Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology and International Studies
Gain hands-on experience through social and global policy research here at Merrimack College.
Combine the perspectives and methodologies of sociology and international studies in this new dynamic major.
Sociology and International Studies Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Sociology and International Studies Major
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Spring Open House
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
from 1:00 pm
to 4:00 pm
At our Spring Open House, you'll attend academic breakout sessions, connect with members of our community, and take a tour of our beautiful New England campus.
The Sociology and International Studies Major
Develop a larger understanding of how societies operate and how international forces impact society in both local and national contexts.
What You'll Study
Prepare to learn the vital skills necessary to address complex social challenges on an international scale starting with what you learn here in the classroom.
Social Interaction
International Relations
Human Behavior
Cultural Competence
Survey and Statistical Analysis
Foreign Policy
Social Problems
Law and Society
Skills You'll Learn
You’ll gain critical skills to help you navigate international industries within the sociological mindset post graduation.
Cross-Cultural Competency
Social Data Analysis
Written and Oral Communication
Cultural Data Interpretation
Leadership
Data Visualization
Sociology and International Studies Courses You'll Take
SOCIOLOGY
OF IMMIGRATION
soc 3651
We will consider immigrants originating from and settling in all parts of the world, though we will focus primarily on the United States. We will use a combination of perspectives from social science, history, law, economics and politics to analyze the most important events, theories, concepts and ideas related to immigration.
Global
Issues
POL 2200
Prepare to analyze contemporary issues impacting global affairs in terms of the major political, social, economic and environmental forces confronting international communities. We will explore a number of vexing global challenges such as globalization, terrorism, global security, nationalism and more.
social
inequality
soc 2000
This course examines the most important bases of inequality in contemporary society: social class, race/ethnicity and gender. These categories determine the distribution of social resources, shape people’s experiences and influence interactions with others often in ways that we cannot immediately recognize.
See All Courses & Options Available to [PROGRAM NAME] Majors
[PROGRAM NAME] Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements.
To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.
Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Why Choose the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and International Studies?
Learn more about what makes this major the right choice for you!
COMBINED LEARNING
This unique major combines the perspectives of two social science disciplines: sociology and international studies.
TWICE THE EXPERTISE
Develop expertise in both areas to make yourself more adaptable and marketable to employers.
Career Outlook: Where Can a Sociology and International Studies Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
94% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in Arts & Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
90% of the undergraduate class of 2023 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack.
Graduate School
Merrimack, New England School of Law, George Washington University and Boston College are just some of the graduate programs Arts & Sciences graduates are attending.
Jobs with a Sociology and International Studies Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in international studies and related disciplines. Positions may include:
- Political Analyst
- Foreign Policy Officer
- Social Researcher
- Human Rights Advocate
- Cultural Consultant
- Journalist
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Programs Related to the Sociology and International Studies Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Sociology and International Studies Major
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