What you will study
Develop social analysis skills and an appreciation for humanities traditions — such
as conceptual theory, writing, the arts and languages — in the University of Central
Missouri’s BA degree in Sociology. You’ll also learn the strategies needed to apply
them in the field through a variety of courses.
In addition to language classes, your coursework will be anchored in cultural and
historical context through classes such as:
- Family Diversity
- Outsiders and Outcasts
- Popular Culture
- Protests, Riots and Movements
- Social Deviance
- Social Problems
- Society and Self
Community research projects
Apply what you’re learning in your undergraduate courses to small research projects,
which are incorporated into most classes in the Sociology BA program. Do you wonder
what a Sociology degree can do for you? These projects allow you to use your new skills
to improve community organizations — and even practice your developing foreign language
skills.
For example, you could use data to show a library how to apply their resources to
improve operations, or create employee recruitment and retention strategies for social
services agencies.
In your senior year, dive even deeper into course projects in theory and research.
In these, you’ll focus on addressing community-based problems related to issues you
care about.
Excellence in Sociology
- Sociology graduates from the University of Central Missouri have a 98% graduate school
and job placement rate within one year of graduation.
Unique learning opportunities in the BA degree in Sociology
Learn how to work within your community to assess societal needs, understand solutions
and solve problems. At the University of Central Missouri, we give you extracurricular
opportunities to practice your skills and demonstrate to others what a Sociology degree
can do for the world.
- Internships: Learn what it’s like to use your social analysis skills in the field through an internship.
Past students have worked for Kansas City organizations such as the International
Relations Council, Swope Health and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.
- Ambassador Program: If you’re a high-performing student, we may choose you for this mentorship program.
As an ambassador for Sociology at UCM, you’ll pair with faculty mentors to build leadership
skills, promote the Sociology degree programs and build your career plans.
- Undergraduate research: Work with a faculty mentor to develop a research idea based on a social issue of
interest to you. Then, work with them to build your presentation skills so you can
showcase your work both on and off campus.
- Volunteer work: Volunteer for local organizations to gain a deeper understanding of community needs.
If you’re wondering what a sociology degree can do, this work gives you first-hand
experience in the field and adds new skills to your resume. You can even get course
credit for your volunteer work.
What can you do with a degree in Sociology from UCM?
Through the University of Central Missouri’s BA degree in Sociology, use your secondary
language background to become a community leader with international agencies and non-English-speaking
populations. Enter the job market right away to provide direct guidance and assistance
to your community.
UCM graduates with BA in Sociology degrees enter fields such as:
- Fundraising
- Health care
- Human resources
- Marketing
- Public relations
- Social services
Stand out in the job market due to your analytical skills, foreign-language proficiency
and leadership experience. That and the ability to work with both people and data
in an applied community setting is what employers say set UCM’s graduates apart from
other candidates.
If you don’t go straight into the job market, you’ll be well-prepared for grad school
with a BA degree in Sociology. Past students have gone on to master’s programs at:
- University of Kansas
- University of Iowa
- University of Missouri
- University of Missouri - Kansas City
What a Sociology degree means for your future
Explore job opportunities available to graduates with a Sociology degree using the
interactive tool below. You can also find information about salary, overall career
growth projections and additional metrics to help you plan your future. For further employment opportunities, see https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/sociologists.htm
Financial assistance options for your Sociology bachelor's degree
The University of Central Missouri provides a number of options to make sure you can
afford your BA degree in Sociology. Ways to finance your education, include grants, scholarships and tuition awards. You may also qualify for federal
loans and grants to pay for any further college costs.
Certain UCM alumni scholarships are even set aside for students studying in our Sociology
bachelor’s degree program. Those scholarships include:
- Dr. James C. Britton Scholarship in Sociology & Social Work
- Dr. Mark Wehrle Sociology & Social Work Scholarship
- Riley and Janet Pittman Scholarship in Sociologyy
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Dr. Karen Bradley
Coordinator of the Sociology degree program
Dr. Bradley’s main interest is in the social production of knowledge. She focuses
her research on science, religion, culture and applied sociology, which involves using
sociological theories and research to help communities solve problems. She brings
her experience with churches, schools, environmental organizations and group homes
to classroom learning activities.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Emma B.
BA Sociology ’13
“Critical thinking, strategic problem solving and understanding data have played a
massive role in my success as a UCM graduate, all of which I developed in the Sociology
program. When people ask why I chose Sociology as a major, I tell them it wasn't part
of my initial plan when I joined UCM, but it has paid dividends in my career and my
development as a young professional.”
Meet Dr. Mary E. Kelly
Professor and specialist in race and ethnic relations
Dr. Kelly has explored topics ranging from ethnic identity and home genetic testing
to gender and sexuality and ethnic movements in the global world. She brings her expertise
to program courses on ethnic relations, family diversity, gender, globalization, food
and popular culture.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Jordan H.
BA Sociology ’21
“UCM Sociology offered me many opportunities I never imagined I’d have access to.
The faculty are always willing to help, and they tailor your educational journey to
meet your personal goals. I was able to present at the Midwest Sociology Conference,
intern with the International Relations Council of Kansas City, join the Peace Corps
Prep program and work with the local Survival House on my senior project.”
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