Sociology

Public Sociology & Social Justice

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Harness the power of social dynamics. Help build a more just world.

As a student at Worcester State University, you will gain knowledge that will prepare you to make a positive difference in the world.

In pursuing a Sociology degree at Worcester State, you will join a diverse community of faculty and students. Together, you will study the nature of group behavior and social interaction viewed through analysis of structure, norms, and values to get a critical understanding of individuals as social beings. In classes on topics ranging from race, class, and gender inequalities to capitalism, immigration, cities, and the environment, you will develop the ability to make connections between lived experiences and social issues, and you will examine social justice issues and efforts to make the world a better place. With many opportunities to put theory into practice, you will have the knowledge and research capabilities for a wide array of academic fields and career paths.

Listen to MLK’S Worcester State Temple Speech, March 12th, 1961

Laurical · TEMPLE MLK SPEECH PART 1 March 12th 1961

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Sociology Programs

Why Sociology at Worcester State?

As a student, you will use a critical lens to investigate human behavior and social life, take informed action in the community–and learn how to conduct ethical sociological research and how to analyze results and present research papers.

Ethnic Studies
Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies
Environmental & Sustainability Studies
Latin American/ LatinX studies
Race
Class
Gender Inequalities
Capitalism
Immigration
Cities
The Environment

Massachusetts Statewide Undergraduate Research Conference
Celebration of Scholarship & Creativity
First Gen Summit
Center for Social Innovation

ALANA Focus Groups
Study Abroad for a Global Perspective
John J. Binienda Center for Civic Engagement

See the diverse career paths that this degree can lead you in.

Explore a wide range of rewarding professional opportunities with your degree from Worcester State in fields including business & industry, government, the justice system, education, research, community & social services, and more.

Policy Researcher

Community Organizer

Outreach Coordinator

Grant Writer

Immigrant Rights Organization Associate

Youth Worker

Refugee Case Worker

Program Director

Education Coordinator

Newsroom Researcher

Where will your degree take you?

Map your path to a rewarding career.

Discussing identity is really crucial. The program forces you to step outside yourself, to think about identity, and covers everything from transgender rights, to the #MeToo era, to Black feminist scholars.

— Samantha Bryan, Liberal Studies & Gender Studies

Portrait of Sociology student at worcester state, Anna Johnson

In this program, I've learned to be a good researcher. I've learned to understand where people come from. I had the opportunity to research specific groups in Worcester and how to utilize that community spaces, which helped me to learn more about the city I live in.

— Anna Johnson, Sociology

Sociology News

Nana Darkwa to be Honored Among “29 Who Shine”

Graduating senior Nana Darkwa will represent Worcester State University as one of Massachusetts’ “29 Who Shine” during a ceremony May 3 at the State House, honoring one outstanding graduate from each of the commonwealth’s public higher education institutions.

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W.E.B. Du Bois Academic Recognition Award fRecipient Janet Novack Named WSU’s ‘29 Who Shine’ Honoree

Governor Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education recognized Worcester State University graduating senior Janet E. Novack at the seventh annual 29 Who Shine awards ceremony at the State House.

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Professor Alex Briesacher is Making Space for Everyone

Alex Briesacher loves teaching his students. Asking around campus, those students who have taken his sociology classes mention his approachability, caring nature, honesty, and innate ability to teach through stories and humor as reasons they return to his classes as often as they can.

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Meet Your Faculty

Alex Briesacher

Associate Professor

My research hovers around the intersection of sociological social psychology and psychological social psychology with specific applications primarily focused on racialized experiences in different educational setting. Working within a department with [...]

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Siri Colom

Assistant Professor of Sociology

My research focuses broadly on understanding the operation and social organization of power. I delve into questions about urban space, environmental change, politics, and the role of institutions of racial domination . I am driven by questions that [...]

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Francisco Vivoni

Associate Professor of Sociology

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Michelle Corbin-Izaurralde

Professor

I am a feminist anti-racist sociologist whose work focuses on inequality across race, class, gender and sexuality.

Trinidad Morales III

Visiting Assistant Professor

Trinidad is a recent transplant to the New England region, but was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, a southwestern city bordering Mexico and New Mexico. He has taught classes in sociology, criminology, and demography at several academic [...]

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Meet All Faculty