Rochester Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The sociology curriculum provides both theoretical foundations and applied skills. Core topics include classical and contemporary sociological theory, research methods and statistics for the social sciences, social stratification, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, crime and deviance, urban and community sociology, and the sociology of work and organisations. Students learn qualitative and quantitative research techniques, data analysis, survey design, and ethical practice in social research.

The programme combines general education requirements with major courses and elective options. Typical modules and learning activities include:

• Sociological Theory – exploration of major thinkers and contemporary theoretical frameworks.
• Research Methods – training in qualitative interviewing, ethnography, survey methods and basic inferential statistics.
• Social Inequality – examination of class, race, gender, and intersectionality.
• Criminology and Deviance – study of social responses to crime and the criminal justice system.
• Urban and Community Studies – analysis of neighbourhoods, policy, and urban change.
• Capstone or Senior Project – independent research project or applied practicum demonstrating integration of theory and methods.
• Electives and Minors – options to combine sociology with complementary fields such as public policy, psychology, anthropology, criminal justice, or data analytics.

RIT emphasises experiential learning: sociology students can take advantage of internship and co‑operative education opportunities, community-based research projects, and faculty-mentored independent studies.

Entry requirements

Admission to RIT is competitive and based on an overall academic record. Typical successful applicants will have completed secondary school with strong performance in a range of subjects, including social studies and English; preparation in mathematics that supports statistics is advantageous. RIT evaluates transcripts holistically along with any required standardised test scores where applicable, recommendation letters, and personal statements.

International applicants must meet RIT's general admissions criteria for international students, which include evidence of equivalent secondary qualifications and demonstrated English language proficiency. Applicants with prior college coursework, associate degrees, or relevant work experience should submit transcripts for transfer-credit consideration. Prospective students are encouraged to contact admissions advisers to discuss specific credential evaluation and any programme prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in Sociology go on to a wide range of careers that value analytical thinking, research skills, and understanding of social systems. Common entry-level roles include:

• Research assistant or data analyst in academic, government or private research settings
• Community outreach, case management, and programme coordination in nonprofit organisations
• Policy analyst or staffer at local, state or federal government agencies
• Human resources and organisational development roles in the private sector
• Criminal justice and probation services
• Market research and consumer insights positions

Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in sociology, social work, public policy, law, education or related fields. The degree’s emphasis on research methods and communication prepares students for roles that require data-informed decision making and community engagement.

Why study at Rochester Institute of Technology

RIT combines a strong liberal arts foundation with a distinctive focus on experiential, career-oriented education. Sociology students benefit from the university’s established co-operative education programme and internship networks, which help bridge classroom learning with professional experience. Faculty members are active researchers who mentor undergraduates in independent and community-based projects.

The university’s location offers connections to municipal agencies, non-profit organisations, and regional employers, supporting applied research and placement opportunities. In addition, RIT’s interdisciplinary environment allows sociology majors to pair their studies with complementary programmes—such as data analytics, public policy, or criminal justice—enhancing both employability and academic breadth.