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With a core curriculum around equity and injustices in social institutions and systems, the Sociology program at Arcadia University features a strong commitment to social justice.
All Sociology majors take a group of core courses and then choose Sociology electives based on individual career goals. The major can be applied in a variety of employment settings, including
For example, sociology is one of the majors recommended by the Physical Therapy department for students who plan to pursue a career in physical therapy. Sociology provides a well-rounded background in liberal arts advocated by the American Physical Therapy Association, while allowing students ample time to complete the requirements for admission to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. In addition, the Sociology major can be designed with an emphasis on health and healthcare systems to strengthen the foundation for a career in physical therapy or other health professions.
Whatever your career path, as a sociology major you would meet regularly with your adviser to develop and review your academic plan and career goals.
Career emphasis is expanded through an optional internship experience during the junior or senior year. Recent practicum settings have included nursing homes, human resource departments, child welfare agencies, police departments, schools, and hospital research departments, non profit agencies, girls empowerment groups, the U.S. Marshall’s Office.
During the senior year, all students engage in an independent research project that integrates their unique areas of interest and focus with their knowledge and application of sociological perspectives and ideas.
A major in Sociology can be combined with a minor in International Studies for those students who are interested in acquiring practical experience in international affairs and who want a more global understanding of the world. The program is supplementary to the major and can readily mesh with the student's individually tailored curriculum in Sociology.
The International Studies minor combines study abroad with international courses here at Arcadia University and modern language preparation.
The minor in Anthropology offers students the opportunity to explore the rich diversity of cultures around the world. Students majoring in fields such as Art, Business, Communications, Education, History, Political Science, Philosophy, Pre-Law, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Medicine or Psychology will find that anthropological theory and method both complement and challenge their understanding of the world.
The Criminal Justice minor provides students with the conceptual and research knowledge necessary to think critically about issues in criminal justice. Further, the program creates and instills a set of values respecting human individuality and dignity that will guide the manner in which criminal justice tasks and responsibilities are carried out. The criminal justice minor, in conjunction with a student’s major, also builds a base of knowledge and constructs a process of evaluation and critical inquiry upon which criminal justice professional training and/or graduate-level education can readily take place. See the Criminal Justice section in the Undergraduate Catalog for more information.
A minor in Gender and Women’s Studies offers an in-depth study of women and women’s issues from the perspective of different disciplines. Informed by varied feminist paradigms, the minor provides the opportunity to analyze and integrate knowledge from the unique vantage point of gender. Along with core courses in the social sciences and humanities, students can concentrate on critical aspects of women’s lives, such as the intersection of race, class, and gender.
Sociology majors are encouraged to study abroad, and many opportunities can complement studies in sociology. Social problems and issues need a global and local perspective. Because of the flexibility and breadth in the Sociology program, study abroad can easily fit into the program and the Undergraduate Curriculum requirements.
Students are encouraged to meet with their advisers to discuss their career interests and goals. It is important to have this discussion and formulate a plan early so that the international program is integrated with required and elective courses for the major. Most students use their study abroad courses and experiences to explore international perspectives on sociological and cultural issues.
Sociology majors typically study abroad during their sophomore or junior years because of the senior-year focus on independent research and thesis. Depending on which semester a student is abroad, he or she will select a course that substitutes for a major requirement, an elective in Sociology or a course in Anthropology or Gender & Women’s Studies. Studying abroad can provide students with the opportunity to take a course that is not available at Arcadia University, and to learn from a different point of view.
Since it is important that students plan ahead for study abroad, they should consult with their advisers as soon as possible and make their intentions known to the Program Director and the Office of Global Engagement.
Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice Website
Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice
Easton Hall, Room 344
215-572-4073
Enrollment Management
1-877-272-ARCADIA (1-877-272-2342)
admiss@arcadia.edu