B.A. in Sociology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology at Fisher College offers a comprehensive liberal arts education focused on understanding human behavior within social contexts, including groups, organizations, and societies. This program is designed to equip students with critical thinking skills, research methodologies, and a deep appreciation for diversity and social justice. Graduates learn to analyze social structures, cultural patterns, and the dynamics of social change, preparing them for a wide range of careers in social services, public policy, research, and community development, as well as for graduate studies in sociology or related fields. While not explicitly listed as a standalone B.A. in Sociology, Fisher College offers a B.S. in Human Services which includes sociology courses like "Introduction to Sociology" and "Social Justice, Race, & Gender Issues in American Society," suggesting that sociological principles are integrated into their social science offerings.

Curriculum: While a specific B.A. in Sociology program is not explicitly listed in Fisher College's undergraduate programs, sociological concepts are integrated into related social science degrees like the B.S. in Human Services. The Human Services curriculum, for instance, includes foundational courses such as SO101: Introduction to Sociology and SO121: Social Justice, Race, & Gender Issues in American Society. Other relevant courses that would contribute to a sociological understanding include PS101: Introduction to Psychology, PS211: Research Methods in Social Sciences, and courses focused on human development, abnormal psychology, and crisis intervention. This interdisciplinary approach ensures students develop a broad understanding of social structures, individual behavior within society, and research methodologies applicable to social issues.

Research Focus: The social science programs at Fisher College, which would include any sociology-focused studies, emphasize an applied research focus. Students are trained in Research Methods in Social Sciences (e.g., PS211 in the Human Services program), which equips them with the skills to design studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret findings related to social phenomena. The goal is to prepare students to critically evaluate social issues, understand human behavior in various contexts, and contribute to evidence-based practices in social services and related fields. This focus on empirical investigation and critical analysis allows students to apply sociological theories to real-world problems and develop solutions informed by data.

Industry Engagement: Fisher College demonstrates strong industry engagement through its emphasis on practical experience, particularly through required internships. For social science programs like Human Services, students gain invaluable hands-on experience by completing an internship. These internships allow students to apply their academic knowledge in various professional settings such as social service agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities, and government departments. The college's Career Services actively assists students in securing these opportunities through platforms like Handshake and partnerships like The Washington Center, ensuring direct exposure to the realities of professional practice and facilitating networking with industry leaders.

Global Perspective: Fisher College is committed to fostering a global perspective across its academic offerings, and its social science programs contribute significantly to this goal. The curriculum often includes a Global Awareness Elective (e.g., GE103 World Geography in some general education tracks), encouraging students to explore diverse cultures and global issues. Courses like "Social Justice, Race, & Gender Issues in American Society" broaden students' understanding of societal inequalities both domestically and internationally. Fisher College's diverse student body, with students from numerous countries, naturally creates an inclusive environment that promotes cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. This emphasis prepares graduates to effectively address complex social challenges in an increasingly interconnected global society.