Sociology 97.5%
of Valpo College of Arts and Sciences graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation.
$101,690
median annual wage for sociologists*
Valpo’s sociology major empowers you to understand the forces that shape society and human behavior, and equips you with the research skills and real-world experience to drive change. The sociology program at Valpo teaches you about social structures, cultural dynamics, and the effects of social influences. Through coursework and hands-on learning, you’ll develop critical thinking, research, and data analysis skills that prepare you for careers in government, education, business, law, social services, and community organizations. Sociologists’ research helps address social problems and informs laws and public policies. Their research provides valuable insights for educators, lawmakers, social workers, and more. In sociology at Valpo, you’ll take courses exploring key social issues in the United States, social theory, and research design. Valpo’s sociology professors maintain strong relationships with local, state, and federal agencies, which provide you with internship opportunities, professional networking, and learning experiences outside the classroom. You’ll also build connections with a passionate community of peers, with active student organizations such as Valpo’s Sociology-Criminology (SCRIM) Club.
* According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 report.
C A R E E R P AT H S A degree in sociology gives you a strong background for law school or graduate programs, as well as direct entry into careers in the criminal justice system, social services, social science research, business, and more: •C ommunity Outreach Coordinator •H uman Resources Manager • Lawyer •M arket Researcher •P aralegal or Legal Assistant
With a career in sociology, you can specialize in areas such as crime, education, health, or poverty — making an impact on the social topics that matter most to you. You can also add a concentration in criminology to your major, specializing your degree for careers in criminal justice, forensic research, or crime prevention.
•P olicy Analyst •S ociologist
Visit valpo.edu/alumni-success to learn more.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING In sociology, you’ll have a rich array of hands-on learning opportunities that bring classroom concepts to life. Internships are strongly encouraged for sociology majors, with placements available at local, state, and federal agencies, including police departments, juvenile and adult probation offices, the U.S. Marshals Service, family and youth service organizations, and victim assistance units. Students can also broaden their global perspectives through study abroad programs in countries such as Norway, Spain, Germany, China, and Costa Rica, with several immersive courses like Criminal Justice in Norway offered along the way. One of the program’s most distinctive offerings is the Inside-Out Prison Exchange, where Valpo students study alongside incarcerated individuals to engage in transformative discussions about crime, justice, and human behavior. This one-of-a-kind course challenges students to move beyond theory and engage directly with the realities of the criminal justice system, fostering deep empathy, critical insight, and a lasting commitment to positive change in their communities.
“I took a sociology course just for my general education requirements, and I was just in love. At Valpo, you find a community that wants you, that embraces you, and that helps cultivate who you are and what your passions and pursuits are.” N ATA LYA R E I S T E R ’ 2 5 Major: Sociology
SCHOL ARSHIPS AND AWARDS For more information on financial aid, visit valpo.edu/aid.
EXPERT MENTORSHIP
Be a Beacon Valparaiso University admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religion. (For a full statement, see valpo.edu.)
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At Valpo, meaningful relationships with your professors are the norm, not the exception. You’ll learn directly from experts with the highest degrees in their field who mentor students one-on-one. Professors will guide you in designing and conducting original undergraduate research, which many students present at regional or national conferences. Beyond the classroom, Valpo’s strong relationships with local, state, and federal agencies connect students with internship and job opportunities, putting you a step ahead after graduation.
Take the next step toward your bright future by visiting valpo.edu/sociology, or by scanning the QR code.
Valparaiso University Valparaiso, IN 46383 web: valpo.edu email: undergrad.admission@valpo.edu