Human interaction is a mosaic of behavioral, physiological and environmental patterns. The things we talk about with others, the choices we make, the lifestyles we live, the institutions we create — all are shaped by the cultures and societies in which we live. The sociology major constructs ways for us to understand the dynamics and complexities of human interaction and social arrangements.
Study with eminent sociologists.
As a sociology major, you'll learn from world-renowned experts in social problems, family, conflict and troubles, and social interaction. Our faculty published more than four dozen books on these subjects.
Intern.
The department offers an internship program for sociology seniors, providing you with a wealth of opportunities to put your sociology major into action with social agencies throughout the city.
Sociological scope.
Broaden your horizons with courses in Sport and Society; Social Inequality; Culture, Health and Illness; Sex and Gender; Social Problems; Self, Language and Social Interaction; and the Social Reality of Crime and Justice.
The urban laboratory.
Marquette’s setting in the heart of a big city provides a cultural laboratory of human experience for our sociology majors. Link your sociology classroom experience with meaningful community service through Marquette’s Service Learning Program. Opportunities include serving at neighborhood organizations while learning about the history and challenges of neighborhoods; tutoring children and providing other services for the homeless while examining the roots of poverty in the United States, or serving hospice patients while learning about families in crisis.
Suggested curriculum
Major courses are bolded.
Freshman
- Principles of Sociology
- Rhetoric and Composition I & II
- Growth of Western Civilization I or II
- Science and Nature Elective
- Introduction to Theology
- Foreign Language I & II
- History Elective
- Natural Science Elective
Sophomore
- Sociology Elective
- Social Statistics
- Two Literature Electives
- Philosophy of Human Nature
- Foreign Language III & IV
- Math, Logic or Computer Science Elective
- Philosophy Elective
Junior
- Sociological Theory
- Methods of Social Research
- Two Sociology Electives
- Two Theology Elective
- Theory of Ethics
- Electives
Senior
- Two Sociology Electives
- Seminar in Sociology
- Senior Experience
- Electives
Looking to round out your academic program? Check out the honors program, service learning, study abroad or the many other ways to 
Campus tour at your fingertips: Marquette offers a free campus tour iPhone app. 
Things to see & do around Marquette University's campus in Milwaukee, through the eyes of students & alumni. Check it out. 
Valued for their ability to assess how social class, race, gender, religion, age and physical ability affect our surrounding world, sociology majors are in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts jobs for sociologists will grow 21 percent by 2018, a much faster rate than for other occupations.