Sociology (Liberal Arts) AA

Sociology is defined as the scientific study of social life, social order and change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. It is the study of social interactions and the structure of groups, organizations, and societies.

In their pursuit of knowledge, sociologists ask fundamental questions about the social nature and meaning of the human experience and about the organization of society. Among other critical inquiries, sociologists study questions of social inequality and social justice, social movements and social change, race, gender, and social class. They also study families, religion, the economy, education, deviance, crime, and social control. All of these inquiries are attempts to understand social reality and the individual and to find ways to empower oppressed members of society. 

A degree in sociology prepares students to

• become engaged citizens with critical and analytical skills. 
• transfer to four-year colleges and universities and pursue higher degrees in sociology or other related fields
• find employment in related fields
• conduct research
• lead programs, organizations, and human service agencies

The sociology program at HCCC empowers and advances students’ critical, scientific, and analytical skills as they learn to identify social problems and advocate for social justice, social policy, and action.

Consider the important social and cultural contributions of the following individuals, who earned a degree in Sociology: 

• W.E.B. Du Bois
• Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Rev. Jesse Jackson
• Rev. Ralph Abernathy
• Former New York Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm
• Former Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler
• Former NAACP Executive Director Roy Wilkins
• Actor Dan Aykroyd
• Former President Ronald Reagan
• Actor Robin Williams
• Former New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan

Education for Liberation: Sociology, Transformation, and Empowerment

The sociology department at HCCC offers a variety of courses that are transformative and inspiring.

Majoring in Sociology has given me a deeper understanding of people and society. It has also given me a greater understanding of myself.

Ashley Warren

Sociology AA Graduate, 2016

"Studying sociology at HCCC has been rewarding in more ways than one. I would not be where I am today without the education I acquired and the incredible professors I connected with in the sociology department who were tremendously encouraging throughout my studies. Today I am an MSW student at Rutgers University Newark and currently work at Hudson Pride Center in Jersey City, NJ where I advocate, educate, and support women of color who are HIV-positive or women who are in need of HIV/STD testing and other social services. My life after HCCC has been one fortunate and incredible journey that I credit to the sociology department for inspiring me to accomplish my goal of getting my Associates degree and also helping me to believe in myself."

We look forward to helping you achieve your goals. Use one of the links below to start your journey at HCCC!

 

Are you ready to get started?

• Apply today.
• Visit our Admissions and Financial Aid page for more information.

Are you looking for more information?

• Contact the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at (201) 360-4750 or via email at HUM-SSFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.
• View other programs in the Social Science and Education Meta-Major or view all Academic Pathways.
• For more information on Humanities and Social Sciences careers, visit Career Coach.

Are you looking for other options?

• Visit the School of Continuing Education and Workforce Development.
• Visit HCCC’s Early College program page.
• Thinking about transfer? Visit the Transfer Pathways page.

Contact Information

Michael Ferlise
Sociology/Anthropology Coordinator
mferliseFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE

Alison Wakefield, Ed.D.
Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
awakefieldFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE