At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    BA

Explore how social forces and institutions shape human behavior and society.

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Two students seated in front of a computer

UMass Lowell’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is designed to help you understand how society affects people and how people affect society, from a social justice perspective. 

You will take courses that explore our social world and examine issues surrounding class, gender, sexuality, race and physical ability, with a focus on inequalities. Across your coursework, you will develop career-ready skills in writing, research and quantitative literacy.

As a sociology major, you can choose between concentrations that lead to a wide range of career opportunities. 

Focus Your Studies

Choose a concentration area based on your interests and career goals.

  • General Concentration
    Build a social justice–driven lens for change. You’ll explore how social problems and public policy intersect.
  • Policy and Social Problems
    Turn sociological insight into real-world impact. Analyze today’s most pressing social issues and evaluate how governments and communities respond to them.
  • Racial Equity and Inclusion
    Explore how race and inequality shape lived experience, and learn how to drive meaningful change.

Career Outlook for Sociology Majors

  • $64.9K

    Median annual salary for bachelor's degree holders in New England
    Source: Lightcast, 2025

  • +14.1%

    Projected job growth in New England (2023–2035)
    Source: Lightcast, 2025

What Can You Do with a Degree in Sociology?

Graduates of UMass Lowell's sociology program are prepared for careers in diverse fields, including:

  • Social work
  • Education
  • Human resources
  • Policy
  • Law
  • Community activism
  • Human services
Sociology- student Rosmery Medrano headshot

Career Areas

  • Adoption worker
  • Behavior therapist
  • Case manager
  • Human resources manager
  • Intensive care coordinator
  • Research assistant
  • Residential counselor
  • Special education teacher

Graduate School Placements

  • Master’s of Arts (MA) in Applied Sociology, UMass Boston
  • Master’s of Social Work (MSW), Salem State University and Simmons University
  • Master’s of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Assumption College
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology, Northeastern University
  • Juris Doctor (JD), New England School of Law


Meet Our Students and Alumni

Kimani sitting next to professor Chandra Waring
Kimani Brown '23
Sociology

Kimani Brown is doing research on racial equity and inclusion with a professor.

Before, I didn’t know what research looked like. Surprisingly, it wasn’t ‘This is a drag.’ It was interesting.
UMass Lowell student Rosmery Medrano sits at a table with an open book
Rosmery Medrano '22
Sociology

Rosmery Medrano analyzed her culture and hometown in a field research class.

It was really interesting to analyze my city from a sociological perspective.
Franchesca Arias takes a selfie in Spain during her study abroad program with a group of students and Assoc. Teaching Prof. Thomas Piñeros-Shields
Franchesca Arias '20
Sociology & Spanish

Honors student Franchesca Arias is passionate about studying abroad after completing a summer program in Valencia, Spain.

Study abroad is one of those life-changing experiences. When you’re immersed in the culture, you realize you have the ability to learn every single aspect of that culture and what they’re going through socially and politically.
Michelle Garcia reads aloud in front of a class
Michelle Garcia '21
English, Sociology

English and Sociology major Michelle Garcia, a rising spoken word poet, is also learning how to write poetry for the page.

Writing keeps me sane. It keeps me grounded.
Ben Jeter and others stand around a table a meeting
Ben Jeter '21
Sociology

Ben Jeter’s experiences at UMass Lowell, including participating in the professional co-op program and his job as a resident advisor, turned him into a student leader.

My roles as an RA and within the Black Student Union really changed my life and informed who I am today.

Courses You'll Take as a Sociology Major

Sample course topics include: 

  • Race and Ethnicity
  • Social Movements
  • Social Welfare Policy
  • Foundations of Social Analysis
  • Latino/a Racialization and Resistance in the US
  • Black America: Resistance, Resilience and Racism
  • Quantitative Methods for Social Research
  • View All Sociology Courses

Year-by-Year Course Plan

Check out our degree pathways, which offer sample plans for completing your degree in four years.

