Sociology, B.A.

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Program Overview

As a sociology major, you will learn how and why societies develop, are maintained, and change, and how the intersections of race, ethnicity, class, age, gender, and sexuality affect personal and social experiences and institutional arrangements. Course work also explores the interactions of social systems with ecosystems and the dynamic interplay between social forces. This program will teach you to make your own discoveries about social experiences and to communicate these discoveries. All courses also include opportunities to develop critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills, and visual literacy.

Sociology, B.A.

Where You'll Go

The skills you learn observing social behavior and social influence in cultures, institutions, and groups are helpful to careers in a wide range of industries. With a degree in sociology, you will pursue diverse careers in such fields as public policy, law, education, public service, and marketing.

Major Details

The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2024–25 academic year per the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here.

Major Requirements (38 Credits)

All of the following: Sociology 11012101210221112112 and 5201W. Sociology 5201W, a writing-intensive course, is a capstone seminar to be taken in the senior year.

Five additional courses from Sociology Department courses numbered 2000 and higher. All courses cross-listed with Sociology can be used to fulfill the elective requirement.

Each course must be completed with a grade of C or higher. A grade of B- or higher in Sociology 210121022111, and 2112 is the prerequisite for Sociology 5201W.

To qualify for honors in sociology, students must have:

  • an average of 3.50 or higher in sociology,
  • three credits of honors work in Senior Seminar (SOCY 5201W), and
  • the recommendation of the department.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Explain the key ideas from social theory.
  • Critically review the theoretical perspectives in the relevant sociological literature and apply them to a research question that the student has formulated.
  • Conduct a piece of empirical research that reflects knowledge of sociological theories and basic research methods.
  • Communicate the design and results of empirical research in a professional manner.
  • Use foundational concepts to interpret their own lived experience and develop a sociological imagination.
  • Describe and explain patterns and trends in diversity and inequality (including race, ethnicity, religion, class, gender, etc.).

Degree Maps

To help you pursue your studies in the most efficient manner, and to maximize your efforts to graduate in four years, Brooklyn College has created four-year degree maps for all its majors.

View degree maps for this major and others.

Contact

Jeremy Porter

3612 James Hall
E: jporter@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.5314

Or contact:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

222 West Quad Center
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210
E: adminqry@brooklyn.cuny.edu

To make an appointment with an undergraduate admissions counselor, visit:

Virtual Admissions Counselor Appointments

Internships and Employers

Through job fairs, the internship database, and internship panels, the Magner Career Center gives students in the sociology B.A. program access to career opportunities at a wide variety of employers, including:

  • Administration for Children’s Services
  • African American Planning Commission
  • The Fortune Society
  • Greenwich House
  • Housing Works
  • Jumpstart
  • Medidata Solutions
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • New Alternatives for Children
  • New York City of Corrections and Community Supervision
  • New York Historical Society
  • New York Public Library
  • New York University
  • Pace University
  • Safe Horizon
  • St. John’s University
  • United Nations
  • YMCA

Learn More

Brooklyn. All in.

Brooklyn. All in.