B.A. in Accounting
Lycoming's B.S. in Accounting provides two tracks for students: a 150-credit hour t...
B.A. in Sociology
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Sociology at Lycoming College challenges students to think deeply about the evolving nature of human relationships in an increasingly global and complex world. The program emphasizes the acquisition of transferable skills, including analytical and critical thinking, logical reasoning, interpretation, and clear oral and written communication. Students are encouraged to participate in honors experiences, engage in faculty-led research, and gain practical teaching experience as tutors. A distinctive feature is the integration of service learning into the curriculum, connecting students with local community organizations and providing hands-on experience in fields of interest.
Curriculum: The Sociology curriculum at Lycoming College is structured to provide a strong foundation in sociological theory and research methods. Core requirements typically include courses such as "Statistics" (SOC 214), "Intersection: Race, Class, Gender" (SOC 300), and "Sociological Theory" (SOC 302). Students also take a methods course, choosing between "Approaches to Social Research" (SOC 310) or "Ethnographic Methods" (ANTH 312), which equips them with essential quantitative and qualitative research skills. The program culminates in a Senior Seminar (SOC 407 and SOC 408), offering a capstone experience in independent research and analysis. Additionally, students choose upper-division sociology electives to explore specific areas of interest. Many courses, such as Medical Sociology and Sociology of Aging, incorporate 40-60 hours of service learning.
Research Focus: Research is a cornerstone of the Sociology program at Lycoming College. Students are actively engaged in hands-on research opportunities throughout their studies, culminating in a required Senior Seminar that involves significant independent research. The department provides guidance and resources for students to develop their research questions, collect and analyze data, and present their findings. Students regularly present their original work at academic conferences and through the college's internal research opportunities. Faculty members are active scholars with diverse research interests, providing mentorship and opportunities for students to collaborate on ongoing projects.
Industry Engagement: Lycoming College strongly prepares its B.A. in Sociology graduates for diverse professional fields by cultivating highly transferable skills essential for industry engagement. The program's emphasis on critical analysis, data interpretation, communication, and understanding social dynamics makes graduates valuable across numerous sectors. The college's Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences actively supports students in exploring career paths and securing competitive local and national internships with organizations such as UPMC Susquehanna, the American Cancer Society, SPCA, Step, Inc. Head Start, and the City of Williamsport Office of Codes. Service learning integrated into courses also connects students directly with potential networks in fields of interest within the local community.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is intrinsically woven into Lycoming College's Sociology program, reflecting the interconnectedness of contemporary societies. Courses often explore global social phenomena, transnational institutions, and diverse cultural contexts, fostering an understanding of how local issues are often linked to broader global forces. The curriculum includes discussions on global inequality, migration, and cultural exchange. While not a specific concentration, Lycoming College's broader commitment to international education and study abroad opportunities further enables sociology students to gain firsthand experience and a deeper understanding of social organizations and dynamics in different parts of the world, preparing them for careers in an increasingly globalized environment.
Location
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 49258
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Lycoming College is attracting talented international students by offering generous and competitive scholarship opportunities. These scholarships help make a high-quality liberal arts education accessible and affordable for students from around the world, fostering a diverse and vibrant campus community.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to Lycoming College are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships there is no separate application required. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.
Renewable Scholarships: Scholarships awarded to international students at Lycoming are renewable for up to four years, provided that students maintain satisfactory academic progress and good standing with the college. This continuity offers financial stability throughout the undergraduate journey.
Need-Based Aid: In addition to merit scholarships, Lycoming College offers limited need-based financial aid to international students who demonstrate financial need. Students may be required to submit additional documentation to be considered for this aid. Need-based support complements merit awards to further reduce the overall cost of attendance.
Specialty Scholarships and Awards: Lycoming College occasionally provides targeted scholarships based on students’ fields of study, leadership qualities, or unique talents. International students are encouraged to inquire about available departmental awards or special grants during the admissions process.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology from Lycoming College provides graduates with a distinctive and highly transferable set of skills, including critical thinking, complex textual analysis, nuanced communication, and cross-cultural understanding.
Social Worker / Case Manager: This is a very common and direct path for sociology majors. Graduates can work for government agencies, non-profits, or private organizations, helping individuals, families, and communities overcome challenges, access resources, and navigate complex social systems. Lycoming's emphasis on service learning provides practical experience in these areas.
Human Resources Specialist / Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Professional: Understanding human behavior, group dynamics, and social inequalities (race, class, gender, sexuality) makes sociology graduates ideal for HR and DEI roles. They can work in corporate settings to foster inclusive workplaces, manage employee relations, and develop training programs.
Market Research Analyst / Consumer Insights Specialist: Sociology equips graduates with strong research methods, data analysis, and an understanding of social trends and consumer behavior. They can help companies understand their target audiences, predict market trends, and inform marketing and sales strategies.
Policy Analyst / Public Administrator: Graduates can work for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profits to analyze existing policies, identify social problems, and develop evidence-based recommendations for public policy. Their understanding of social structures and their impact is crucial in this field.
Community Development Officer / Urban Planner: For those interested in improving local areas, sociology provides insights into community needs, social organization, and urban dynamics. Graduates can work with local governments, non-profits, or development organizations to plan and implement community improvement projects.
Journalist / Media and Communications Specialist: Sociology majors develop excellent research, critical thinking, and communication skills, which are vital in journalism. They can report on social issues, cultural trends, and public opinion for various media outlets, or work in public relations and corporate communications.
Probation/Parole Officer / Criminal Justice Analyst: With a focus on social behavior and deviance, sociology graduates can pursue careers in the criminal justice system. They can work with offenders, analyze crime data, and contribute to strategies for crime prevention and rehabilitation.
Non-Profit Program Coordinator / Advocate: Graduates are well-suited to roles in advocacy and non-profit organizations that address social issues such as poverty, education, human rights, or environmental justice. They can coordinate programs, engage in community organizing, and advocate for marginalized groups.
Education / Academic Roles: With additional certification, sociology graduates can teach social studies, history, or sociology at the K-12 level. For those interested in higher education, a master's or Ph.D. in sociology can lead to positions as professors, researchers, or academic advisors.
Survey Researcher: Sociology training includes designing, implementing, and analyzing surveys to understand public opinion, social trends, or specific group behaviors. Graduates can work for survey research firms, government bodies (like the Census Bureau), or academic institutions.
