Sociology

Gain critical awareness of the social world and our social responsibilities as members of society.

About the Major

Students explore the socio-cultural landscape through the Department of Sociology. From the sociological analysis of society to studying social movements, courses examine the patterns, models, and theories of society and provide a basic foundation for advanced study and possible careers in sociology or social work, criminal justice and anthropology. It also provides research and studies in social interaction and social structure useful for students entering business, government and the professions. Students have the opportunity to complete an empirical project and present their findings at the Southern Sociological Society Annual Meeting and the Mercer Undergraduate Research Symposium.

A major in sociology consists of nine courses (27 hours). At least 15 hours toward the major must come from courses numbered above 300.

About the Minor

A minor in Sociology consists of a minimum of 16 hours.

Departmental Honors

Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honor Society, recognizes excellence in the study of Sociology and stimulates scholarship. To become a member students must:

• Have a 3.3 overall grade point average.
• Complete at least four regular courses in Sociology prior to initiation.

Outreach and Engaged Learning

Sociology students have multiple opportunities for hands-on learning through class projects, community engagement, and field internships. Among the corporate and community opportunities for engagement are:

• Big Brothers, Big Sisters
• Goodwill Industries
• Macon Outreach
• Macon Arts
• Communities in Schools
• Macon Volunteer Clinic
• American Red Cross
• Habitat for Humanity – Mercer University Chapter
• Macon Promise Neighborhood

Mercer University encourages outstanding students to apply for national fellowships and scholarships. The Office of National Fellowships and Scholarships offers fellowship and scholarship workshops and assists with applications, personal statements, and recommendations.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Research is an imperative part of the Sociology major's undergraduate experience. Among the courses are "Introduction to Social Science Research Methods" which explores the link between theory and research. There is also a "Societal Simulation" course that studies the patterns and modes of social interaction conditioned by group membership. Upper level students can participate in a Supervised Independent Reading and Research with directed research on a sociological problem involving the collection of original data. All majors are required an Empirical Project where they choose a topic to investigate, review the literature, design the methodology, and analyze the data.

Beyond Mercer

The program provides a basic foundation for advanced study and possible careers in Sociology or social work, criminal justice and anthropology. It also provides research and studies in social interaction and social structure useful for students entering business, government and the professions.

Need More Information?

Visit the department's Website.