Sociology

Why study sociology?

Students who study sociology will understand the complex intersection of economic, political and cultural structures of the social system with individual experiences.

Sociology curriculum enables students to identify, understand and critically explore connections between individuals and society.
Classroom learning and research applies “systems level” thinking as an analytic tool and values continued partnerships and collaboration within the local community.
Students learn how social systems influence individual behavior, as well as understand how changes in the structure of society influence the whole.

Sociology Department

Academics at AU

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

MAJOR MAP

FACULTY

Related Programs of Study

Criminal Justice
Psychology
Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)

Contact Us

Dr. William Swart, department chair

Sociology Department

Latest News

‘A critical edge’: Augustana Brings Backs Criminal Justice Major After 35 Years

In the fall, Augustana University brought back its criminal justice major after nearly 35 years — adding to the list of interdisciplinary academic programs being developed as part of Augustana’s strategic plan Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030.

Augustana University Offering Gender, Sexuality & Women’s Studies Minor

Augustana University has added a gender, sexuality & women’s studies (GSWS) minor as of Aug. 30. The minor is another offering within the university’s list of interdisciplinary academic programs developed as part of Augustana’s strategic plan Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030.

Beyond the Books at AU: Government and Sociology Double Major Learns Valuable Lesson in Health Care Through Internship in Michigan

Augustana University student Tsegab Arega ‘23, of Sioux Falls, is a government & international affairs and sociology double major. As a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health Scholar, Arega was an intern this past summer at the University of Michigan Future Public Health Leaders Program (Michigan FPHLP) in Ann Arbor.

Highlights

Careers

Graduates establish diverse career paths that include community development, human services and social work, law, criminal justice, health and ministry.

Hands-On Learning

Internship opportunities include:

Alzheimer’s Association
Children's Home Society
DakotAbilities
Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls
Sequel Transition Academy
Minnehaha County State's Attorney
Sioux Falls Police Department (SFPD)
South Dakota Department of Corrections

Many sociology students choose to research through the Augustana Research Institute (ARI) and ongoing faculty projects. Students in this major often present their research at Augustana’s Arthur Olsen Student Research Symposium.

Sociology students study away in:

Northern Ireland — focusing on the United Kingdom and reconciliation with AU faculty
London, England — focusing on Brexit with AU faculty
Barcelona, Spain — focusing on colonialism, identity and modernism with AU faculty
Australia — focusing on the global economy
Washington, D.C. — with the Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS)

Courses & Organizations

Students can choose an emphasis in these areas:

Criminology & deviance — criminological theory, the criminal justice system, and connections between legal, judicial and enforcement practices
Family & community services — eviction and homelessness, domestic violence, marriage and parenting and family life
Medicine & health care systems — social patterning of health, experience of illness and production of medical and health-related knowledge
Sociology (society) — how individuals, institutions and structures are systematically connected in another discipline of the student’s choice, such as communication/business, marketing or computer information systems

Classes explore a broad range of social systemic forces, including family, religion, health care, gender, gerontology, deviance, crime and social inequality.

The sociology major pairs well with a minor in aging studies, gender studies or children & youth.

Sociology students often participate in:

Serving and Learning Together (SALT)
Lost & Found
Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
Augie Green
Peace Club
Encompass Humanity
Augie Feminist Equality Movement (FEM)