Sociology

Students graduating from Merrimack College will find that the sociology program provides excellent academic preparation for those interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Sociology.

Those who pursue an advanced degree in sociology generally intend to teach at the college and university level as tenured professors or work in the private sector conducting research. Individuals with advanced degrees in sociology also work in government agencies, research firms, health care sector, human services, and the business sector.

A Graduate Program in Sociology will usually require courses in Social Theory, Research Methodology, and area(s) of concentration selected by the student. Most graduate programs also assume some knowledge of quantitative analysis. Therefore, students considering applying to graduate school in sociology should take the course in basic statistics (MA 111A) that is recommended but not required of sociology majors. Many graduate programs also require proficiency in a foreign language in which there is a sociological literature. It is advised that students develop this required proficiency as part of their undergraduate curriculum.

If a student is serious about applying to graduate school in sociology, the student may wish to design a course of study in specific areas of academic interest. It is possible to identify four academic areas of concentration in the Department of Sociology at Merrimack College, which are identified below. In addition to the five required courses for a major in sociology, students considering graduate school in sociology can organize the selection of the required six electives based on the concentrations listed below. This course of study will serve as an excellent academic preparation for application to graduate school in Sociology.

Sociology of Inequality

• SO 430A Social Class in America
• SO 302A Social Problems
• SO 312A Sociology of Law
• SO 316A Social Movements
• SO 333A Racial & Ethnic Minorities
• SO 340A Population Problems
• SO 380A Sociology of Gender
• SO 425A Social Change
• SO 455A, 456A Social Service Field Work

Criminology and Law

• SO 302A Social Problems
• SO 304A Juvenile Delinquency
• SO 305A Female Deviance, Crime & Social Control
• SO 312A Sociology of Law
• SO 315A Conflict Resolution
• SO 333A Racial & Ethnic Minorities
• SO 350A Domestic Violence
• SO 380A Sociology of Gender
• SO 420A Criminology and Penology

Health & Population Studies

• SO 320A Cultural Anthropology
• SO 333A Racial & Ethnic Minorities
• SO 337A Urban Sociology
• SO 340A Population Problems
• SO 360A Sociology of Health
• SO 380A Sociology of Gender
• SO 385A Sociology of Aging

Social Work, Family & Aging

• SO 450A Social Work
• SO 455A, 456A Social Services Field Work
• SO 302A Social Problems
• SO 333A Racial & Ethnic Minorities
• SO 340A Population Studies
• SO 345A Sociology of the Family
• SO 350A Domestic Violence
• SO 380A Sociology of Gender
• SO 385A Sociology of Aging