Sociology

If you find people, social life and the wider world fascinating, a sociology degree from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, may be for you. Sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies, and how people interact within these contexts.

 Because of the diverse perspectives they’re exposed to in our liberal arts curriculum, our graduates develop a great appreciation for the diversity of perspectives that people in our city, country and world bring together in so many interesting ways. 

Brian Rich, professor of sociology

Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology includes topics such as intimate family; organized social movement for change; deviant behavior; divisions of race, gender and social class; health and medicine; and mass media. In fact, few fields have such broad scope and relevance for research, theory and application of knowledge. At Transylvania we encourage students both to theorize about society and to apply their knowledge through internships, service learning and participation in public affairs.

A sociology major gives students a solid foundation for occupations that involve understanding and working with people of diverse backgrounds. In the past decade, the number of sociologists in business alone has doubled. The sociology major provides excellent preparation for graduate and professional schools in such areas as law, medicine and human services.

Sociology students at Transylvania benefit from the college’s location in Lexington, a city of 300,000 that is home to a wide variety of businesses, government agencies, healthcare centers, educational institutions and non-profit agencies that offer numerous internships.

Where Our Graduates Have Worked

Federal Bureau of Prisons
State government
Public school system
Rehabilitation services
Law firms
Health care
Counseling
Law enforcement
Colleges and universities

Courses of Special Interest

Sociology of Gender
Human Service Organizations
Social Change and Social Movements
Sociology of Mass Media

Where Our Graduates Have Studied

Texas Christian University
University of California-Davis
University of Kentucky
University of Maryland-Baltimore
University of Louisville
University of Virginia

Semester Study Abroad Opportunities

Australia I
Australia II
Austria
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Czech Republic
England II
Ghana
India
Ireland
Israel
Italy
New Zealand
Scotland
Spain II
Sweden
Thailand I
Uruguay

These GlobalTransy programs have at least two courses related to the major.

Interested in studying abroad for a summer? Take a look at our summer study abroad opportunities.

Contacts

Hande Ozkan
Associate Professor of Anthropology, Program Director
(859) 233-8639

Stephanie Coriale
Social Sciences Administrative Assistant
(859) 233-8104

Hazelrigg Hall
Transylvania University 
300 North Broadway
Lexington, KY 40508-1797

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