Sociology majors at the University of Houston must complete core courses in sociological theory, social statistics, and research methods. Alongside core courses, sociology electives emphasize an understanding of a broad range of subjects including family, gender, healthcare, poverty, race and ethnicity, sexuality, and social psychology.

The study of sociology provides students with the tools to understand social problems and to create research and data-driven policies for alleviating these problems. In sociological theory, students will learn about sociological theories and concepts that will help them to think analytically and critically about the social world. In social statistics, they will learn to apply statistical techniques and to interpret statistical results. In research methods, they will gain hands-on experience developing and conducting a research study. In many of the writing-intensive electives in sociology, students will develop their problem solving and communication skills. All of these skills are invaluable in today’s technical and data-driven work environment. The sociology major thus prepares students for graduate studies in the social sciences, as well as fields such as social work, education, and public health. It also prepares them for an array of jobs in the non-profit, for-profit, and government sectors.