Sociology
Offered by the Sociology department.

Sociology is an incredibly diverse field of study. At its core is human interaction, which can be studied from many perspectives: education, environment, the workplace, and other social structures. A major in sociology introduces you to research methods, hones your writing skills, builds emotional intelligence, and increases your cultural competency. After graduation, Wheaton sociology majors often pursue advanced degrees in the social sciences. This major also prepares you for careers in health and human services, marketing, law enforcement, public policy, and urban planning.

Programs

Outcomes

94% of Sociology majors from the past five years have found employment or achieved a service opportunity within six months of graduation *

*outcomes data is based on a knowledge rate of 64% for the classes of 2014-2018

94%
of Sociology majors

Recent Graduates

Sample First Jobs

  • Mentor Center Director, On Common Ground
  • Morning Producer, WPRI
  • Healthcare Assistant, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts
  • Clinical Research Assistant, Concord Prison Outreach
  • Assistant to the Founder & CEO, Changing the Face of Medicine


Sample Graduate Schools

  • Harvard University
  • IHEID
  • Northeastern University
  • Smith College
  • UMass-Amherst


Wheaton Sociology majors are eligible for accelerated admission to the Masters in Public Policy program at Simmons University. 

Recent student internships

The Wheaton Edge offers experiences beyond the classroom.

Yixi Zhou

2020, Philosophy, Sociology Screen reader support enabled.

Barbara Bissell '72 Internship Fund

School on Wheels of Massachusetts, East Bridgewater, MA

I discovered an interest in working with a non-governmental organization, and a passion for studying social work in the future.

Brianna O'Rourke

2020, Sociology and Public Health

Helen C. Powell '65 Crossroads Fellowship

Tides Family Services, Providence, RI

Working at Tides showed me the importance of seeing everyone’s potential. I gained communication, organization and documentation skills and learned how to maintain a professional relationship while showing empathy, have a good work ethic and work as a team.

Emma Haggerty

2021, Sociology, Women's and Gender Studies

Caroline C. Edwards '70 Current Use Internship Fund

Mabel Wadsworth Center, Bangor, ME

This experience further solidified my belief that sexual and reproductive health should be accessible to all. It helped fuel my passion for the topic, and I can’t wait to work more in the field.

Katie Brown

2021, Sociology, Peace and Social Justice (minor)

Mary Zygala Schleyer '74 Wheaton Fund Internship

United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Colchester, VT

I witnessed the struggles of being a recent refugee in the U.S., as well as a nonprofit serving this demographic, in the current political climate. I learned about the client relationship and how I can meaningfully and respectfully contribute to a social justice movement.

Lauren Bartlett

2020, Elementary Education, Sociology

Sonya Dozoretz Rhodes '64 Work and Learning Endowment Fund

Martha's Vineyard Cerebral Palsy, Camp Jabberwocky, Vineyard Haven, MA

Working at Camp Jabberwocky taught me to embrace change and manage challenges in a positive way, rather than hide from the opportunities. This has made a significant impact on how I approach things.

Faculty

John Grady

Professor of Sociology, Emeritus

Hyun Sook Kim

Professor of Sociology; Co-director of Mellon Study Away Program in Miami; retired (June 2022)

Katherine Mason

Assistant Professor of Sociology/Women and Gender Studies

Karen McCormack

Professor of Sociology; Co-coordinator, Journalism Studies, Associate Provost for Academic Administration and Faculty Affairs

Justin Schupp

Assistant Professor of Sociology

Jennifer Skinnon

Visiting Instructor of Sociology

A. Javier Trevino

Professor of Sociology

Kersti Alice Yllo

Professor of Sociology, Emerita