- Office of Children and Youth
- Family Services of NWPA
- Mission Empower
- Erie International Institute
- Coalition of Immokalee Workers
- Greater Erie Area Community Action Committee
- Red Cross
- Stairways Behavioral Health
- Creature Comforts Animal Clinic
- Erie County Prison
- Pittsburgh Police
Sociology
Sociology is an exciting discipline with opportunities for a wide range of career paths! PennWest’s Sociology program is structured to give students a background in Sociological analysis and the applied skills necessary to pursue a variety of professional positions and positively contribute to societal change. There are employment opportunities for Sociology graduates in every industry of the modern workplace. Our alumni have found success in education, research and data analysis, public health, human and social services, social media, labor organizations, nonprofits, government, law, military, criminal justice community and media relations, business and environmental sciences.
Faculty engage in one-on-one mentorship to design research opportunities and internship experiences derived from students’ academic interests and career goals. Sociology majors have engaged in a variety of research and practice-oriented intionships at:
Required courses for the BA in Sociology and the concentrations in both Social Deviance and Human Services and Rehabilitation can be taken online or face to face on each PennWest Campus. The Social Deviance Concentration within the BA in Sociology is the only one of its kind nationwide. This concentration integrates concepts from various academic disciplines to examine and tackle the real-world issues of deviance. Students will examine intersections among the aberrant, the diverse, the different and the ever-evolving values and norms of our society and broader culture. A Sociology degree, accompanied by the deviance concentration, provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in PennWest's master's degree in conflict resolution. A Sociology degree with a concentration in Human Services can help to prepare students for graduate study in one of the counseling programs at PennWest.
This program is for you if...
- You want to build skills in:
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- Research Design and Development
- Data collection and analysis
- Report Writing
- Survey Design
- Interviewing Techniques
- Group Facilitation
- Strategic Planning
- Policy Analysis
- Community Organizing
- Program Coordination and Evaluation
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120 Credits for BA
What You'll Study
In PennWest University’s Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, you will explore the complexities of human behavior, social institutions, and societal issues. The curriculum includes courses on social theory, research methods, social inequality, race, gender, and social deviance. You will also have opportunities for hands-on learning through internships and fieldwork, particularly in the Human Services concentration offered at the Clarion campus. Additionally, you can specialize in Social Deviance through online coursework, gaining a deep understanding of societal norms and behaviors.
| Degrees, Certificates, Minors | Offered at... | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Clarion | Edinboro | Global Online | |
| Sociology, BA | Program Offered At This LocationBlended | Program Offered At This LocationBlended | Program Offered At This LocationBlended | Program Not Offered At This Location |
| Sociology, Minor | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This Location |
| Concentrations | Campuses | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Clarion | Edinboro | Global Online | |
| Human Services | Program Not Offered At This Location | Program Offered At This LocationBlended | Program Not Offered At This Location | Program Not Offered At This Location |
| Social Deviance | Program Not Offered At This Location | Program Not Offered At This Location | Program Not Offered At This Location | Program Offered At This Location |
Meet Our Faculty
Our faculty are not just instructors; they are mentors, researchers, and industry professionals committed to providing an education grounded in real-world experiences and academic excellence. From engaging classroom discussions to hands-on experiential learning, our educators are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.
How You'll Learn
This program is offered in a blended format at our California, Clarion and Edinboro campuses. A concentration option in Human Services is available at our Clarion campus, also in a blended format. A blended degree combines traditional in-person courses with flexible, online educational experiences. In addition, you can earn a BA Sociology with a concentration in Social Deviance 100% online.
What You'll Become
Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from PennWest University, you will be prepared for a variety of impactful careers. The program equips you with critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, making you a valuable asset in fields such as public health, education, and criminal justice. Additionally, you will be well-prepared for advanced studies in sociology or related disciplines.
Career Paths
- Education
- Research and Data Analysis
- Public Health
- Human and Social Services
- Social Media
- Labor Organizations
- Nonprofits
- Government
- Law
- Military
- Criminal justice
- Community and Media relations
- Business
- Environmental Services
How We'll Help You Succeed
At Pennsylvania Western University, we prioritize your success and well-being from the moment you join our community. Our comprehensive student support system is designed to meet you where you are, offering personalized guidance, academic assistance, and emotional support to ensure you can fully focus on your studies and personal growth. Whether you're a first-generation college student, returning for further education, or navigating career changes, our dedicated faculty and staff provide the encouragement and resources you need to overcome challenges and thrive. With a wide range of services from tutoring and career counseling to mental health resources, PennWest stands by your side, empowering you to achieve your academic goals and prepare for a successful future. Join us at PennWest, where you're not just a student; you're part of a supportive family committed to helping you find your place in the world.
$101,770
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023 the median annual wage for Sociology graduates was $101,770. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment of Sociology majors to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032.
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Affordable Programs
Tuition & FeesDiscover quality education that fits your budget with our affordable programs at PennWest.
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Success Coaching
Success at PennWestAchieve your academic goals with personalized guidance from our dedicated student success coaches.
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Post-Graduation Support
Life After PennWestWe're here for you even after graduation, providing support and resources to help you succeed in your career.