The BA in sociology is the traditional degree in the discipline and provides students with both a strong training in sociology and foreign-language proficiency. In addition to the university's general education course requirements, students will study a broad range of sociological topics, which include the core courses (statistics, sociological theory, and research methods), and a variety of sociology electives. Students also will gain foreign-language proficiency. The minor requirement allows students to select a second discipline that complements their professional interest. The BA option is appropriate for students interested in pursuing graduate school, which often has a foreign-language proficiency requirement.

The sociology program at Salem State aims to instill in students a deeper understanding of groups that are different from their own. This includes: cultures in societies in other parts of the world; racial, ethnic and other minorities; and groups considered at the peripheral of mainstream society, which include groups deemed deviant. Such a sociological perspective is crucial for working in today's multiethnic and multinational business environment, but understanding the varied experiences of diverse groups and populations is further important in that it enables students to better understand how inequality is structured, and how inequality is created and reinforced. This, in turn, allows the sociology student to come to better understand how our society is organized and why disparities might arise.

The sociology program seeks to better understand the human condition by studying social relations, social organizations, and social behavior, and the outcomes and consequences of such. This involves making sense of, recognizing, and becoming conscious of the bases for, and consequences of, various forms of inequality and social problems. One of the key goals is to acquire the tools to intervene more productively to solve these social problems.

Our BA in sociology program offers you flexibility in your choice of courses and is appropriate for those who wish to pursue graduate studies.