{"id":8805,"date":"2026-02-09T15:57:51","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T20:57:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/academics\/?page_id=8805"},"modified":"2026-04-23T15:45:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T19:45:57","slug":"sociology","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/academics\/majors-and-minors\/sociology\/","title":{"rendered":"Sociology"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Visit the full Sociology site<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Sociology is the study of social behavior, human society, and interactions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Department of Sociology focuses on how social structures shape lives and influence behavior from the hyper-local level to the global scale. Courses dissect and address social phenomena ranging from patterns of everyday interaction to social and political revolutions, offering a unique potential not only for understanding society, but also social action and change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Contact Us<\/h5>\n\t

Matt Von Vogt, Academic Administrative Assistant
\n4 Andrews Rd
\nPettengill Hall
\n Phone: 207-786-8296\n<\/span>mvonvogt@bates.edu<\/a><\/span><\/p>

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What You Will Learn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How sociology contributes to an understanding of the social world, social problems, and the human experience<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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To synthesize information from various sources, including scholarly material<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How to formulate and deliver effective research questions<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How to present ideas, theories, and data with accuracy, clarity, and professionalism<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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How to collect and analyze data from a variety of sources, including surveys, focus groups, and case studies<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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An understanding of how social theories reflect the historical and social contexts of the times and cultures in which they are developed<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Life After Bates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A sociology degree from Bates is a strong foundation for a wide range of careers, from government, public policy, journalism, and law to social work, counseling, and human resources. Many graduates go on to pursue graduate degrees in sociology and related areas, including law, criminal justice, health care administration, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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94%<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

of 2020-2024 Bates graduates are employed and\/or attending graduate school \u2014 settled into their next opportunity within 6 months of graduation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cStudying sociology has reaffirmed my interest in public service, while the knowledge I have gained through this major will support my career.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 <\/strong>Jack Lawrence \u201924<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Selected Places of Employment\/Service<\/h6>\n\n\n\n