Sociology
If you’re passionate about social change, concerned about inequality, and looking for solutions, you’ll find your perfect fit as a sociology student at Rollins.
In an intimate department with a specialized focus on social justice, you’ll enhance your awareness and understanding of 21st-century social problems and gain insight about how social change happens through on-the-ground experiences. You’ll also grasp the relationship between personal experiences and larger social forces and see the connections between biography, history, and social structure.
As a sociology major, you’ll develop in-demand skills and experience that will prepare you to thrive in a range of fields, from law and medicine to business and the nonprofit sector.
Why Study Sociology at Rollins
Make the World More Fair
Our program focuses on social inequalities, especially related to race, class, and gender. Your cohesive experience will focus on understanding the creation and reproduction of these inequalities and the potential for social change.
Build In-Demand Skills
Through discussion-based classes and immersive field experiences, you’ll forge real-world skills—like how to understand and conduct research and present data—that will prepare you to succeed in myriad professional sectors.
Personalized Attention
Our faculty is comprised entirely of full-time experts committed to collaborating on research, career development, and community engagement initiatives to enrich your experience.
Interested in Studying Sociology at Rollins?
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“Studying sociology at Rollins fundamentally altered my worldview. I am in a better position to understand the larger social and economic drivers of environmental harm and how those forces influence individual behavior. I also learned important critical-thinking and analysis skills, which were immensely valuable in law school and continue to benefit my legal practice every day.”
Rollins Sociology Careers
Rollins sociology grads are making tomorrow happen at some of the world’s most innovative organizations.
Lisa Begley ’05
Director of Data Analytics, Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast
Devon Collins ’05
VP of Network Systems, Cohen Veterans Network
Kiristin Kendrick ’15
Elevation Fellows Program Assistant, The Burnett Honors College, University of Central Florida
Amanda Crawford Stutman ’09
Staff Attorney, Committee for Public Counsel Services
Kathryn Powell Rachid ’11
Case Manager, Association of Women for Action and Research
Annabelle Kempster ’12
Senior Manager of Data Operations, National Association of Corporate Directors
Real World Experience
Hone the knowledge and skills you’re developing in the classroom through internships, research, and service projects on campus and in our community.
Popular Courses
Our rigorous curriculum is designed to promote sociological literacy and engaged citizenship, enhance understanding of 21st-century social problems, and cultivate in-demand analytical and problem-solving skills.
SOC 112
Sociology of the Family
Examine how political, economic, and social changes affect marriage and family, and explore divorce, abortion, homosexuality, and changing sex roles in light of larger social changes.
SOC 111
Social Problems
Investigate the 21st century’s stiffest social challenges—from poverty and sexism to racism and crime—as they evolve and transform society as a whole.
SOC 108
Self and Society
Delve into theories and research on socialization, identity formation, and the presentation and actualization of self, and explore the question of identity in contemporary American society.
SOC 345
Sociology of Gender
Examine gender in American society with an emphasis on the construction of femininity and masculinity in the context of major social institutions such as schools and family.
SOC 330
Social Movements
Analyze important social movements of the past century, including civil rights, feminism, and gay liberation, to glean insight on how to effect change now.
SOC 355
Race and Ethnic Relations
Explore colonization and immigration, assimilation and pluralism, prejudice and discrimination, and inequality and conflict past and present.
Beyond the Classroom
Real World Research From traveling to Selma, Alabama, to study the historical sites of the Civil Rights Movement to volunteering in child-care facilities to evaluate the social contradictions of paid care work, sociology students conduct real-word research alongside our expert faculty.
Meaningful Opportunities Our professors’ connections to social justice organizations throughout the region allow students to gain professional experience and effect positive change at the same time.
Student Activism Sociology students at Rollins are campus leaders. Our department hosts annual speaker’s forums and special film screenings to raise awareness about inequality issues, and students take on leadership roles in many progressive student organizations.
Expert Faculty
Sociology majors are afforded considerable opportunity to interact personally with our expert faculty both inside and outside the classroom.
Department of Sociology
Cornell Hall for the Social Sciences
1000 Holt Ave. – 2761
Winter Park, FL 32789
T. 407.646.2670
F. 407.646.2325
Amy Armenia, PhD
Professor of Sociology
Research interests: Intersection of family and work, and the challenges and contradictions faced by those who do paid care work
Stephanie Gonzalez Guittar, PhD
Assistant Professor of Sociology
Research interests: Housing and food insecurity, intersectionality, reproduction, and the scholarship of teaching and learning
Amy McClure, PhD
Associate Professor of Sociology
Research interests: Secularism and parenting; intersectionality of gender; sexualities, race, and class; qualitative methodologies; and the scholarship of teaching and learning
Matthew Nichter, PhD
Assistant Professor of Sociology
Research interests: Social movements, especially the African-American civil rights movement and its relationship to labor unions and the socialist movement