Sociology

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.

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
Photo of David Martin

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.

Undergraduate Degrees
 
Graduate Degrees
 

 

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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
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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.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Graduate Funding

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.

Undergraduate Advising
Support for Graduate Students

Sociology News and Events

January 31, 2024
SOCIOLOGY - Read about what some of the faculty, graduate students and undergraduates in the Department of Sociology have been working on.
January 24, 2024
SOCIOLOGY - Professor Ben Johnson, Jr., was an influential figure at the University's Department of Sociology, as well as the field of sociology. His colleagues remember him and the influence he had in their lives and professional careers. Johnson died Jan. 8 in his home. His memorial is 1:30 pm Saturday, Jan. 27, at Cascade Manor Auditorium.
October 31, 2023
SOCIOLOGY - Don Van Houten is remembered by his colleagues for his time as a sociologist at the UO, and his impactful work. Van Houten previously served as department head and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. His memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12.

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Let's Talk Drop-In - Wednesdays 2-4PM @ BCC
Mar20
Let's Talk Drop-In - Wednesdays 2-4PM @ BCC Mar 20 Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
Special Collections Research Fellows Speaker Series: Tp Coughlin, 2023 Le Guin Feminist Science Fiction Fellow
Mar21
Special Collections Research Fellows Speaker Series: Tp Coughlin, 2023 Le Guin Feminist Science Fiction Fellow Mar 21
¡Juntos! Latinx Support Group
Mar21
¡Juntos! Latinx Support Group Mar 21 Carson Hall, Ramey Room
Physical Chemistry Seminar Series
Mar21
Physical Chemistry Seminar Series Mar 21 Willamette Hall
Let's Talk Drop-In - Fridays 1-3PM @ CMAE/Zoom
Mar22
Let's Talk Drop-In - Fridays 1-3PM @ CMAE/Zoom Mar 22
International & Economic Development Careers - Millennium Challenge Corporation
Apr4
International & Economic Development Careers - Millennium Challenge Corporation Apr 4 440 Lill
EXTRA! EXTRA! DON'T KILL THE MESSENGER
Apr4
EXTRA! EXTRA! DON'T KILL THE MESSENGER Apr 4 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
"'Surplus' White Nationalism and GOP Climate Obstruction"
Apr4
"'Surplus' White Nationalism and GOP Climate Obstruction" Apr 4 Knight Library
Reading by Victor Lavalle
Apr4
Reading by Victor Lavalle Apr 4 Knight Library
EXTRA! EXTRA! DON'T KILL THE MESSENGER
Apr5
EXTRA! EXTRA! DON'T KILL THE MESSENGER Apr 5 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)

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