Sociology Major
The science of people and communities
Interested in studying people and the communities where they live and work? Sociology majors at UNI learn about human behavior, how groups work together, what brings people into conflict, and what creates change. A degree in will prepare you to work with people and solve problems in a rapidly changing world. Skills that allow you to hit the job market with the advantage employers are looking for!
Career focused
& professional connections
At UNI, sociology students develop the people skills and critical thinking employers value most. You’ll learn to collaborate, lead teams, drive meaningful change and make informed, evidence-based decisions. Our program emphasizes career readiness, helping you tailor your academic path, build a strong résumé and connect with professionals in the field—all to prepare you for a dynamic and evolving job market.
Flexibility to tailor to your needs
Sociology is a flexible major that lets you shape your studies around your interests—whether that’s health, family, education, work or other areas. It also pairs well with majors like criminology, business, communication, psychology or computer science, providing a strong foundation in understanding people and solving real-world problems.
Personalized relationships with faculty
Sociology faculty at UNI are dedicated to helping you develop the skills to work effectively with people and create solutions to real-world problems. Through innovative, hands-on teaching, you’ll engage in meaningful projects that make learning exciting and relevant. You’ll receive personalized instruction and advising from professors who are committed to supporting your academic journey and helping you plan for your future career.
Want to learn more?
Fill out your information here and we'll be in touch!
Contact us directly at:
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology
Bartlett 1126
Cedar Falls, IA 50614
Phone: 319-273-2786
Fax: 319-273-7104
Email: sac@uni.edu
Why Sociology?
Find your path.
Sociology’s unique courses will teach you how to work with people and solve real-world problems. Courses like:
- The Sociological Career
- Social Problems
- Society and Mental Illness
- Sociology of Families
Grow your future.
A bachelor’s degree in sociology provides graduates with the people and technical skills in high demand by today’s employers. Common career opportunities for the sociology B.A. graduate include but are not limited to:
- Social Services
- Community Development
- Corrections
- Marketing and Advertising
- University Admissions
- Educational Counseling
- Human Resources
- Health Services
- Public Relations
- Government Agencies
- Teaching
Go beyond.
Beyond the classroom, you will have experiences to position you for the work world.
- Intern with a business or community organization.
- Develop your own project to address real-world problems alongside faculty.
- Create professional connections.
- Join Sociology Club for opportunities to volunteer, develop professional skills and work with others on projects.
- Study Abroad in many countries around the world, including Australia, UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Iceland, Russia and China.
Find your path.
Sociology’s unique courses will teach you how to work with people and solve real-world problems. Courses like:
- The Sociological Career
- Social Problems
- Society and Mental Illness
- Sociology of Families
Grow your future.
A bachelor’s degree in sociology provides graduates with the people and technical skills in high demand by today’s employers. Common career opportunities for the sociology B.A. graduate include but are not limited to:
- Social Services
- Community Development
- Corrections
- Marketing and Advertising
- University Admissions
- Educational Counseling
- Human Resources
- Health Services
- Public Relations
- Government Agencies
- Teaching
Go beyond.
Beyond the classroom, you will have experiences to position you for the work world.
- Intern with a business or community organization.
- Develop your own project to address real-world problems alongside faculty.
- Create professional connections.
- Join Sociology Club for opportunities to volunteer, develop professional skills and work with others on projects.
- Study Abroad in many countries around the world, including Australia, UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Iceland, Russia and China.
Sociological Research
At the University of Northern Iowa, sociology majors work one-on-one with faculty on research projects, a rare advantage at the undergraduate level. This close mentorship allows students to dive deeply into real-world issues, develop research skills, and contribute meaningfully to scholarly work—preparing them for graduate studies or careers in various fields.
Not your average professor
Prof. Ashleigh Kysar-Moon teaches courses on statistics, medical sociology, society & mental Illness, childhood inequalities and social problems.
“She provides all the help possible and more so we can understand the content no matter our life circumstances. Her flexibility and willingness to work with her students is second to none!” – Sociology Student
Panther POV
“I love thinking critically about the world I live in and how I can help people, so sociology was a clear choice. Sociology is more important than ever, and it will help you to be a better thinker, writer, and team-member.”
– Bekah Bass, ‘21, current law student at George Washington University
Panther POV
“My training in sociology has provided me with an ability to identify, analyze, and make sense of vast, complex structural systems as well as the minutiae of interactions between individuals in society. Such a perspective is paramount to researching how universities operate and providing suggestions for policies and practices that can drive institutional-level changes.”
– Megan Tesene, ‘05 & ‘11, Director at Association of Public and Land-grant Universities