Sociology

Sociology is the study of society, groups, institutions and human social relations.

By studying sociology you come to understand the society in which we live, and can gain a fuller insight into ourselves. Sociology helps us understand how the different groups and institutions influence how we see ourselves and come to a sense of self. We find that the society into which we are born shapes our identities, personalities, emotions thought process and our lives in countless ways.

Sociology’s subject matter is diverse, ranging from crime to religion, from family to the state, from division of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, and from social stability to radical change. Sociology expands our awareness and analysis of the human social relationship, culture and groups that profoundly shape both our lives and human history.

The scientific method emphasizes the careful gathering and analysis of evidence about social life to develop and help our understanding of society and key social processes. The research methods and theories of sociology yield powerful insights into the social processes shaping human lives and social problems. Through sociological research we gain a better understanding how human actions both shape and are shaped by culture and groups.

Teacher addressing students in lecture hall Responder reaching out to hungry children in the streets Sociology classroom
     

Program Details

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General Scholarships

Midland College has articulation agreements with a variety of schools and programs to assist our students with transferring to a university. Our curriculum maps, located in the catalog, provide a guided path for general transfer to our top five receiving institutions; however, your Pathways Advisor can assist you with a personalized plan for your specific transfer based on university and program. It is strongly recommended and encouraged that you contact your Pathways Advisor for assistance with course selection if you plan to transfer.

Sociology helps students to think critically about human social life, and how to ask important social research questions. Students learn how to think critically, evaluate, and communicate clearly, creatively, and effectively. These are all abilities of tremendous value in a wide variety of professions.

With a Bachelor’s Degree (BA) in Sociology, you may choose to pursue an advanced degree: MA, PhD, or JD. 

With a BA, there are numerous employment opportunities. Many other paths may be open to you and additional education or training may be required.

Social Services

  • Rehabilitation
  • Case Management
  • Youth/Elderly Services
  • Recreation
  • Administration
  • Social Work
  • Local, State, Federal Agencies

Community Work

  • Non-Profit Agencies
  • Urban Planning
  • Childcare
  • Community Development
  • Environmental Groups
  • Advocacy

Health Services

  • Family Planning
  • Substance Abuse Education

Publishing

  • Professional Writing
  • Research

Teaching

  • Elementary
  • Secondary

Business

  • Public Relations
  • Marketing/Sales

Law

  • Law Enforcement
  • Investigations
  • Probation/Parole
  • Criminal Justice
  • Judicial Affairs
  • Attorney
  • Paralegal

College Settings

  • Admissions
  • Advising
  • Alumni Relations
  • Development
  • Administrative Support

Political Leaders

  • Wellington Webb, Mayor of Denver, Colorado
  • Brett Schundler, Mayor of Jersey City, New Jersey
  • Annette Strauss, Mayor of Dallas, Texas
  • Shirley Chisholm, Congresswoman from New York
  • Maxine Waters, Congresswoman from California
  • Barbara Mikulski, US Senator from Maryland
  • Tim Holden, Congressman from Pennsylvania
  • Ronald Reagan, President of the United States
  • Francis Perkins, Social Reformer and U.S. Secretary of Labor
  • Richard Barajas, Chief Justice, Texas Supreme Court
  • Michelle Obama, First Lady, Wife of President Barack Obama

Arts

  • Saul Bellow, Novelist
  • Regis Philbin, TV Host
  • Dan Aykroyd, Actor/Blues Brother
  • Robin Williams, Actor/Comedian
  • Paul Shaffer, Bandleader on David Letterman Show and Saturday Night Live
  • Dinah Shore, Singer
  • Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Sex Therapist, Media's “Dr. Ruth”
  • Kalpen Suresh Modi, White House Liaison for Arts and Humanities

Sports

  • Alonzo Mourning, Miami Heat (NBA)
  • Bryant Stith, Boston Celtics (NBA)
  • Brian Jordan, Atlanta Braves (MLB)
  • Joe Theismann, Washington Redskins (NFL)
  • Eric Bjornson, Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
  • Bobby Taylor, Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
  • Ahmad Rashad, Sportscaster

Other Public Figures

  • Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King
  • Roy Wilkins, Head of NAACP
  • Rev. Jesse Jackson
  • Rev. Ralph Abernathy
  • Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop of Washington, D.C.
  • Saul Alinsky, Father of Community Organizing
  • Emily Balch, Social Worker and Reformer, 1946 Nobel Peace Prize Winner

Visit the course catalog for the most complete and up-to-date information. 

 

Contacts

Department Chair

Sonya Laster
Marie Hall Academic Building
Room 163
(432) 685-6885
slaster@midland.edu  

Faculty

Sociology Faculty Contact Information

Division Office

Social & Behavioral Sciences and Business

Marie Hall Academic Building
Room 152
(432) 685-6829
Building Floor Plan

MAP

 

 

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