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If you’re interested in studying human behavior, particularly as it relates to patterns of human group activity and interaction, then you should look at East-West University’s bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences with a focus on sociology.
In studying patterns of human behavior and interaction as well as the tension between individual choice and agency, the science of sociology explores a wide range of human behavior. From child-rearing patterns and the social meaning behind religious practices to the behavior of prisoners under a lockdown or even variations of levels of trust in government among members of different ethnic groups, sociology covers a lot of ground. The right degree program in sociology can also open doors to job possibilities in several fields.
As you explore careers for sociology degrees, a number of opportunities can be found in the human, community or social services industries. Workers who provide administrative support to managers and information technology personnel also represent another major bloc workers with sociology undergraduate degrees.
Degree requirements are wide-ranging, giving students of this concentration excellent preparation for a variety of social science graduate degree programs. If you want to prepare for a graduate or professional school program, you should take courses in statistics, math, network analysis, computer programming, written and oral communication, foreign languages, and interpersonal skill development. These subjects will complement your sociological background and give you the ability to apply analytics tools to social and business problems. These courses also give you the ability to communicate with and lead diverse teams who work on these problems.
A BHS degree with a sociology focus on can also serve as an effective pre-law or pre-public policy preparation. Social issues and activism frequently lie at the intersection of sociology, law, and public policy, including criminal justice, family law, feminist policy, and environmental affairs. Related sociology internships and/or volunteer work can expose students to legal and policy issues and activist opportunities for social change.
Federal labor resources and professional sociological researchers strongly suggest that students should pursue an internship or volunteer work related to their sociology studies to enhance their employment prospects and post-graduation satisfaction. Beyond the mainstream online job searching databases, BHS sociology students may find internship opportunities through Idealist.org, npo.net, the human resources Web sites of various governmental (e.g., USAJOBS.gov) or major non-for-profit organizations.
East-West University’s location in Chicago’s South Loop is near many organizations that use sociologically focused employees; this location also provides networking opportunities to meet professionals. Finding employment is often the result of expanding one’s social networks to include more distant acquaintances, associates, co-workers, mentors, and other affiliates beyond one’s immediate friends and family members, an idea from sociology itself.
Curricular requirements must comply with all general academic requirements for a bachelor’s degree, including:
The program embodies three broad blocks of curricular requirements or components:
I: General Education Core (64 quarter hours);
II: BHS core and concentration courses 60 quarter hours
III: Elective courses (56 quarter hours), for a total of 180 quarter hours
I: General Education Core courses:
II: BHS Core and selected Sociology concentration area courses
III: Elective courses:
Stefan Griffin, Ph.D.
Adjunct Instructor
East Building 313
stefan@eastwest.edu
Before attending East-West University, I attended college in China. I heard about EWU from my uncle and knew it would be a good opportunity to expand my knowledge and prepare for my career.
I am studying Management in the business program and ultimately would like to use these skills to pursue my dream of becoming a designer. I have learned a lot in my classes and courses like Accounting teach skills that I will continue to use.
In China, my parents and teachers always told me that through studying, one gains success and fortunes will follow. Reading brings us everything. At East-West University, I am studying hard to prepare for my future.
I came to East-West after studying in the ESL program at Triton College. I received a scholarship for international students and was also hired as an international student advisor. I’ve always wanted to be successful regardless of the obstacles in place and exceed expectations. My experience at East-West University has changed my approach toward life and my responsibilities.
I’m studying in the Business program to obtain a management position. An important lesson I’ve learned at EWU is that I am responsible for my own future. I am committed to finishing my degree and have obtained the self-discipline to do so as I’ve made progress in my program. When I graduate, I would like to travel, have a family, and buy a house. Studying business at EWU will give me the tools to succeed.
I could not pass up the opportunity to return to school at East-West. I chose EWU because of its academics, location, and affordability.
East-West has helped me be successful by making it possible for me to both work and go to school. The instructors are experienced have encouraged me to pursue a career in Accounting. I have really enjoyed my experience here and would like to go to graduate school after I finish. My professor always said to ‘be the captain of your own ship.’ At East-West University, I am afforded the opportunity to do so.
