A Major for the 21st Century
Sociology is a fascinating and diverse field of study, examining the dynamics of social life, social change, and the underlying factors that drive and shape human behavior. Sociology explores the causes and consequences of timely topics such as poverty and wealth, prejudice and discrimination, deviant behavior, religious beliefs and social movements. In studying such things as population growth and migration, crime and punishment, and economic development, sociologists seek a deeper understanding of the social institutions that shape our lives. At a time when technology is spurring social development and interaction at breakneck speeds, Sociology is truly a major for the 21st Century.
Our students are prepared to be leaders in today’s complex and changing world. They develop the knowledge and analytical skills they will need for successful careers and informed citizenship.
What Does Our Program Offer?
A Challenging Curriculum with:
- Helpful advising
- Accessible and supportive faculty
- A hands-on research orientation
- A true “make a difference” major
Enroll in the sociology program at NIU, and you’ll learn to master critical thinking, oral and written communication, as well as sociological data collection and analysis. Let us help you develop your sociological imagination!
Interesting and Relevant Courses
We offer engaging classes exploring such issues as Social Problems, Criminology, Gender, Race and Ethnicity, Family, Health and Wellness, Migration, Urban Life, Mental Illness, and the Environment and Society.
Your Choice of Focus
Special topics courses covering cutting edge social issues like Global Terrorism, Sexualities, Popular Culture, Race in America, Gangs and many others.
A Chance to Stand Out
Our classes are purposely small; most have no more than 40 students. You’ll learn from some of the top professors in the field — professsors who will know you by name. Student organizations will give you a chance to get to know your peers and be actively involved in co-curricular activities.
Outstanding Faculty
Our faculty hold degrees from some of the top Sociology departments in the world. They serve as journal editors and reviewers and hold memberships in the American Sociological Association, American Society of Criminology, Center on Adherence and Self-Determination, Midwestern Sociological Association, Society for the Study of Social Problems, and Sociologists for Women in Society. At NIU, they serve on curricular committees, lead study abroad programs, and have received awards for Excellence in Teaching and service to the university.
Real Life, Résumé Building Experiences
Students have internship opportunities in private industry or with social services agencies, nonprofit organizations and the criminal justice system. There are also ample undergraduate research opportunities, with students working together with faculty on original research projects.
What can I do with this degree?
Our graduates have entered the following fields:
Private industry
Market research, private security firms, business management and others
Public service
Community college instructors, counseling and other social service organizations
Non-profits
Housing, public health, aging, family services, job training agencies, research and analysis
Governmental agencies
Law enforcement, probation, parole agencies, FBI, and county drug court offices and others
Many of our students go on to graduate programs or law school.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for sociologists will grow by 18% through 2020. Candidates with an advanced degree, strong statistical and research skills, and a background in applied sociology will have the best job prospects.
"Sociology helped me
to become an open-minded
and critical thinker,
useful in everyday life and
any occupation."
"What I liked best about
being a Sociology student
was that it helped me
to view things from different
perspectives and to
appreciate and understand
diversity."
-Bonnie Jensen
B.S. Sociology, 2005
M.A. Sociology, 2008
Degree Information
The Department of Sociology offers the B.A. and B.S. degree with a major in sociology. The department also offers a minor in sociology, which should be of interest to students majoring in another social science, such as psychology or anthropology, in a program in family, consumer, and nutrition studies, or in history or philosophy.
Beginning in Fall 2013, the Department of Sociology will be offering a new certificate in Criminology. The certificate is designed to provide insight into the academic study of crime and the criminal justice system in contemporary society. Students must maintain good academic standing in the university, maintain a 2.00 grade point average in certificate courses and complete all certificate work within six (6) calendar years. All courses for the certificate must be completed at NIU. Certificate courses in Sociology may be counted toward undergraduate degree requirements in the department.
Who Studied Sociology
- Dan Aykroyd, actor/writer
- Keshia Knight Pulliam, actress
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights activist
- Alonzo Mourning, NBA Player
- Michelle Obama, First lady of the United States
- Regis Philbin, tv personality
- Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States
- Joe Theisman, football player/television commentator
Major Requirements
(38 hours)
Minor Requirements
(19 hours)
Contact Information
Department of Sociology
815 Zulauf Hall
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115
ph (815) 753-0365
fax (815) 753-0251
http://www.sociology.niu.edu
Have a question?
Email askSociology@niu.edu