Why Major in Sociology at ULM?
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Understanding oneself
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Understanding social behavior
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Learning factual information
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Becoming a creative thinker
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Improving the human condition
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Preparing for a job
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Advancing in your profession
The ULM Sociology program also offers its students a number of special activities to learn, network, and prepare for a future in the broad field of Sociology.
Understanding oneself: A famous sociologist stated it this way, "The first fruit of sociological study is a better understanding of ourselves." Human beings are gregarious; we do not live in isolated splendor. Sociology studies human interaction and its three most important products: culture, social organization, and human personality. To understand ourselves, we must see our place within the social structure -- how it affects us, and how we affect it. Back
Understanding social behavior: The poet says that no person is an island, and the sociologist shows how and why this is the case. To better understand ourselves, we benefit by developing a "sociological imagination" -- a distinct awareness of how broader social forces make an impact on our personal lives. Sociology emphasizes the role of the human group in helping to make us the kinds of persons we are. Back
Learning factual information: Sociological research provides useful information about the social world. Students in sociology learn about the family, religion, economics, politics, medicine, education, lifestyles, conformity, and deviance. Special courses in these fields -- and others! -- dot the sociological landscape, providing students practical knowledge that can be applied to everyday life. Back
Becoming a creative thinker: Facts do not always speak for themselves. Sociology students are urged to stretch their minds so that "facts" can be understood, interpreted, and used more effectively. Individuals not only are the products of their environments but also are the sources of social change. Sociologists recognize the creative role that humans must play in shaping human existence. Back
Improving the human condition: A prevailing theme of Sociology at ULM is that "We're PEOPLE people." Sociologists are truly concerned with the quality of human life, at both the individual and the societal levels. Although the quest for knowledge may be an end unto itself; using that knowledge for the benefit of humanity may be even more important. Sociology seeks to develop one's heart as well as one's brain. Back
Today, ULM sociology graduates hold important positions in business, education, church denominations, and numerous public agencies. One important conclusion summarized by many of these graduates is that their degrees help in their jobs because they understand people better than do most of their co-workers. (Find out what else they say.) Back
Advancing in your profession: Sociology offers excellent preparation for admission to and success in many professional and graduate schools. Across the nation, as at ULM, many young men and women find that sociology offers a good background for seminary studies. Sociology majors pursue graduate studies in counseling, in urban and regional planning, and in social work; some of the most prestigious colleges of business accept them into graduate programs. Career counselors have recommended sociology as excellent preparation for law school. For those seeking direct career involvement, graduate study in sociology is an option. University teaching, social research, and census bureau careers as well as consulting with industry, government, church denominations, and labor unions are common professional options. Back
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Last revised April 2004
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The University of Louisiana at Monroe
Department of Sociology
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Monroe, Louisiana 71209
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