Marywood University

What you'll study

The Sociology programme combines core sociological theory with applied methods and opportunities for experiential learning. You will study the foundations of sociology, research design and quantitative and qualitative methods, and courses that examine social institutions and inequalities.

• Core theory: classical and contemporary sociological perspectives, social theory, and the sociology of knowledge.
• Research methods and analysis: introductory and intermediate statistics, survey design, ethnography, interview techniques, and data analysis using common software packages.
• Social structures and institutions: courses covering family, education, work and organisations, community studies, and the sociology of religion.
• Social inequality and identity: modules on race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, class and social stratification, and migration.
• Applied sociology: criminal justice, deviance, public policy, social welfare, and community development.
• Experiential components: service-learning, internships with local agencies and non-profits, and opportunities for community-based research in the Scranton region.
• Capstone or honours project: a senior seminar or independent research project that synthesises theory and methods and emphasises applied outcomes.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions materials include official transcripts, a personal statement, and academic references. Marywood considers the whole application and may have additional criteria for transfer applicants or those seeking advanced standing.

Standard academic preparation includes courses in English and social studies; preparation in mathematics or statistics is helpful for method-focused courses. Standardised test requirements may be optional or considered as part of a comprehensive review—consult the university admissions office for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in Sociology from Marywood are prepared for a variety of entry-level roles in human services, community development, and public and private organisations. Common career paths include:

• Case worker or programme coordinator in social services and non-profit organisations
• Community outreach and advocacy roles
• Research assistant or data technician in academic, government or market-research settings
• Human resources or organisational support roles
• Positions in criminal justice, probation, and rehabilitation services
• Further study leading to careers in social work (MSW), public policy, sociology, or related graduate programmes

The programme’s emphasis on applied research and internships helps students build practical skills and professional networks in the local region and beyond.

Why study at Marywood University

Marywood offers small class sizes and close faculty-student interaction within a liberal arts and Catholic educational tradition, which supports ethical reflection alongside social inquiry. The university emphasises experiential learning and service, giving sociology students structured chances to engage with community partners across Scranton and northeastern Pennsylvania.

Students benefit from accessible faculty mentorship, opportunities for undergraduate research, and coordination with the university's career and civic engagement services to secure internships, field placements and post-graduation pathways. The campus setting provides a balance of focused academic study and practical community engagement for aspiring sociologists.