In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships and aid as you pursue a Sociology degree.
About the Sociology Degree
Sociology is the scientific study of individuals, groups, and society. Courses emphasize the understanding of social issues and analysis of interactions between individuals and social groups, involving gender, social class, religion, and other aspects of culture and society. A Sociology degree from Wayne State will help you learn to appreciate sociocultural diversity within and among societies and to be sensitive to people from various ethnic, religious, racial, and economic backgrounds. With a Sociology degree, you will be ready to positively contribute to an increasingly diverse society. You’ll also be well-prepared for careers or graduate studies in the social sciences, community development and planning, public administration or policy, criminal justice and law, public health, and health sciences and medicine.


Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Fast Facts
Degrees offered: B.A. or B.S. in Sociology
Hours required:
For major: 36
General education: 30
To graduate from WSC: 120
Popular minors: Psychology, Criminal Justice, Spanish, Business Administration, Political Science, English, Public Administration, Public and Global Health, Biology
School: Education and Behavioral Sciences
Department: Psychology and Sociology
Nationally Ranked Program

No. 1 in Nebraska, Top 1% in the U.S.
Top Ranked Human Development and Family Studies College, 2019
College Factual

Top Ranked Human Development and Family Studies College, 2019
No. 1 in Nebraska, Top 1% in the U.S.
College Factual
Wayne State College performed very well in a recent ranking of Human Development & Family Studies programs. College Factual ranks programs offered by four-year colleges and universities and has recently updated its rankings. WSC’s programs in this category have been ranked #1 in Nebraska for 2019. This makes us the best in the state.
Human development and family studies looks to understand how people develop and relationships form in society. It studies the cognitive, emotional, social and physical development of people throughout different stages. Classes you may take when studying HDFS could include: child guidance and parenting, contemporary family issues, multiethnic society, early childhood education, human sexuality, child development, lifespan development, psychology, and sociology.
College Factual, located in Troy, New York, is a leading source of college data analytics and insights, with a strong focus on student outcomes. Its mission is to help all types of students discover their best-fit college and major so they can enjoy their college experience and graduate with less debt. College Factual provides coverage for over 2,500 colleges and universities, 350 college majors, for students in over 160 countries. Learn more about College Factual.

Recognized for Excellence
Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Colleges of Distinction

Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Recognized for Excellence
Colleges of Distinction
Wayne State College has been named as a College of Distinction. Colleges of Distinction honors and recognizes the hundreds of smaller, teaching-centered colleges that make up the fabric of the American educational system, schools that deliver well four overarching distinctions — Engagement, Teaching, Community, and Outcomes — which are the fundamental elements of an effective undergraduate education.
To be designated a “college of distinction,” a school’s curriculum must emphasize such core competencies as critical thinking, writing, oral skills, research, and global perspectives. They must also offer dynamic out-of-classroom learning and study abroad programs. The process is objective, in-depth, and qualitative; however, quantitative data such as class-size statistics, faculty-to-student ratio, plus retention and four-year graduation rates are also taken into account.
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world in the Sociology degree program.
Skills Learned
- Analytical thinking, writing, and research skills
- Understanding of human social and cultural diversity
- Sociology of deviance and problems
- Social and cultural aspects of urban and rural life
- Advanced insight into group behavior and dynamics
- Social welfare systems and service programs
- Religious beliefs and rituals across cultures
- Influence of social factors and trends on people
- History and role of ethnic and racial groups in America
- Problem-solving
Possible Careers
- Social worker
- Family services worker
- Admissions rep
- Public policy analyst
- Consumer research specialist
- Probation officer
- College professor
- Human resource specialist
- Case manager or advisor
- Research analyst
- Lawyer
- Public health professional
Employers
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Behavioral health clinics
- Social services agencies
- Community organizations
- Government / federal agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Business and corporations
- Law enforcement agencies
- Research and consulting firms
- Political offices
- Marketing firms
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the Sociology degree program.

Marianna Baykina, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education in the Sociology degree program by participating in clubs, organizations, internships, and more.

Clubs and Organizations
- Active Minds
- Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology Honor Society)
- Pi Gamma Mu (Social Sciences Honorary)
- Psychology/Sociology Club

Service-Learning
Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career. Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.

Opportunities
- Research projects, class trips, and more – Conduct your own research projects and present your work at area sociological symposiums and conferences. You will also have opportunities to attend lectures by guest speakers and visit places of sociological interest.
- Peer tutoring and mentoring programs – Help fellow students master their courses and improve their skills, or be part of a support system for new students, all while gaining valuable experience for your resume.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.

Internships
Before graduating with your degree in Sociology, we encourage you to complete an internship in order to gain some field experience. Career Services is available to help you find the best internship opportunities in this field of study.