Sociology

If you want to make the world a better place, study sociology. By observing and researching human behaviors, you'll learn more about people and how they build relationships, societies and cultures. You'll also explore the effects of poverty, crime, and inequality on education, access to health care, and other relevant issues. Wherever your career might take you, a sociology degree from Northwestern will equip you to lead a life of significance—pursuing social justice and reconciliation in a broken world.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

Why NWC?

As a sociology major at Northwestern, you'll study diverse perspectives on social issues and learn how to present your research and ideas to a wider audience. You'll not only gain a broader understanding of the world around you, but you'll also grow in your understanding of self and how you've come to form opinions and beliefs.

Major course topics include the criminal justice system, ethnicity and power, cultural anthropology, and restorative justice. Related minors include sociology, cultural studies, mission and justice, and nonprofit management. A secondary teaching endorsement is also available.

CONTACT

Dr. Chris HausmannDepartment Chair

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES Minister to youth through Northwestern's Romania Semester.

20+ STUDY LOCATIONS Explore God’s world in 19 international and four domestic locations.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE Engage with diverse people groups in domestic violence shelters, courtrooms and correctional institutions.

Outcomes

As a Northwestern sociology graduate, you’ll be prepared for God’s call upon your life, whatever it may be. Equipped with strong writing and research skills, you’ll be a standout graduate school candidate, and your practical experience with diverse people groups will make you a versatile employee. The career possibilities are limitless. Many budding sociologists go on to become lawyers, police officers, counselors, social workers, educators, managers and researchers.

Join our standout alumni at:

Peace Corps

Blantyre District, Southern Region, Malawi

Bellevue University

Bellevue, NE

Think 3D Solutions

Sioux Falls, SD

L’Arche Tahoma Hope Community

Tacoma, WA

CitySquare AmeriCorps

Dallas, TX

#RaidersStandOut

STUDENTS

**Tyson** Tyson’s Northwestern experience has profoundly shaped his worldview and faith, preparing him to minister to others as a hospital chaplain.

ALUMNI

**Jerel** Jerel works with at-risk children and families, providing them with the support and education they need to succeed.

FACULTY

**Scott** Dr. Monsma’s travels have allowed him to experience cultural contexts around the world, posing new questions about his own culture and how it has shaped him.

Experience

Internships

Compass Center for Career & Calling

Off-campus study

Enhanced cultural IQ

Nonprofit management

Intern with a nonprofit organization, church, courtroom or local law enforcement and gain valuable hands-on experience. Students have interned with local police, Conservation Offices, the Iowa State Patrol, and nonprofit organizations that serve people on society’s margins.