For students who entered fall 2016 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
FAHS.1090First Year Experience Seminar11
SOCI.1010Introduction to Sociology (DCA)3
MATH.xxxxMath Perspective (MATH.1110/1510 recommended) (MATH)3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
SOCI.xxxxSociology Elective3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)4
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
Total16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SOCI.2010Foundations of Social Analysis (WOC)3
SOCI.xxxxSociology Elective3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)4
xxxx.xxxx

Language 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2

3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SOCI.3210Classical Social Theory (SRE)3
SOCI.xxxxSociology Elective3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective2		3
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SOCI.4020Quantitative Methods for Social Research (IL), (QL)3
SOCI.3220Contemporary Social Theory3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective (STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective2 /
Free Elective		3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SOCI.4030Qualitative Methods for Social Research (AIL), (CTPS)3
SOCI.3/4xxxSociology Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SOCI.3/4xxxSociology Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SOCI.4xxxSociology Capstone33
xxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120.

1Required for entering Freshmen.

2World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

3Choose one from the following:

A major in Sociology consists of 36 to 45 credits with at least 21 credits at the 3000 level or above (includes required and elective courses in the major). NOTE: Students may not exceed the maximum of 45 credits of Sociology Department courses. At least 75 credits must be earned outside of the major including Core Curriculum requirements and free electives.

Students transferring to the college and wishing to major in sociology must make individual arrangements with the department chairperson regarding satisfaction of major course requirements.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty adviser to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should be using their Advisement Report in SiS. If you need assistance, please contact your adviser.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

For students who entered fall 2024 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I /
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
FAHS.1090First Year Experience Seminar11
SOCI.1010Introduction to Sociology (DCA)3
MATH.xxxxMathematics (MATH.1110 / MATH.1510 recommended) (MATH)3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
SOCI.2340Race and Ethnicity3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)4
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
Total16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SOCI.2010Foundations of Social Analysis (WOC)3
SOCI.xxxxRacial Equity and Inclusion Elective23
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)4
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective4		3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SOCI.3210Classical Social Theory (SRE)3
SOCI.3xxxRacial Equity and Inclusion Elective23
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective4		3
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SOCI.3220Contemporary Social Theory3
SOCI.4020Quantitative Methods for Social Research (IL), (QL)3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective (STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective4 /
Free Elective		3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SOCI.4030Qualitative Methods for Social Research (AIL), (CTPS)3
SOCI.3xxxRacial Equity and Inclusion Elective23
SOCI.xxxxSociology Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SOCI.4xxxSociology Capstone33
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120.

1Required for entering freshmen.

2Racial Equity and Inclusion Electives: 

Students take three Racial Equity and Inclusion electives. Two of the electives must be at the 3000 level.

3Choose one from the following:

4World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

A major in Sociology consists of 36 to 45 credits with at least 21 credits at the 3000 level or above (includes required and elective courses in the major). Note: students may not exceed the maximum of 45 credits of Sociology Department courses. At least 75 credits must be earned outside of the major including Core Curriculum requirements and free electives.

Students transferring to the college and wishing to major in Sociology must make individual arrangements with the department chairperson regarding satisfaction of major course requirements.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty adviser to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should be using their Advisement Report in SiS. If you need assistance, please contact your adviser.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

For students who entered fall 2021 and beyond.

