Learn About Society, Gain High-Demand Career Skills
Why is American society dividing sharply along political lines? What changes are occurring in social norms that define acceptable behavior? How do social factors influence the development of gender identity? When are protests for social justice effective?
Questions like these lie at the heart of sociology. Sociology examines how human groups, communities, and societies are structured and function. It also explores how our everyday behavior is shaped by social norms and roles. Sociology explores how individuals acting together shape society and how society influences individuals and social interaction.
If you’re a curious person who wants to help change society, the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program at UM-Flint is for you. Offering a blend of practical research skills and cultural knowledge, the program allows you to explore your passions in areas of social justice, public policy, gender inequality, racial discrimination, criminal justice, and many others. And it gives you the tools to help make real changes.
As you acquire skills in sociology, you’ll also learn how to:
- Think critically and analytically
- Express yourself orally and in writing
- Solve problems
- Understand and participate in your community
- Learn on the job and throughout life
The skills and knowledge you’ll develop at UM-Flint will prepare you to work in public policy, social services, nonprofits, education, marketing, and other fields. Many students also go on to graduate school in fields such as law, social work, education, and public policy.
Why UM-Flint?
The top reason to study sociology at UM-Flint is the quality of our faculty. They have years of training and experience, and actively conduct research. But they’re here because they love teaching and helping students succeed.
Sociology majors at UM-Flint also have virtually unlimited opportunities to learn and grow, both inside and outside the classroom. Here are just a few examples:
- The Center for Gender & Sexuality and the Intercultural Center at UM-Flint sponsor many programs and discussions of interest to sociology majors.
- UM-Flint sponsors numerous student clubs that provide the chance to meet and learn with students who share your interests and career aspirations. Some of those most relevant to sociology students include the Sociology Club, the Black Student Union, the Criminal Justice Club, PRIDE, and the Social Work Club.
- We also sponsor a chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, the international sociology honor society.
- In a paid or volunteer role, you can work side-by-side with faculty on state-of-the-art research in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program.
- Opportunities abound in Flint for internships where you can learn valuable job skills, earn a nice line for your resume, and make useful contacts. Groups like Flint Rising, the Flint River Watershed Coalition, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, Legal Services of Eastern Michigan, the YWCA of Greater Flint, and Buckham Gallery are just some of the organizations where you may find internship opportunities.
- Many community events in Flint will relate to your sociological interests and give you a chance to participate and volunteer your skills.
Sociology Programs Curriculum at UM-Flint
More information about the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology curriculum. If you prefer a multidisciplinary approach, you may want to consider the Integrated Social Sciences with an emphasis on sociology, which results in a BA degree.
We also offer a Sociology Minor.
Many students double-major in sociology and criminal justice. Numerous requirements overlap, and your sociology courses will enhance your understanding of the criminal justice system.
You also may find one of these minors or certificates to be a useful addition to your sociology major:
Hear from Mallory Lucas, a 2021 criminal justice and sociology graduate who is currently in law school at Wayne State University and working as a Legal Assistant in the Violent and Organized Crime Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit.
“I am grateful for the lessons I’ve learned in class. I truly am able to apply them on a daily basis in the field I’m working in and will continue to do so throughout law school!”
Mallory Lucas
Sociology and Criminal Justice
Scholarships for Sociology Majors
UM-Flint provides two scholarships that are specifically for sociology students. They include:
- Ralph M. and Emmalyn E. Freeman Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice Scholarship
- The Wilfred E. Marston Civic Engagement Award
Our Office of Financial Aid also offers a variety of other scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. These are all part of our effort to make your world-class University of Michigan-Flint education affordable.
Academic Advising for Sociology Majors
It’s important for you to develop a strong relationship with our academic advisors to help ensure your success at UM-Flint. They can help you choose classes, navigate program requirements, overcome personal issues, develop post-graduation plans, and more.
Emily Wilson is the dedicated sociology advisor. You can contact her at eowilson@umich.edu or 810-762-0642 or schedule an advising appointment.
Career Opportunities in Sociology
Your Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree from UM-Flint will open the door to a huge range of career options. Consider these job projections for a few possibilities from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Sociologists
- Job growth through 2030: 5 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 300
- Typical entry-level education required: Master’s degree
- Median annual salary: $92,910
- Social Workers
- Job growth through 2030: 12 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 78,300
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $50,390
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Job growth through 2030: 15 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 18,300
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $74,000
- Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers
- Job growth through 2030: 17 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 16,100
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $48,860
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
- Job growth through 2030: 4 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 8,100
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $60,250
- Urban and Regional Planners
- Job growth through 2030: 7 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 3,700
- Typical entry-level education required: Master’s degree
- Median annual salary: $78,500
- Market Research Analysts
- Job growth through 2030: 22 percent
- Job openings annually through 2030: 96,000
- Typical entry-level education required: Bachelor’s degree
- Median annual salary: $63,920
More information about careers for sociology majors is available from the American Sociological Association.
Get Started on Your Sociology Career Today
If you want a degree with a strong academic foundation and skills that open the door to a wide range of exciting career opportunities, apply to the University of Michigan-Flint’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program today. If you have questions, contact the program’s dedicated academic advisor, Emily Wilson at eowilson@umich.edu or 810-762-0642 or schedule an advising appointment.
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