About Sociology at UTRGV
The Department of Sociology serves as a hub for many important initiatives while providing quality training in sociology and disaster studies. The department offers a B.A. and M.S. in sociology as well as an undergraduate minor. Faculty in the department also play a vital role in the newly launched interdisciplinary Disaster Studies M.A program and graduate certificate in Disaster Management and Sustainability. Internships and faculty-mentored research and teaching opportunities are available to students. The department also supports a Sociology Club and recognizes outstanding students through induction into the respective national honor societies: Alpha Kappa Delta and Lambda Alpha.
Academic Programs
Bachelor's
Sociology (BA)
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Program Modality: Campus
The Bachelor’s degree in Sociology takes students on a journey to understand how society works, why things happen, and the consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious traditions; from the divisions of race, gender, and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the latest strategies used in Social Research, Behavioral Sciences, Social Psychology, and other major areas in the field.
Master's
Disaster Studies (MA)
Master of Arts in Disaster Studies
Program Modality: Campus
The Master’s degree in Disaster Studies provides students with critical training and experience in the field of emergency management to assist in preparing for and managing disasters.
For those planning careers in research and teaching, the program also prepares students for doctoral programs in emergency management, public health, and related fields.
Sociology (MS)
Master of Science in Sociology
Program Modality: Campus
The Master’s degree in Sociology prepares students with the knowledge and the technical expertise to be effective specialists, analysts, and administrators in a variety of settings like federal, state, and local government agencies, school districts, community health and aging organizations, marketing firms, and evaluation programs. The curriculum emphasizes methods, statistics, and theory. Students have opportunities to gain both research and teaching experience.
The purpose of this organization shall be to promote sociology on campus and to provide social, educational and professional events and programs for students interested in sociology.
We have an active chapter of the Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honor Society. This allows us to recognize outstanding sociology majors and make sociology more visible on campus. We induct new students at ceremonies held once or twice per year.
Nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).