Occupational Health, University of Colorado-Boulder
  • Master’s degree, Student Affairs, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
  • Ph. D., Sociology, University of Colorado-Boulder
  • Juris Doctor degree, University of Nebraska College of Law

Outside the Classroom

Depending on your major, interests and goals, you can choose to do research, work as an intern, study abroad, become a leader or serve your community. The university’s Experiential Learning requirement ensures you have at least one of these transformative learning experiences; students in the College of Arts and Sciences typically complete at least two.

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Academics & Experiential Learning

  • Our motto is Academics + Experience = Opportunities. Employers and graduate/professional schools are looking for students who have a strong academic background and hands-on experience.
  • Sociology majors regularly engage in research or internships, and many study abroad or get involved in service or leadership on campus and beyond.
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Career Preparedness

  • CASC 200: Career Development in Arts and Sciences. Explore your interests, abilities and values while identifying career options and preparing to apply for internships, jobs or graduate/professional school.
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Community

  • Join the Undergraduate Sociological Association to connect with faculty, fellow students, alumni and guest speakers.
  • Get involved in the Bureau of Sociological Research as a student researcher.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Sociology major or navigating the application process, contact us.

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Contact Name
Nicholas Gordon
Contact Title
Director of Recruitment
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