Sociology
The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Notre Dame University offers students a comprehensive and critical understanding of social structures, institutions, and human interactions. Through the study of culture, inequality, family, education, religion, crime, and globalization, students explore how society is organized and how it shapes—and is shaped by—individual and collective behavior. The curriculum provides a strong theoretical foundation while equipping students with practical tools to analyze complex social patterns, power dynamics, and cultural diversity in both historical and contemporary contexts.
Combining research, theory, and applied learning, the program emphasizes the development of analytical thinking, communication skills, and sociological imagination. Students engage in hands-on projects, data analysis, and fieldwork that connect academic inquiry to real-world social issues. Whether investigating urban change, social movements, or media influence, students are encouraged to ask meaningful questions about justice, identity, and societal transformation. Guided by experienced faculty, the program fosters both intellectual curiosity and a strong sense of civic responsibility.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Sociology
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 03 January 2026
- Location: University of Notre Dame, United States
- Field of Study: Sociology
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations of Sociological Thought
- Introduction to Sociology
- Social Problems and Social Change
- Academic Writing and Communication
- History of Social Theory
- Elective: Cultural Anthropology or Global Perspectives
Year 2 – Core Concepts and Social Institutions
- Sociology of Family or Education
- Race, Ethnicity, and Society
- Gender and Society
- Statistical Methods in Social Research
- Elective: Sociology of Religion or Urban Sociology
Year 3 – Special Topics and Research Skills
- Social Movements and Collective Action
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Inequality and Stratification
- Sociology of Media or Work and Organizations
- Elective: Criminology or Health and Society
Year 4 – Integration and Application
- Seminar in Sociological Analysis
- Capstone Research Project or Thesis
- Contemporary Sociological Theory
- Internship or Community-Based Research
- Elective: Policy and Society or Sociology of Migration
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Sociology program are prepared for impactful careers in public service, research, education, and social advocacy, where their ability to understand and interpret human behavior and social systems is highly valued. Many work as policy analysts, community organizers, market researchers, educators, or nonprofit program coordinators in sectors such as government, healthcare, media, and urban planning. Others pursue advanced study in sociology, social work, law, public policy, or education, where their training in critical thinking and data analysis provides a strong academic foundation. The program’s emphasis on understanding inequality, institutions, and cultural dynamics allows graduates to contribute meaningfully to organizations committed to social justice, diversity, and public impact, both locally and globally.
Why Choose This Program
Notre Dame University’s Sociology program offers a flexible, interdisciplinary, and socially engaged education for students who want to understand and improve the world around them. The curriculum combines theory, empirical research, and real-world application, encouraging students to explore the social forces that shape human life. With supportive faculty, small seminar-based classes, and access to research opportunities and internships, students gain the tools to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead with purpose. Whether aspiring to work in policy, advocacy, business, or academia, students graduate with a clear understanding of social complexity and the ability to drive meaningful change in diverse and evolving communities.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 574 631 5000
Email: admissions@nd.edu
Address: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
