Department of Sociology

                 

An undergraduate sociology major provides valuable insights into social factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, education, and social class that affect work and how organizations operate. Developing a sociological perspective is advantageous for working in today's multiethnic and multinational business environment. Thus, a degree in sociology is an excellent springboard for entering the world of business, industry, and nonprofit organizations. Our majors can be found working in fields including law, business, medicine, teaching, government, non-profit organizations, and social work. 

As a major, you will learn to apply basic sociological research techniques and skills. The department offers student internships and research opportunities through yearly sociology and social work practicum experiences; thus, you will have a chance to apply your learning and test out a field that interests you with professional guidance. Recent internships include placement with the court system, social service agencies, rehabilitation organizations, and other local non-profits, which our graduates have found useful in a variety of career tracks.

A distinct benefit of a degree in sociology is that the most important problems of the 21st century will be social: how to avoid war, advance democracy, fight poverty and crime, treat substance abuse, and minimize environmental destruction. Loyola sociologists will be on the forefront in the search for answers.

Why you should study Sociology

The Department of Sociology's Commitment to Racial Justice

The Sociology department faculty and staff.

Department Updates

Student Highlights

2023 Alpha Kappa Delta Honors Society Inductees

Congratulations to the 2023 inductees into Alpha Kappa Delta, the international sociology honors society! This year, we inducted 18 sociology majors and minors into Loyola's Maryland Zeta Chapter of AKD.

2023-2024 Civic Fellowship Recipient

Nea James ('23) was selected to receive a competitive Transform Mid-Atlantic Civic Fellowship for 2023-2024. Her proposal focused on extending the work that she has been doing for her sociology internship with Baltimore Witness. Learn more about Nea's work and the fellowship here.

Faculty News

We are delighted to announce the advancement of Dr. Michelle I. Gawerc to Full Professor of Sociology! Dr. Gawerc began at Loyola in 2011, and we are so grateful for her years of service to the department and the university. Visit her faculty page for more information about her research and course offerings. 

We mourn the death of Dr. Michael G. Burton, who served at Loyola from 1978 to 2011 as a faculty member and, for two years, the chair of the sociology department. He co-founded Loyola's social science-based, interdisciplinary major in Global Studies, and served as its program director from 2006 to 2011. In recognition of its success in encouraging global learning, a benefactor awarded the university its largest gift at that time from a private individual, specifying that the main portion of the monies be dedicated to enhancing the Global Studies program. Over the years, Michael presented research papers and attended international scholarly conferences in Europe, England, Australia, Canada, and Central America.

After retirement, Michael remained scholarly and politically active, continued to travel, and developed an avid interest in classic rock, University of Texas and NFL football, and a love for Brittany dogs. Throughout his life, family always came first. He is survived by his wife Joan, son Michael, daughter Carole, son-in-law John, Grandsons JB and Owen, and brother George.

Dr. Amanda Konradi took over as chair of the department in January of 2023. We are so grateful to Dr. Joshua Hendrick for his years of service as chair!

Student Information

New major requirements and new minor requirements took effect for the class of 2027. Students from previous class years can find their major and minor requirements using the catalogues corresponding to their class year: 2026, 2025, 2024.

Capstone information has been updated.

The Sociology Club presidents for 2023-2024 are Hanna Addis, Ella Mallon, and Aisha Veras.