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Sociology

About Our Program

Be inspired to think critically about the world around you. In our program, you’ll gain a sense of social responsibility as you examine the dynamics of race, ethnicity, age, class, gender, and sexuality. You’ll draw connections between history, institutional power, and the processes that are still prevalent in today’s society.

With a focus on experiential learning, you’ll find creative ways to draw connections from your course topics to the local community in our Community-based Learning program. You’ll work alongside dedicated faculty who are eager to teach you how to think, not what to think.

Program Offerings

  • Major
  • Minor

Department

Learning Experiences

We believe that the best way to learn is by doing. Whether you’re analyzing data or connecting with the community, we take full advantage of our North Country location to offer you plenty of hands-on learning opportunities.

Research

Dig deeper into societal topics or pressing issues through research, either during the semester or as part of a paid summer fellowship. You may even get to explore the intricacies of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic like Anastasia Gkioura ’21 and Marie Bank ’21. While collaborating with professor Alanna Gillis, they assisted with interview transcripts and analysis of the first-year experience for college students. 

Senior Year Experience

Turn your passion into a project with a Senior Year Experience. For example, Macalah Pcolar ’20 worked alongside professor Erica Morrell to research environmental inequality among communities living on the Akwesasne Reservation, located just 40 minutes from campus. She examined documents to understand local, regional, and national borders and has been chosen among a competitive pool to present her findings at the American Sociology Association’s Annual Meeting.

Community-based Learning (CBL)

We believe the best way to learn is by doing. In fact, we require you to get out there and experience your education first hand. 

In our Community-based Learning program, you’ll experience in-class topics in real life such as:

  • ‘Criminal (In)Justice’ at local county jails
  • ‘Green Cafe: Farm to Table’ at local farms
  • ‘Social Services, Agencies and Advocacy’ with local social work agencies
  • ‘What’s So Bad About Aging’ in nursing homes

Volunteer Experiences

You can also gain experience while making a difference through service work. Our majors have volunteered with:

  • The Andrew Goodman Foundation
  • The Jericho Project
  • Special Olympics
  • The Hord Foundation
  • Campus Kitchens
  • Association for Multiple Sclerosis, Italy

Our majors intern with a wide range of organizations, including: 

  • Americorps
  • American Diabetes Association
  • Elephant Family
  • St. Lawrence Student Activities
  • Political Campaigns
  • St. Lawrence Sustainability 
  • Orbis Investments

Study Abroad

Choose from more than 30 semester-long programs offered in more than 20 international locations, including London, Germany, Italy, Spain, Kenya, Trinidad, and Thailand. 

Off-Campus Study in the U.S. 

Other U.S-based off-campus study programs include a Liberal Arts in New York City experience, which includes an internship with a Manhattan-based business or nonprofit.

Among the 150+ clubs and organizations at St. Lawrence, you’ll find many that involve advocacy, equity, and social justice, including: 

  • Advocates Program
  • Black Student Union
  • Model U.N. 
  • Chinese Student Association
  • Environmental Action Organization
  • Euphrates Institute
  • SLU Legal
  • Black Laurentian Initiative
  • Thelomathesian Society
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Islamic Culture Club
  • St. Lawrence River Alliance
  • Spectrum
  • TEDxStLawrenceU

Why St. Lawrence for Sociology

96%

of St. Lawrence graduates majoring in sociology are employed or continuing their education within a year

Graduates from our program have pursued careers in:

  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Business
  • Marketing
  • Public Relations
  • Academia
  • Human Resources

18

Average Class Size

73%

of St. Lawrence graduates majoring in sociology have participated in internships

Graduates from our program have continued their education at:

  • Albany Law School
  • Alfred University
  • Boston College
  • Columbia University
  • Harvard University
  • New York University
  • Saint John Fisher College

11:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

More Program Information

Program Requirements & Courses

Explore sociology major requirements, as well as electives and combined study options.

Students preparing food

The Green Cafe: Farm To Table

In our most recent Community-based Learning opportunity, you’ll learn about local agriculture and sustainability as you harvest crops on the farm and bring food to the table at one of our Pop-up Cafes. Did we mention there are other CBL opportunities? You can also learn by doing in local educational programs, nursing homes, or county jails.

Black Lives Matter flag

Equity, Inclusion, Justice

We strive to confront issues of inequality in education, politics, health, the environment, and the media. Our students are driven by the pursuit of equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Get More Information

We’re excited to learn more about you, tell you more about our interdisciplinary academic programs, show you around our beautiful campus, and help you navigate your college search.

Apply to St. Lawrence

We’re looking for curious students who are eager to make a difference. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and consider all aspects of your application and what we learn about you.