A degree in sociology

Students earning a degree in sociology graduate with important career competencies that include use of quantitative, qualitative and experimental techniques and theoretical lenses to understand complex human behaviors, social problems and inequities for advanced careers in medicine, law, public policy, government, business, academia and the non-profit sector.

Nabintou Doumbia: Finding yourself

Career outlook

Accelerated M.A.

See an advisor

Experience campus

Q&A with sociology alumnus Chuck Jackson, M.A. '94, Ph.D. '14

Detroit native William Chuck Jackson, a two-time Wayne State sociology alumnus, serves as the department director for Wayne County Senior Services. In this Q&A, he reflects on his academic journey at WSU, the defining moments that shaped his career, and the invaluable advice he has for aspiring social service professionals.

Wayne State born and raised: Sociology alum takes research to new heights in the School of Social Work

When Neva Nahan started as a student at Wayne State University in the mid-seventies, she was not sure what she wanted to do with her life or what she wanted to study. More than 40 years later, Neva is right where she belongs and as it turns out, she never left Wayne State.

Meet undergraduate researcher Josephine Zdun

Undergraduate student Josephine Zdun has had great success with her independent research project on how students understand the nature of consent.

Julia da Silva Peres: Bringing sociology into the community

In the summer 2022 semester, sociology student Julia da Silva Peres completed her sociology internship working in the public involvement department at HNTB, a civil engineering company in Detroit. Through this experience the 20-year-old native of São Paulo, Brazil was able to link her passion for community development to her coursework in the sociology department.

Meet sociology alumna Amber Lewis '18

Amber Lewis is a 2018 sociology graduate with a focus on medical sociology, sociological theory and racial inequality. During her senior year, she founded an organization on campus titled, “Millennials Making a Difference,” which was developed upon a sociological framework to promote community involvement centered around sociological disparities.

Meet sociology + political science major, Kaleigh Webber

"I chose Wayne State because both of my parents went to school here. My mom graduated from the nursing school in 1997 and my dad graduated from the medical school in 1992. I also love Detroit."

More spotlights

News

CLAS faculty honored with teaching awards

Debunking the debunkers: The academy and the media mislead about immigration’s effects

“Real Pictures of Reentry” photo exhibit comes to Hamtramck

A group of graduates walk during the traditional commencement march, a few proudly displaying 'First Generation' stolls on their graduation regalia.

Wayne State celebrates first-generation students, social mobility

More news

Events

March

22

AGSO Transformations 2025 on March 22, 2025 at 9 a.m. 9 a.m.
More events

Discovering your passion: Sociology major Kristen Cunningham