Our department is a vibrant community featuring leading scholars within sociology and related fields. Faculty have expertise in a range of theories and methods, from ethnography to social network analysis, underscoring our commitment to training our students in the many tools within the sociological toolkit. Program strengths include the sociology of environment, gender, race, political and economic sociology, with increased focus on sociology of health and cultural sociology.
Read about the Indigenous history of our local land.
Sociology Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, June 15, 2025
10:00am
Southwest Campus Green
What You Can Do with a Degree in Sociology
A major in sociology prepares students for careers in the environment and society, the criminal justice system, demographics, human services, business, education, social science research, community relations, and federal, state, and local government agencies, just to name a few.
The American Sociological Association lists in their brochure “21st Century Careers with an Undergraduate Degree in Sociology” the following categories for sociology graduates’ first jobs:
- Social services, counselors
- Sales/marketing
- Administrative support
- Teaching and education
- Service occupations
- Information technology
- Public relations
- Social science research
- Management
How the Department of Sociology Launches Your Career
“The years I spent in the University of Oregon were among the most transformative and fulfilling of my entire life, in large part due to the outstanding support and guidance I received from my former faculty and graduate student colleagues. Since graduation, I’ve held both tenure-track faculty and director level administrative positions, and I am currently professor and head of sociology at Lake Michigan College—a role in which I have a direct and positive impact on my community through my teaching and scholarship. I was lucky to find my purpose in life early; all I ever aspired to be is a professor. After the years of hard work, particularly as a Black and Arabic, and first-generation college graduate and professional, I am now living a dream that truly started when I first stepped foot onto the University of Oregon campus. The training I received in the UO Sociology program, and the people I was fortunate to meet there, were instrumental in helping me to make that dream come true. Go Ducks!”
—David Martin, PhD in Sociology, '17
Our Degree Programs
The undergraduate program in sociology provides a broad understanding of human society for students in all fields as well as more advanced programs for sociology majors. It is a popular choice for students in other fields who wish to double major or minor in an area of study that will enhance their understanding of society and the behavior of people.
The department offers graduate work leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and is intended for students seeking a professional career in research and teaching in both academic and nonacademic settings. The department does not offer a terminal master’s degree, although students enrolled in the PhD program will also receive a master’s degree as part of their training.
Learn from Experts in the Field
Our faculty includes specialists in the areas of criminology, demography, education, environment, organizations, race and ethnicity, stratification, and work & occupations.
The sociology faculty is affiliated with many university programs:
- Center for the Study of Women and Society
- Center on Diversity and Community
- College of Education
- Environmental Studies Program
- Department of Public Policy, Planning and Management
- Indigenous, Race and Ethnic Studies Department
- Global Studies Department
- Oregon Survey Research Laboratory
- Department of Religious Studies
- Russian and Eastern European Studies
- Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Department
Get Real-world Experience
In our department, motivated students can seek internships in the community, join honors societies, and conduct independent study or work with a faculty member on research. Our Peer Leadership Program lets undergraduate students practice communication skills and get involved in programs and initiatives to benefit all students.
Scholarships & Funding
The department offers several internal awards available for both graduate and undergraduate students. Undergraduates can apply for the annual Diana May Woodruff Award as well as several college- and university-wide scholarships. Graduate students are eligible for several prestigious awards in addition to funding through graduate employee positions and term-by-term research assistantships.
Academic Support
Sociology majors can find drop-in help related to degree progress and course planning from the undergraduate team in our Academic Program Offices. At Tykeson Hall, you can work with college and career advisors, who can help you explore your interests, schedule your classes, plan for graduation, discuss career interests, and more.
