Sociology
What We Offer
Major: B.A. in Sociology
Minor: Sociology
Do you ever wonder why so many young people took part in the last presidential election? Or what immigration means for the future of America? Why do so many Americans go to church when so few Europeans do? How do “flashmobs” and protest movements take shape? And why is our national debate over healthcare so acrimonious? Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, how do people relate with each other, with the environment, and even with their God? More importantly, how do these relationships influence people’s aspirations, their behavior, and their life course? These are some of the kinds of questions that sociology addresses. As the scientific study of the social world, sociology examines such questions by considering the connections between social structures and personal outcomes; between historical processes and present conditions; between global dynamics and local realities.
At Eastern, sociology students explore some of the most interesting and pertinent issues of the day. Examples include social movements, urban dynamics, school achievement, community development, global interdependence, religion, the intersection of gender, race and class, and others. With a strong methodological and theoretical foundation and a clear commitment to faith, reason, and justice, the program promotes critical reflection and greater understanding of the human condition to enable students to more effectively engage their world as agents of change and redemption.
Our students routinely participate in study abroad programs and mission trips both inside and outside of North America, carry out internships in greater Philadelphia and beyond, and engage in any number of ministries, social service agencies and advocacy initiatives. They are also among the campus leaders in service, citizenship, and academic performance, often at the same time.
With a solid degree in hand (our seniors consistently score in the 90th or 95th percentile of sociology students nationwide in the ETS Major Field Tests), our graduates go on to a wide range of areas of activity after Eastern. Many enter graduate programs (e.g., in international relations, business administration, peace and conflict resolution, sustainability) as well as seminary; others have taken leadership positions in industry, research, education, and social services; several are active in the non-profit sector; and yet others are applying their sociological skills in the world of business.
Sociology is a degree for the 21st-century. At Eastern, it’s a first-rate program that will equip you to have a positive impact in your world. We are excited to be a part of it. We hope you will join us.
What our Graduates Do
• 1997 Shane Claiborne – Founder , “The Simple Way”
• 2006 Juan De Angulo – Director of Data and Evaluation, Congreso de Latinos Unidos
• 2006 Jocelyn (Davco) Ruiz – Director of Community Outreach, Monarch Plastics
• 2007 Sara Frymoyer – Learning Support Teacher and Dean of Advanced Students, KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy
• 2007 Alberto Vega – Director, Urban Promise Camp Spirit Program
• 2008 Elliott Zaagman – MBA Candidate, Sustainability Program, Antioch University of New England
• 2008 Abbie Maravalli – M.A. Candidate, Peace and Conflict Resolution, American University in Washington
• 2009 Ben Cressy – Green Space Coordinator, The Boston Project Ministries, Inc.
• 2009 Heather Loring – MTS Candidate, Candler School of Theology at Emory University
• 2010 David Slaght – Communications Liaison, Cold Climate Research Center, Fairbanks, Alaska
• 2010 Michael Ozaki – M.Div. Candidate, Princeton Theological Seminary
• 2010 Sarah Simon – M.A. Candidate, Kingston University, London
• 2011 Taryn Ortlip – Teach for America, Philadelphia
Contact Information
“I was drawn to sociology because it caused me to take a second look at the things I took for granted to be foundational. To say the least, it rocked me. Sociology teaches me the importance of striving to live a lifestyle that takes into account our inextricable ties to one another as human beings and to creation. It teaches me the ways we have allowed greed and individualism to stand in the way of such relationship. Sociology points me to a deeper understanding of the depth of human evil and the need for an intensely generous and creative love that covers it all. Ultimately, sociology leads me to grace.”
