B.A. in Women & Gender Studies
Queens College offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across variou...
B.A. in Sociology
New York City, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Sociology at Queens College introduces students to the sociological perspective, enabling them to examine how social forces shape individual lives and collective experiences. The program covers a broad range of topics, including social inequality, race and ethnic relations, gender, crime and deviance, family, education, health, and global social change. It aims to enhance students' understanding of their own society and their participation within it, while also fostering an appreciation for diverse social contexts. The curriculum is structured to prepare students for direct entry into various professions or for advanced graduate studies in sociology and related social sciences.
Curriculum: The sociology curriculum is built on a foundation of core theoretical and methodological approaches. Required courses typically include "General Introduction to Sociology" (SOC 101), which provides an overview of core concepts and themes. Students then delve into foundational courses in sociological theory (e.g., SOC 331: Foundations of Sociological Theory) and rigorous training in research methods and statistics (e.g., DATA 205: Introductory Analytics, DATA 212W: Research Methods, and DATA 334: Applied Research). These courses equip students with the quantitative and qualitative skills necessary to conduct sociological inquiry. Beyond these core requirements, students choose from a wide array of elective courses covering diverse subfields like the sociology of American life, ethnic and racial relations, the family, education, social psychology, crime and juvenile delinquency, mass communication, social class, religion, health and illness, political sociology, and globalization. A senior seminar (SOC 381W) often serves as a culminating experience.
Research Focus: The Department of Sociology at Queens College places a strong emphasis on empirical research and provides students with the tools to critically evaluate and conduct sociological studies. While specific research foci are driven by the diverse interests of faculty members, the department broadly engages in studying contemporary social issues. This includes research on social inequalities, race, class, gender, criminology and law, media, information, surveillance, and global social justice. Students are actively involved in research through mandatory methods courses, and opportunities for independent study or assisting faculty on their research projects. This hands-on experience allows students to develop skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, contributing to a deeper understanding of societal dynamics.
Industry Engagement: A B.A. in Sociology from Queens College develops highly transferable skills that are valued across a wide array of industries. The program's emphasis on critical thinking, data analysis, understanding human behavior, and effective communication makes graduates competitive in fields such as social work, market research, public policy, data analytics, applied research, human resources, law enforcement, non-profit work, and business. The department encourages students to utilize their elective credits for internships, providing invaluable real-world experience and networking opportunities that connect academic learning with professional practice in New York City's diverse environment.
Global Perspective: The Sociology program at Queens College inherently cultivates a robust global perspective. Located in Queens, New York, one of the most culturally diverse urban areas in the world, the college provides a unique living laboratory for studying social phenomena across different cultural contexts. The curriculum includes courses that explicitly address global issues, such as "Globalization: Social & Geographic Perspectives," "Sociology of Selected Countries," and topics like migration, racialization, and social change in various regions. This international focus prepares students to understand interconnectedness, analyze global challenges, and effectively navigate diverse social landscapes in an increasingly globalized world. The diverse student body also contributes significantly to a multicultural classroom environment, enriching discussions and broadening perspectives.
Location
New York City, New York
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19207
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% 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 61 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Queens College, United States of America, is supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Queens College offers a range of merit-based scholarships specifically available to international students. These awards are typically granted based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and overall potential. Some scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, while others may require separate applications.
Queens College Foundation Scholarships: The Queens College Foundation administers several scholarships funded by alumni and donors. These scholarships reward outstanding academic performance and community service. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Queens College provide scholarships for students excelling in their respective fields. International students can inquire within their chosen department about specialized awards, grants, and assistantships that may be available during their studies.
External Scholarships: Queens College encourages international students to seek external scholarships offered by governments, private organizations, and international education foundations.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology from Queens College provides a robust understanding of human behavior, societal structures, and cultural dynamics, coupled with strong analytical, research, and communication skills. These highly transferable competencies make sociology graduates valuable assets in a wide range of fields, even without pursuing a graduate degree. The program's emphasis on empirical methods and understanding complex human interactions prepares students for diverse professional environments.
Social and Human Services Assistant/Case Manager: Often working in non-profit organizations, government agencies, or community centers, these professionals help individuals and families navigate complex social systems, connect with resources, and address challenges related to housing, employment, mental health, or substance abuse. Their understanding of social inequality and human needs is paramount.
Human Resources Specialist/Assistant: Sociology majors are well-suited for HR roles due to their insights into organizational dynamics, group behavior, and interpersonal relations. They assist with recruitment, employee onboarding, training and development, and maintaining positive workplace environments.
Market Research Analyst: Leveraging their strong analytical and statistical skills, coupled with an understanding of social trends and consumer behavior, these professionals gather and interpret data to help businesses understand their target audiences, evaluate product appeal, and develop effective marketing strategies.
Public Policy Analyst/Advocate: Graduates can work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups, researching social issues, evaluating the impact of existing policies, and proposing data-driven solutions to societal problems like poverty, crime, or environmental justice.
Community Organizer/Development Officer: These roles involve mobilizing community members, identifying local needs, and developing programs or initiatives to address social issues at the grassroots level. A sociologist's understanding of community structures and social change is vital here.
Data Analyst: With coursework in research methods and statistics, sociology majors are equipped to collect, organize, and interpret large datasets to identify patterns and trends in various industries, including business, healthcare, or government.
Journalist/Reporter: The ability to research complex social issues, critically analyze information, and communicate findings clearly makes sociology graduates strong candidates for journalism roles, especially those covering social affairs, public policy, or cultural trends.
Corrections/Probation Officer: A deep understanding of criminal behavior, social deviance, and rehabilitation strategies, often covered in criminology-focused sociology courses, prepares graduates for roles within the criminal justice system, working with offenders or those on probation to promote reintegration.
Urban Planner/Assistant: Sociology offers insights into how social factors shape urban environments. Graduates can assist urban planners in analyzing demographic data, community needs, and social impacts when developing city plans, housing policies, or community revitalization projects.
Education Program Coordinator/Counselor (Entry-level): In educational settings, from K-12 to higher education or adult learning programs, sociology graduates can apply their understanding of social learning, group dynamics, and diverse student populations to develop programs, provide support services, or assist with student success initiatives.
