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
Department Updates
Student Highlights
2022 Internships - Three Sociology students filled internship placements in Spring of 2022 at Baltimore Witness, a news site that provides transparency on violent crime cases in the city by collecting data on cases, reporting on court proceedings, and conducting interviews. These students each published several stories.
Mackenzie Wright:
Sophie Gad:
Lilly Berretta:
Faculty News
We mourn the death of Dr. Mark Peyrot, who served at Loyola from 1985 to 2018 as a faculty member and, for ten years, the chair of the sociology department. Mark started the Loyola Center for Social and Community Research, which granted research assistantships and apprenticeships to graduate and undergraduate students for several decades under his leadership. He also served as the founding chair of the committee that developed the regulations governing research ethics at Loyola.
Outside of the Loyola community, Mark filled leadership positions in several professional organizations, including the Society for the Study of Social Problems, the American Sociological Association, the American Diabetes Association, and the American Association of Diabetes Educators. He was an internationally recognized speaker and travelled the world to spread the word about how a sociologically informed humanistic approach to medicine and living with diabetes can make a big difference.
Dr. Barbara Vann retired at the end of Spring 2020 term after over 30 years of teaching.
Dr. Joshua Hendrick took over as chair of the department.
We mourn the death of Antonia Keane, who taught in this department from 1969 to 2015. Toni taught criminal justice courses, an always full social problems course, and sociology of the family. She was a trustee and board member of the Enoch Pratt Free Library of Baltimore and ran longtime Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski's first campaign for a seat on the Baltimore City Council.
Student Information
New major requirements took effect F2021. New minor requirements took effect for the class of 2022.
Internship information has been updated.
The Sociology Club presidents for 2022-2023 are Paul Capobianco, Nea James, and Anna Levine.