Study Abroad
Sociology students have studied abroad in Italy and Ghana, and opportunities now include trips to Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Join the conversation. Sociology at the Â鶹´«Ã½ engages in critical conversations about society’s constructions of power and privilege, providing you with the analytical and reflective foundations needed to pursue exciting careers.
Why Study Sociology at St. Thomas?
We study human society and social behavior, exploring issues such as childhood socialization, family dynamics, social class, inequality, gender, race and more. You learn to utilize critical thinking skills to develop solutions to important problems, improving the environment around you. Many of our students pursue graduate school, but also work in fields such as counseling, marketing, information technology and more.
21st Century Skills
Course Requirements
You start by gaining a foundational understanding of the sociology discipline, gaining important skills in research, theory and analysis along the way. From there, you explore social structure and address concepts like social inequality and how one views themselves in relation to the rest of society. You receive a comprehensive learning experience, establishing strong relationships with your professors and fellow students throughout your time at St. Thomas.
Four-Year Plan
We recommend connecting with a faculty member to plan your career at St. Thomas so you can ensure you complete courses matching your interests and graduation requirements.
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- Minor in Sociology
Outside of the Classroom
Our students regularly participate in internships throughout the year. We support students in locating these opportunities with our annual Career Expo, which brings a variety of community partners to campus to speak with students about opportunities with their organizations. In addition, we offer service-learning opportunities in our courses that allow students to learn about and work to address complex social issues, such as family homelessness and domestic violence.
Scholarships
The Gessner family set up the Gessner Scholarship to honor a member of the department faculty from 1985 to 1991. Students must be a St. Thomas student with a declared major or minor in sociology or criminal justice and have completed two courses in either sociology or criminal justice. To apply for the scholarship, students submit a one-page essay on how sociology will be useful for them later in life.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
You start by gaining a foundational understanding of the sociology discipline, gaining important skills in research, theory and analysis along the way. From there, you explore social structure and address concepts like social inequality and how one views themselves in relation to the rest of society. You receive a comprehensive learning experience, establishing strong relationships with your professors and fellow students throughout your time at St. Thomas.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
We recommend connecting with a faculty member to plan your career at St. Thomas so you can ensure you complete courses matching your interests and graduation requirements.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- Minor in Sociology
Outside of the Classroom
Outside of the Classroom
Our students regularly participate in internships throughout the year. We support students in locating these opportunities with our annual Career Expo, which brings a variety of community partners to campus to speak with students about opportunities with their organizations. In addition, we offer service-learning opportunities in our courses that allow students to learn about and work to address complex social issues, such as family homelessness and domestic violence.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The Gessner family set up the Gessner Scholarship to honor a member of the department faculty from 1985 to 1991. Students must be a St. Thomas student with a declared major or minor in sociology or criminal justice and have completed two courses in either sociology or criminal justice. To apply for the scholarship, students submit a one-page essay on how sociology will be useful for them later in life.
A Bounty of Opportunities
Our faculty are your teachers and mentors, dedicated to passing on their knowledge and expertise to you. Alumni apply their knowledge every day in a wide variety of careers. While at St. Thomas, you will have access to a caring and friendly community that will push you to lead a successful and fulfilling life.
Dr. Patricia L. Maddox
Dr. Maddox is proud to be a first generation college graduate, and is active with St. Thomas’ “Proud to be First” initiative on-campus. She is a founding member of the First Generation Task Force through the Midwest Sociological Society as well. She leads faculty development workshops on first generation students and is the co-faculty member for the Social Justice Living Learning Community.
Dr. Jennifer L. Trost
Dr. Trost is a Tommie and faculty member at the Dougherty Family College. After graduating from St. Thomas, she worked to increase educational access and success to underrepresented communities, which led to her pursuing a graduate degree in higher education and policy. She became excited about teaching for St. Thomas when she heard about the Dougherty Family College, and is honored to be part of this venture changing the higher education landscape in Minnesota.
Devin Steffenhagen
Devin received the 2017 Gessner Scholarship, and was a member of several student clubs during his time at St. Thomas, including the Sociology and Criminal Justice Club, the Biochemistry Club and the Japanese Culture Club. His goal was to attend law school and work as a public defender for criminal cases, as well as in the business sector.
Career Paths
There are a number of career paths available to you after graduating from St. Thomas.
- Counseling
- Marketing
- Healthcare
- Public relations
- Social services
- Information technology
Faculty With Real Experience
Dr. Monica Liu
Dr. Liu's research interests include gender, globalization, family, immigration, race/ethnicity, Asia and Asian America, digital technology/media, and qualitative methods.
Dr. Tanya Gladney
Dr. Gladney's research focus is on historical and contemporary inequalities within social institutions. Dr. Gladney currently works with local police departments by providing and assisting with Cultural Awareness and Implicit Bias Training.
Oh, the Places You Will Go
You will have the opportunity to expand your horizons and gain valuable skills throughout your time at St. Thomas.
Well-Prepared
Sociology graduates are ready for their careers because of the skills and methods they learn throughout their college careers.
Get Involved
We believe it is important to connect with our community partners, your fellow students and the distinguished faculty in our program.
Get Connected
Our annual Career Expo connects students to a variety of community partners to discuss potential volunteer, internship and career opportunities.
Get Involved
Our faculty collaborate with a variety of community partners so we can understand today's most pressing social challenges and work toward innovative solutions for the common good.
Engage With the Community
Students lead the Sociology and Criminal Justice Club and plan several activities throughout the year such as service projects, guest speakers and tours of nonprofit agencies.
Make an Impact
Mollie Buelow and Dr. Patricia Maddox received the 2018 Collaborative Inquiry Grant for their research titled “Recruitment Barriers in Qualitative Research: A Qualitative Meta-Analysis.”
Join the Conversation
Sociology students at St. Thomas explore multiple issues throughout their undergraduate careers. By utilizing their critical thinking, problem solving and research skills, they become flexible professionals and compassionate citizens prepared for the next chapter after graduation.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.