Sociology
Sociology is the study of society, social life and human social interaction. Sociologists examine the structure of groups, organizations and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. Sociologists use diverse research methods and perspectives to study social issues. Sociology's emphasis on the connections between social forces and individual lives distinguishes it from other social science disciplines.
'Sociologist' was recently ranked #8 among best jobs of 2009 by careercast.com. An undergraduate major in Sociology prepares students for careers in a wide variety of fields (business, law, public relations, research and teaching -- to name a few) as well as graduate and professional programs. The Sociology graduate program at UF is a competitive, research-based program with specializations in health, aging and the life course; environment and resource sociology; family and gender; and race & ethnicity in the US and global context.
Undergraduate Program
A Bachelor’s degree in sociology provides an excellent liberal arts foundation for embarking upon a wide range of career paths including those in business and the human services. Sociology is also an excellent major for students who wish to do graduate study in law, business, education, counseling, medicine, politics, public administration, social work, criminology, and of course, sociology.
BA/MA Degree Program
The Sociology program also offers a combined BA/MA degree program that allows qualified students to work toward both degrees in a shorter time than would otherwise be possible. Students admitted to this program are not guaranteed admission to the UF Graduate School and must formally apply to the Sociology graduate program on completion of the BA requirements.
Graduate Program
Sociology at the University of Florida offers graduate programs that lead to both the Master's and Ph.D. degrees. Students generally earn a Master's degree as part of the Ph.D. program. Our graduate students are eligible for a variety of graduate assistantships and fellowships.
Students may pursue coursework and research in our four areas of specialization: (a) Health, Aging and the Life Course; (b) Environment & Resource Sociology; (c) Families, Gender, and Sexualities, and (b) Race and Ethnicity in a US & Global Context. Faculty research interests also include: demography, deviance, media studies, methodology, political sociology, social psychology, social inequality, theory, and urban sociology.
