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Sociology

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Explore the sociology bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire

Make the world a better, brighter place with a degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Rooted in experiential learning, our growing program focuses on ways you can make a difference and positively impact society.

A broad, rigorous curriculum includes a variety of electives, giving you the freedom to personalize your education and pursue multiple passions. Explore courses in social movements, social change, inequality, sexuality and gender, gerontology, race and ethnicity, family, the environment and more.

Opportunities to travel, study abroad or intern will allow you to build awareness of the world around you. And unique research projects and presentations will build your problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, leadership, data collection and analytical skills. 

Because the major covers so many different topics, students are able to take their degree in many different directions — help people to overcome addictions, improve worksite wellness, help veterans find housing, or coordinate trainings and conferences. With a degree in sociology, your job opportunities are endless.  

Become a voice for the voiceless

UW-Eau Claire's sociology degree can help you find a career path you love. Faculty and advisors act as mentors, introducing you to new areas of study and job opportunities. This unwavering support is what led Alyson Sundby to discover a career path she had never considered: public health. 

Combining her interest in health and passion for sociology, Alyson will be able to take her knowledge gained from UWEC and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

"I always wanted to be the voice for the voiceless," she said. "There are so many people in communities that just don't have a voice. And the sociology field has really given me the opportunity to do that."

Why sociology at UW-Eau Claire?

Mentorship from faculty. UW Eau Claire's sociology program is known for providing exceptional mentorship to students. Our passionate, caring faculty go out of their way to offer guidance, support and unique learning opportunities. Small class sizes allow you to form meaningful relationships with your professors and peers. 

A global education. A wide range of sociology courses and immersion trips will help you to learn about various cultures and societies around the world. You'll enhance your understanding of intercultural and international issues, demographic changes and causes and consequences of social inequality. 

Research opportunities. Discover new data and ways of thinking through student-faculty research projects and a capstone project. These experiences are highly sought after by employers and can help you to network and narrow down your career path. 

Professional experience. Gain real-world experience through a sociology internship. The program's strong ties to the community and local employers can help you find an experience that fits your career goals. Past students have interned at places like the Bolton Refuge House, Chippewa Valley Youth Symphony, Hope Street Ministries, Volume One, and the Western District of Wisconsin Probation and Pretrial. 

Connection to local employers. Annual on-campus Career Conferences and a Non-Profit and Government Career Fair bring potential employers right to you. These events are excellent opportunities to network and submit your resume for current and future job openings. 

Finding a support system, then supporting others

As sociology major Jaden Mikoulinskii prepares for graduate school, she reflects on the support she received to get to this point. From helpful faculty in the sociology department to accessible resources for those hard of hearing, Jaden feels she received the best possible education at UWEC.

Now, Jaden has a full scholarship to study higher education leadership and policy in graduate school. With her sociology major as a foundation, Jaden is looking forward to representing and helping students like her in the future: Students with immigrant parents, students with accessibility issues, and students who are low-income or first-generation.

Quick facts

Sociology program details
  • Program length: four years
  • Offered: in person
  • Campus: Eau Claire
  • This major requires a minor or certificate.
  • This program is also available as a minor.
  • Students majoring in this program may choose either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
Student organizations
  • Alpha Kappa Delta
  • Sociologists for Community Action (SOCA)

What can I do with a sociology degree from UWEC?

A degree in sociology opens many doors. Graduates have gone on to pursue graduate school or successful careers in higher education, nonprofits, private businesses, social service agencies and hospitals.

Where are sociology alumni now?

Sociology careers

My professors encouraged me to take what I already knew about the world and expand upon it in areas that fascinated me. I found this passion for learning that I never knew I could have and am beyond grateful.

Hannah Uitenbroek Sociology

Take service projects to new heights

UWEC immersion trips are known for changing people’s lives. But they can also change the lives of animals, too. Just ask sociology major Maddie Eggert, who helped organize the adoption of stray dogs from Puerto Rico.

It was the perfect cap to the service trip, which also included the Blugolds assisting with Hurricane Maria repairs, painting a school and maintaining trails in El Yunque National Forest.

Watch the video to hear more from Maddie and fellow Blugolds about this impactful trip.

Sociology bachelor's degree program curriculum

Sociology majors are required to complete five core courses in the major, allowing you to complete the major requirements in as few as four semesters. The areas of study you choose beyond those courses can help shape your degree to better fit your career or graduate school goals.

Sociology students are required to complete a secondary program, either a minor or certificate in another discipline, to satisfy graduation requirements.

What classes do sociology majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

Learn more about the sociology major in the UWEC course catalog.

Learn more about the sociology minor in the UWEC course catalog.

Learn more about UWEC

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Department information

Sociology classroom

Sociology

Hibbard Humanities Hall 629
124 Garfield Avenue
 Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit the Sociology department website