Ithaca College

What you'll study

This Bachelor of Arts in Sociology combines foundational coursework in sociological theory and methods with substantive courses that explore how race, class, gender, family, institutions and communities shape social life. The curriculum balances classroom instruction with hands‑on learning through practicum, internships and independent research.

• Core courses: introductory sociology, classical and contemporary sociological theory, research methods, and social statistics to build conceptual and analytical skills.
• Substantive topics: social stratification and inequality; race, ethnicity and migration; gender and sexuality; family and life course; deviance and crime; health and society; urban and community sociology; organisations and work.
• Research training: courses and labs that teach qualitative and quantitative methods, survey design, interviewing, ethnography and data analysis using common statistical software.
• Applied learning: internship placements with local agencies, non‑profits and government bodies; community‑based learning projects in the Ithaca/Finger Lakes region; and opportunities for independent study or honours‑level capstone research supervised by faculty.
• Electives and cross‑disciplinary options: students may take complementary courses in public policy, criminology, psychology, environmental studies, education or communications to tailor their degree to specific interests.
• Structure: the programme is typically completed over four years, combining the college’s general education requirements with a sequence of major courses. Upper‑level seminars emphasise writing, presentation and original research.

Entry requirements

Ithaca College considers a combination of academic preparation and broader contributions to the campus community. Applicants should have a strong high school record with coursework that demonstrates readiness for college‑level work. Specific evidence of preparation in the social sciences, mathematics (for statistics) and writing is advantageous.

• Academic credentials: successful completion of a recognised secondary school diploma; competitive applicants typically present a solid GPA and a rigorous course load.
• Supporting materials: a personal statement or essay, and one or more letters of recommendation are commonly required and should speak to academic ability and potential for sociological study.
• International students: must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or approved institutional pathways unless exempt; submit equivalent secondary qualifications recognised by the college.
• Other considerations: some applicants highlight relevant volunteer, work or community experience—especially in social services, advocacy or research settings—to strengthen their application.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in Sociology from Ithaca College enter a wide range of careers where analytical, research and interpersonal skills are valued. The degree prepares students for both direct employment and further study in law, public policy, social work and graduate social science programmes.

• Entry-level roles: case worker, community outreach coordinator, programme assistant at non‑profits, corrections and probation support roles, social services intake worker.
• Research and analysis: research assistant in academic, government or private research settings, market research analyst, data analyst roles that build on training in statistics and survey methods.
• Policy and advocacy: positions with advocacy organisations, public policy offices, community development agencies and local government.
• Other pathways: human resources, education support, journalism and criminal justice careers; many graduates also go on to graduate study in sociology, social work, public administration, law or related fields.
• Career support: students can use Ithaca College’s career services and internship programmes to secure placements that translate classroom learning into professional experience.

Why study at Ithaca College

Ithaca College offers a close‑knit academic environment with small class sizes and accessible faculty who are active teachers and researchers. The college emphasises experiential learning, which for sociology students means meaningful internships, community partnerships and opportunities to conduct faculty‑mentored research.

• Faculty mentorship: students work directly with sociologists on independent projects and capstones, gaining supervision and professional references.
• Hands‑on opportunities: strong links to local government, community organisations and the Finger Lakes region support applied learning and fieldwork.
• Interdisciplinary strengths: easy access to complementary programmes—such as public policy, health studies and communications—lets students build a customised skillset for varied career goals.
• Supportive campus resources: advising, career services, and study abroad options help students plan academic pathways and transition into employment or graduate study.