Sociology is a social science that deepens our understanding of the relationships, cultures, and institutions that shape and reshape our diverse, interconnected, and interdependent social world. Our undergraduate sociology curriculum combines classroom education, service learning through practicums and internships, and opportunities to conduct or assist with social research.
Making a difference in our world
Sociologists and students at UW study important local, national and international questions that have real impact on our world including:
-
Counting the unhoused population- New methods for enumerating homelessness in Seattle and beyond.
-
Public transit use- How safety, social disorder, accessibility, and discrimination affect access to public transit in Puget Sound.
-
Washington State Death Penalty- How racial bias influences death sentences. This project led the WA State Supreme Court to abolish the death penalty
-
Monetary Sanctions- How fines and fees in the court system perpetuate racial and social injustice.
Getting the skills and competencies for a successful career
A degree in Sociology provides crucial, flexible skills to prepare you to join the workforce or take the next step in your education.
Students who take our classes gain unique and increasingly important abilities to think systematically and develop skills and competencies that are foundational to a wide range of current careers and are increasingly valuable in the context of a rapidly changing workplace including:
Skills learned
-
Data Collection and Analysis- Learn to design surveys, conduct interviews, and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data using tools such as R, Excel, and other statistical software.
-
Research Methods- Gain hands-on experience with research design, ethical considerations, literature reviews, and hypothesis testing.
-
Project Management and Leadership- Develop the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate projects--skills that are transferable to nonprofit, academic, corporate, and public sector work.
-
Writing and Reporting- Write clear, structured research papers, policy briefs, and analytical reports tailored to academic, professional, or public audiences.
-
Public Speaking- Present findings and ideas effectively through group presentations, poster sessions, and digital media platforms.
Competencies gained
-
Systemic thinking Sociology students develop the ability to understand the operation and interaction of organizations in an increasingly complex society and the ways that people affect and are affected by these organizations. This system-level thinking is increasingly valued by employers in a range of fields.
-
Cultural competence- Sociology students explore diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences which enables them to engage effectively with individuals and communities from various and diverse backgrounds. This competency is especially important in our globalized world.
-
Social awareness- Sociology majors learn and are attuned to societal issues, injustices and inequalities. They are frequently at the forefront of movements for positive change.
-
Critical thinking, reasoning, and use of evidence- Sociology graduates can analyze complex issues, identify root causes, and develop evidence-based solutions. This skills is invaluable in addressing societal challenges.
-
Communication- Sociology majors can articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively, whether in writing or verbally. This proficiency is indispensable in conveying ideas, advocating for change, and fostering understanding in diverse settings.
-
Problematic identification and solving- Sociology students learn to identify and help solve social issues through evidence-based data collection and analysis, and communicate their results to broad audiences.
-
Empathy- Sociology students develop skills in empathy and relationship-building to effectively collaborate with individuals, families, colleagues, and community organizations.
-
Curiosity- Sociology students learn to remain intellectually curious. They develop skills to interrogate commonly held assumptions and well as present new insights on pressing societal issues.
Preparing students for graduate school and professional careers
The tools our students acquire provide them with the competencies needed for graduate school and professional careers in the following: