“For me, sociology is a very versatile field of study that I know will benefit me no matter what career path I end up on. Sociology will always be important to me because it ultimately taught me how to interact effectively with others, understand and interpret the world around me, and advocate for those in need. I have always known that my purpose in life is to help families experiencing conflict and by studying sociology, I have been provided with all of the resources and knowledge I need to do exactly that.” Sociology student, 2018.
B.A. in Sociology
The Sociology B. A. is anchored on Agency / Advocacy / Policy to provide our students with firm principles to work with others and facilitate change.
Today’s pressing social issues in a global society require an impact oriented approach. Collaborative frameworks, gender preferences, race, and class analysis and the experience of living in urban environments frame the conceptually rich and research oriented approach to Sociology studies at Kean University.
The Bachelor in Sociology provides student with a sociological framework to understand our contemporary social landscape. Sociology is a system of thought and a set of inquiries that help students recognize themselves in the world and provide the opportunity to affect change through action, civic engagement, and active citizenship. The Sociology Program emphasizes teaching in a supportive environment focusing on critical thinking, critical pedagogy, and critical social theory to help develop autonomous, self-reflective, and socially responsible qualities in our students. The program also emphasizes robust conceptual approaches and rigorous research skills. Sociology students gain a broad and deep understanding of social life to better navigate different social and work environments.
Minor in Sociology
A concentration of 18 credits that can easily fit into the free electives of your preferred major, will strengthen your College of Liberal Arts B.A. The Minor in Sociology can offer your career choice a versatile and broad perspective to understand group and work environments as well as general aspects of our society.
Sociology as an Education Content Area
Broaden your perspective to understand pedagogical processes from a sociological perspective. Classroom dynamics, education and socialization, overall institutional functioning are some of the insights that a content area in Sociology can provide to your Education Major.
Sociology Internships
An Internship in Sociology (SOC 4095) is a great way to strengthen the experience for your vitae while receiving credit as a course. Many of our students have participatedin internships with the Red Cross, Passion River Films, Warren, NJ, Interfaith Hospitality Network of Somerset, Sommerville, NJ, Essex County Sheriff’s Office, Newark, NJ, “Be the Change” Kean University, and Lightbridge Academy, Westfiled, NJ, among a wide variety of institutions, organizations, and not-profits that focus on research, film making, and/or serve constituencies who face the challenges of social and psychological problems.
Careers in Sociology
Sociology graduates continue to Graduate School in different fields including Social Work, Sociology, Positive Psyhology, Forensic Psychology, Law, conduct research, work in Human Resources offices, develop professions in Politics as representatives, work at different levels of Law Enforcement and Homeland Security as well as Colllege Administration, to name a few.
Honor Societies
The academic excellence of Sociology students is acknowledged in the Alpha Kappa Delta, The International Sociology Honor Society (AKD) and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (PKP).
Faculty
Our Sociology faculty is committed to provide our students with the most supportive classroom environment where they can flourish as critical thinkers who respect and grow from diversity. Our classroom atmosphere is distinguished by deep reflexive practices, welcoming of creative thinking and the opportunity to understand the complexity of our own social positions and that of others. The ability to understand different perspectives and experiences is nourished in a classroom environment that respects free speech and intelligent arguments with equal participation.
In Dr. Julia Nevarez upcoming book: “Governing Disaster in Urban Environments: Climate Change Preparation and Adaption after Hurricane Sandy,” Dr. Nevarez is intrigued by the necessary adaptation processes required to fully comprehend the challenges of a climate that is producing extreme impacts and the need to redefine our relationship to nature in communities of solidarity. She sees her teaching, research, and service as fluid activities whose outcomes positively impact students’ learning about our current society. Her next book: “ The Urban Library: Public Space and Urban Development” will expand her explorations and analysis of libraries as public space to serve the needs of communities and impact the way neighborhoods in cities develop.
Dr. Celene Krauss is a feminist ecologist who focuses on understanding how environmental racism impacts race, gender and ethnicity. She currently studies the important role of Native American Women as leaders of Environmental Protests. Her work remains a classical contribution to environmental sociology.
