Skip to main content
Eastern Illinois University

Sociology

Sociology is the systematic study of society, social groups, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior.  Through an analysis and exploration of issues central in our personal lives, our communities, our nation, and the world, sociology has become one of humankind's major sources of self-awareness in the 21st century.

Apply to EIU MyEIU
Sociology

Request Info: Sociology

We know you have questions about Sociology at EIU, and we don't want to leave a single one unanswered. Submit the form below for a personal response to your inquiry.

Degree Level
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 43 in Major
Careers
Social, Managers, Marriage, Therapists, Family,, Workers
Sociology students at EIU

Why Study Sociology at EIU?

  • Learn from award-winning teachers and researchers
  • Tackle real-world problems with broad, holistic, interdisciplinary thinking
  • Benefit from personal attention from faculty, small class-sizes, and a strong and vibrant student community
  • Easily double-major or add multiple minors to complement and enhance your studies
"I chose to attend EIU because it was the college that I felt like fit me the best. I knew for financial reasons it was best for me to stay in state but I still wanted to choose the right school. Eastern gave me both the small community and big school feeling that allowed me to make the most of my experiences."
Emma Garner
Criminology and Sociology | Class of 2027
Emma Garner, Criminology and Sociology at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Devise your own research project or course of study with the option of earning department honors
  • Join our department's chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, the international sociology honors society
  • Apply coursework to internships and earn hours toward graduation
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Sociology students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Sociology focuses on the systematic study of society, social groups and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. It is a fit if you are curious about why people and communities behave as they do and want to think critically about issues in your community, your nation and the world.

View in Catalog
$48,925
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Social & Community Service Managers
  • Marriage & Family Therapists
  • Child, Family, & School Social Workers
  • Healthcare Social Workers
  • Mental Health & Substance Abuse…
  • Probation Officers & Correctional…

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Bright OutlookBright Outlook careers are ones with a promising future. They're expected to grow quickly, to have lots of job openings, or to be brand new and emerging. A career earns the label if it meets any one of these: projected growth of 5% or more, at least 75,000 projected openings, or New & Emerging status.
Grow Rapidly: Jobs in this career are expected to grow 5% or more over the next several years, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit SocialSocial interest typeYou like helping people. This work centers on supporting others by helping, teaching, advising or serving them.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

Don Holly
Department Chair & Professor of Anthropology
dhholly@eiu.edu
3170 Blair Hall
217-581-3123
Don Holly Message Don

Message Don

or email dhholly@eiu.edu directly
Michael Cornebise
Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences & Professor, Geography
mwcornebise@eiu.edu
2214
217-581-7486
Michael Cornebise Message Michael

Message Michael

or email mwcornebise@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

Related Programs

Still Exploring?

Add any program to your comparison or browse all options.

Musical Theatre Performance
Undergraduate Option • B.A.
Health Administration
Major • B.S.
History: International Studies
Undergraduate Option • B.A.
Middle Level Education with Licensure
Major • B.S. Education
Dramatic Writing
Undergraduate Option • B.A.
Music Performance
Graduate Option • M.A.
Management: International Business Management
Undergraduate Option • B.S. Business
English Language Arts for Teacher Licensure
Major • B.A. w/ Licensure • Minor
Economics: International Studies
Undergraduate Option • B.A.
← Back
0 of 3 selected Compare →