.webp&w=3840&q=75)

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at the University of Wisconsin offers students a deep and critical understanding of how societies function, how social structures shape human behavior, and how individuals interact within cultural, economic, and political systems. This four-year, full-time program emphasizes the analysis of institutions, social norms, inequality, identity, and collective behavior. Students explore a range of topics such as race and ethnicity, gender, class, family, urbanization, social movements, and globalization—developing the ability to see the hidden patterns that organize everyday life. With a strong liberal arts foundation, the curriculum balances theoretical frameworks, empirical research, and social analysis, preparing students to understand and address complex societal issues.
The program encourages students to think beyond assumptions and examine the world through a critical, evidence-based lens. Learners gain experience in research design, statistical analysis, and qualitative methods while participating in interactive seminars and community-based projects. Whether studying social justice, public policy, or cultural change, students are challenged to connect theory with practice. With faculty support and access to internships, fieldwork, and interdisciplinary electives, sociology majors develop both academic and professional skills that are highly valued across sectors. Graduates leave the program ready to apply sociological thinking to real-world challenges in an informed, ethical, and impactful way
Year 1 – Foundations of Sociological Thinking
• Introduction to Sociology
• College Writing and Communication
• U.S. Social Institutions and Inequality
• Critical Thinking in the Social Sciences
Year 2 – Theory and Methods in Sociology
• Classical Sociological Theory
• Introduction to Social Research Methods
• Statistics for the Social Sciences
• Sociology of Race, Class, or Gender
Year 3 – Social Systems and Contemporary Issues
• Urban Sociology or Sociology of the Family
• Globalization and Social Change
• Social Movements and Collective Behavior
• Elective: Work, Education, or Health Systems
Year 4 – Capstone and Public Engagement
• Senior Seminar in Sociological Inquiry
• Independent Research Project or Internship
• Ethics and Practice in Social Research
• Sociology in Public Policy or Community Development
Graduates of this program pursue careers in public service, education, nonprofit organizations, market research, and policy analysis, as well as in sectors like media, healthcare, and human resources. They often work as social researchers, case managers, community organizers, data analysts, or outreach coordinators. The degree also provides a solid foundation for graduate study in sociology, law, public health, urban planning, and related disciplines. Employers value the ability to interpret data, understand social trends, and communicate effectively across diverse groups. Sociology graduates bring a unique lens to the workplace—capable of identifying social dynamics, addressing systemic barriers, and offering insightful analysis that drives social progress.
This program offers a compelling blend of intellectual rigor, practical research training, and social relevance, making it ideal for students who want to better understand and shape the world around them. The University of Wisconsin provides a rich academic setting with access to faculty experts, research centers, and community partnerships that enhance classroom learning. The curriculum encourages students to think critically about the forces that structure human life and to engage meaningfully with questions of justice, power, and change. Through field experiences, collaborative projects, and interdisciplinary exploration, students gain the tools to connect academic theory with real-world application. Whether your goal is to influence public policy, contribute to nonprofit work, or pursue academic research, this degree prepares you to analyze society and act with purpose.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 608-262-2433
Email: admissions@grad.wisc.edu
Address: 217 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA