More Program Specifics
Understand the courses you’ll take, the curriculum requirements to meet, and the concepts you’ll gain mastery of. Three related minor program options are also offered. Get the detailed information you’re looking for.
Sociology BA
More than a humanities program, our Sociology bachelor's degree explores humanity itself.
Understand people, societies and relationships with RIC's Sociology Program.
In our program you'll pursue the scientific study of human behavior and relationships within the structures of groups, organizations and societies. We'll equip you with the analytical tools and real-world experience to understand and address the complexities of behavioral patterns and societal structures.
Sociology Career Opportunities
- Social Worker
- Nonprofit Administrator
- Policy Analyst
- Market Researcher
- Legislative Aide
- School Counselor
Why Earn a Sociology Bachelor's Degree at Rhode Island College?
- With two majors (sociology and justice studies) and three minors (sociology, justice studies and aging studies) from our Department of Sociology, students can easily double major or pair a major and minor.
- Sociology majors benefit from experiential learning opportunities, including service learning, field work, research and internships, that bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world.
- Our Sociology degree program is an effective pathway to law school, with pre-law preparation and advising available
- Topics covered include: social research methods, data analysis, crime and criminal justice, politics and society, aging and law.
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We're thrilled that you're interested in Rhode Island College and we want to make sure that nothing stands in your way of pursuing a RIC degree. Just let us know how we can help you with your next steps.
RIC’s Departmental Honors Program offers exceptionally motivated students the opportunity to engage in more in-depth, specialized research.
Sociology Faculty
We'll teach you to design research projects and data collection instruments, collect data in various ways and analyze your data using both qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis.
Dr. Mikaila Mariel Lemonik Arthur
- Professor
Dr. Alessandra Bazo Vienrich
- Associate Professor
Dr. Emily B. Campbell
- Assistant Professor
Dr. Tanni Chaudhuri
- Professor
Dr. Desirée Ciambrone
- Professor
Dr. Geoff Harkness
- Associate Professor
Dr. Jill Harrison
- Professor
Dr. Pamela I. Jackson
- Professor
Dr. Tamara Nopper
- Associate Professor
Dr. Carse Ramos
- Associate Professor
Ensuring That You'll Be Ready
Jill Harrison
“Our graduates act on a desire for social change. They enter careers in the judicial system, education, data analysis, law enforcement, public relations, nonprofit organizations, community development, managerial positions and so much more.”
– Professor of Sociology
Faculty Powerfully Impacting Their Fields
“Abolition politics is about finding solutions to social problems other than carceral or criminal punishment,” explains Associate Professor Tamara Nopper.
Program Details
Program/Learning Goals
Upon completion of this program, students will:
- understand basic sociological concepts, theories and paradigms in their historical context
- understand the relationship between sociological theory, research design and interpretation and engage in work developing their research literacy
- understand and engage in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analytical processes
- be able to communicate, in written and oral form, sociological arguments
- be able to exercise their sociological imaginations toward examining our social world as well as its practical uses and applications
Related Minor Programs
Declaring a minor allows you to explore other areas of interest and make interdisciplinary connections. Minor areas at RIC complement and reinforce all major areas of study. By declaring a minor, you can set yourself apart as a candidate for job, internship and volunteer opportunities.
Sociology Minor Course Requirements
Transfer Into Our Program
If you are thinking about coming to RIC as a transfer student from another college, including the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) or Bristol Community College (BCC), or if you have transferred already, you will find information here to help you navigate the transition. Many of our majors and minors transfer to our program, and if you have taken sociology courses elsewhere, you should be off to a great start in completing your degree here.
Please Note: You still need to complete all the general education requirements, along with your major requirements, and earn a total of 120 credits to graduate from Rhode Island College.
Join Admissions Agreement with CCRI
If you are a CCRI student with fewer than 30 credits, you can apply for the Joint Admissions Agreement (JAA) plan in sociology, which will enable you to leave CCRI having made the most progress toward your degree. Even if you don’t qualify for the JAA plan, you can use the JAA degree requirements to select the most appropriate CCRI courses. You are strongly encouraged to complete your math course prior to transferring or in your first semester at RIC. Also, take a look at our partnerships with other colleges.
| RIC Course | CCRI Course | BCC Course |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 200 | SOCS 1010 | SOC 101 |
| SOC 202 | SOCS 2020 | SOC 251 |
| SOC 204 | SOCS 2030 | -- |
| SOC 207 | SOCS 2300 OR SOCS 2310 | CRJ 251 |
| SOC 208 | SOCS 2040 | SOC 256 |
| SOC 217 | -- | -- |
| MATH 240 | Math 1475 OR Math 1550 | Math 119 OR Math 252 |
Take the Next Step!
Department of Sociology
“The fascination of sociology lies in the fact that its perspective makes us see in a new light the very world in which we have lived all our lives.” – Peter Berger
- phone401-456-8026
- placeGaige Hall