Sociology-Medical Sociology
The Sociology: Medical Sociology Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social, cultural, and institutional factors that influence health, illness, and healthcare systems. The curriculum integrates sociological theory, public health, health policy, medical ethics, and research methodology, enabling students to critically examine how social structures, cultural norms, and policy decisions impact health outcomes. Students engage in fieldwork, applied research, and collaborative projects, cultivating analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for professional or academic careers in sociology, public health, healthcare research, or policy analysis.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, workshops, and experiential learning guided by faculty experts in medical sociology, healthcare systems, and social research. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and applied social studies, preparing graduates to assess healthcare systems, analyze social determinants of health, and design evidence-based interventions. Students leave the program with research competence, analytical skills, critical reasoning, and applied problem-solving abilities, fully prepared for careers or advanced study in medical sociology, public health, social research, or health policy.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Sociology-Medical Sociology
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Sociology
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Medical Sociology
- Introduction to Sociology and Healthcare Systems
- Fundamentals of Social Theory and Cultural Analysis
- Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis
- Understanding Social Determinants of Health
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Medical Sociology
- Health Policy and Governance
- Sociology of Health and Illness
- Applied Research Projects in Healthcare Contexts
- Electives: Community Health, Bioethics, or Social Inequality
Year 3 – Advanced Analysis and Applied Research
- Fieldwork and Community Engagement in Healthcare
- Social and Cultural Influences on Health Outcomes
- Program Evaluation and Policy Assessment
- Electives: Global Health, Medical Anthropology, or Health Economics
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Medical Sociology Issues
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Internship or Applied Project in Hospitals, Research Institutions, or Policy Organizations
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Medical Sociology program are prepared for careers in public health research, policy analysis, healthcare administration, nonprofit and community organizations, academic research, and government agencies. Alumni may work as health analysts, program coordinators, policy advisors, researchers, or pursue graduate studies in sociology, public health, medical anthropology, or health policy. The program equips graduates to analyze social and cultural determinants of health, evaluate healthcare interventions, and implement evidence-based strategies. With strong analytical, research, and applied skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments focused on health policy, social determinants of health, and applied sociological research.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of sociological theory, healthcare analysis, applied research, and interdisciplinary study within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, fieldwork, and hands-on projects that connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications in healthcare, policy, and social research. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving, preparing graduates to evaluate complex health issues, design interventions, and contribute meaningfully to professional and academic initiatives. For students passionate about health systems, social analysis, and applied research, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
