sociology professor gives class lecture while students take notes on laptops

Sociology (Minor)

Sociology Minor

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Studying sociology at SBU will teach you to understand social institutions, group life, and the influence of environmental factors upon the individual and society, equipping you with interpersonal and professional skills for a wide variety of career opportunities.

Sociology is a very applied field of study and is helpful for students preparing for graduate school study or for careers in the private, government, nonprofit or education sectors.

Pair your sociology minor with another degree in Behavioral Sciences, such as Psychology, Criminal Justice, or Social Work.

The Sociology minor is offered through SBU's College of Arts and Sciences. 

SBU students

the sbu advantage

  • Thrive within the small class environment which allows for individual advisement and leads to lifelong friendships.
  • Broaden your education by adding a minor in sociology to your degree program, such as a degree in psychology, criminal justice, or social work.
  • Engage in hands-on learning through completing an internship during your junior and/or senior years for a local community agency.

Faith Integration

The integration of Christian faith with the academic discipline of sociology distinguishes SBU's program. When studying sociology at SBU you will analyze all theories but will be encouraged to incorporate, rather than abandon, faith perspective while doing so and will be challenged to consider how Christianity has influenced history and society.

While all courses inherently integrate the Christian faith, the department of behavioral sciences also offers special classes specifically focused on faith integration, such as Psychology of Religion, Sociology of Religion, and Agape Love and Altruism.

The department has adopted 2 Peter 1:5-7 as its department verse: "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love."

Careers

Studying sociology opens up a wide variety of career paths. SBU sociology alumni have pursued careers such as:

  • Activity director for senior adult residential care facility
  • Child care director
  • Counselor
  • Foster care case manager
  • Mental health counselor
  • Missionary
  • Occupational therapist
  • Pregnancy crisis center manager
  • Professor
  • Social worker
  • YMCA director
  • Youth care specialist

Internships

SBU sociology students have the opportunity to complete a variety of internships. Recent examples include:

  • Alpha House (crisis pregnancy resource center)
  • House of Hope (domestic violence shelter)
  • Parkview Healthcare Facility
  • Polk County Health Center
  • Polk County Senior Center
  • Ronald McDonald House

Full-Time Faculty

Debbie Gamble

Debbie Gamble, Instructor
Shelley Kilpatrick

Dr. Shelley Kilpatrick, Division Head
Philip Truscott

Dr. Philip Truscott, Associate Professor

Clubs and Organizations

Behavioral Sciences Club

As a behavioral sciences student you are encouraged to join SBU's Behavioral Science Club, which unites all students interested in and studying the behavioral sciences, including criminal justice, psychology, social work and sociology. Club members meet regularly to encourage each other and participate in various service projects.

Sociology and Criminal Justice Society (SCJS)

Join SBU's chapter of Sociology and Criminal Justice Society (SCJS), an honor society for behavioral sciences students studying sociology and criminal justice.