BA/BS in Sociology

Sociology at Macalester asks why social arrangements take the forms they do, studying power, inequality, norms and change in everything from family life to large organizations. Students learn quantitative and qualitative research methods and apply them to issues such as migration, wealth gaps, education, eviction, incarceration and political participation. Faculty are described as accessible, and mentoring relationships last through a student's academic career. Research projects have had practical impact, including surveys of campus political participation and transit research for the regional planning agency. A paid summer research fund supports work with a faculty mentor. The discipline connects with concentrations such as urban, legal and data science fields. Graduates work in law, social services, policy, health care and user experience design, or go on to graduate study. The community gathers around a large wooden table, with Friday pickle snacks and senior research lunches.