Social Sciences: Sociology Major

Program Overview

Marywood University offers a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology.

A major in sociology:

  1. raises awareness of urgent social problems
  2. explores connections between the individual and the larger social structure, and
  3. provides a working knowledge of research methods and analytic skills essential for problem solving.


Students who major in sociology will take courses on topics such as social and economic inequality, urbanization and societal development, violent conflict, and the role of media and social institutions.

Program Requirements

The BA degree in sociology at Marywood University requires students to complete a total of 120 college credits, of which 54 credits are in sociology courses and cognate fields.  The remaining 66 credits come from the Marywood Liberal Arts Core.

We also offer a minor in sociology as well as a double-major with criminal justice. See the Curriculum Guides at the top of this page for more information


What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree In Sociology?

According to a recent report by the American Sociological Association students who graduated with a BA in sociology found employment in a diverse range of fields including management, marketing, sales, research institutes, and governmental services. Furthermore, among those in the report who said that sociology was closely related to their field of work, nearly two-thirds reported being very satisfied with their jobs. 

For more information, contact Dr. Patrick Seffrin at [email protected] or (570) 348-6211 x2242
Social Sciences Department | 82 Liberal Arts Center

Transferable Skills

  • Communication skills, or the ability to express oneself in both verbal and written form.
  • Interpersonal skills, including the ability to share leadership and responsibility, work cooperatively, and get along with co-workers.
  • Leadership, or the ability to influence and effectively teach others.
  • Analytical skills, particularly problem-solving ability and sharp, critical thinking.
  • Statistics and research design, particularly designing a study, coding and analyzing data, and reporting result
  • Computer literacy, including familiarity with word processing, data analysis, and graphics.
  • Cross-cultural understanding, especially regarding racial, ethnic, and gender differences in values, perceptions, and approaches to work.
  • Ethical practice, or the motivation to achieve, and work hard and ethically..