Freshman Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1010 /
HONR.1100		College Writing I / 
First Year Seminar in Honors: Text in the City (CW)		3
FAHS.1090First Year Experience Seminar11
SOCI.1010Introduction to Sociology (DCA)3
MATH.xxxxMath Perspective - MATH.1110/1510 recommended (MATH)3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 1 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
ENGL.1020College Writing II (CW)3
SOCI.1150Social Problems3
WLxx.xxxxLanguage 2 and Culture3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)4
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
Total16

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SOCI.2010Foundations of Social Analysis (WOC)3
SOCI.xxxxPolicy and Social Problems Elective23
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxSciences with Lab Perspective (SCL)4
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 3 and Culture /
World Ready Elective4		3
Total16

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SOCI.3210Classical Social Theory (SRE)3
SOCI.3xxxPolicy and Social Problems Elective23
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxArts and Humanities Perspective (AH)3
xxxx.xxxxLanguage 4 and Culture /
World Ready Elective4		3
Total15

Junior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SOCI.3220Contemporary Social Theory3
SOCI.4020Quantitative Methods for Social Research (IL), (QL)3
xxxx.xxxxScience, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Perspective (STEM)3
xxxx.xxxxSocial Sciences Perspective (SS)3
xxxx.xxxxWorld Ready Elective4 / Free Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SOCI.4030Qualitative Methods for Social Research (AIL), (CTPS)3
SOCI.3xxxPolicy and Social Problems Elective23
SOCI.xxxxSociology Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Senior Year

Fall Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SOCI.4xxxSociology Capstone33
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Spring Semester

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
xxxx.xxxxFree Elective3
Total15

Total Minimum Credits = 120.

1Required for entering Freshmen.

2Policy and Social Problems Electives:

Students take three Policy and Social Problems electives. Two of the electives must be at the 3000 level.

3Choose one from the following:

4World Ready Language Track (WR track) requires successful completion of a two course sequence in a World Language (depending on placement) and three approved courses on the culture/history/literature/film related to that language, but taught in English. (Total of 15 credits.) For detailed information refer to Policies - Language Requirements in the undergraduate catalog.

A major in Sociology consists of 36 to 45 credits with at least 21 credits at the 3000 level or above (includes required and elective courses in the major). Note: students may not exceed the maximum of 45 credits of Sociology Department courses. At least 75 credits must be earned outside of the major including Core Curriculum requirements and free electives.

Students transferring to the college and wishing to major in Sociology must make individual arrangements with the department chairperson regarding satisfaction of major course requirements.

No more than two Breadth of Knowledge courses can be taken with the same prefix. The Core Curriculum courses may be taken in any sequence. Refer to the Core Curriculum policy for further details. You should meet with your faculty adviser to determine how you will meet the Core Curriculum requirements.

Current UMass Lowell students should be using their Advisement Report in SiS. If you need assistance, please contact your adviser.

Restriction on off-campus study:

Be advised that any course taken at another institution must be formally approved prior to enrollment.

See the catalog policy for details.

Breadth of Knowledge (BOK) Glossary

  • SS - Social Sciences Perspective - 9 credits
  • AH - Arts and Humanities Perspective - 9 credits
  • SCL - Sciences with Lab Perspective - 6 credits
  • STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Perspective - 3 credits
  • CW - College Writing I and II - 6 credits
  • MATH - Math Perspective - 3 credits

Read more about the Breadth of Knowledge requirements.

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) Glossary

  • AIL - Applied and Integrative Learning
  • CTPS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • DCA - Diversity and Cultural Awareness
  • IL - Information Literacy
  • QL - Quantitative Literacy
  • SRE - Social Responsibility and Ethics
  • WOC - Written and Oral Communication

Read more about the Essential Learning Outcomes.

Why study sociology at UMass Lowell?

Students in front of a banner that says "Their Stories: Lowell's Youth and the Refugee Experience"

Real-World Learning

Apply sociological principles and concepts through field work and research within community organizations, especially in the Lowell community.

UMass Lowell sociology professor and student talk while seated at a table

Expert Faculty

Engage with our faculty through small class sizes and highly personalized advising.

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Career Connected Experience: The UMass Lowell Guarantee

Every first-time, first-year UMass Lowell student will have the opportunity to pursue at least one Career Connected Experience (internships, co-ops, clinical placements, service learning, study abroad and more) during their undergraduate career — earning pay, credits or both before they graduate.

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