Undergraduate Overview

Two students working together on a project.

Sociology prepares undergraduate students to become active, enlightened citizens of the world. Asking important questions like: “What effect does poverty have on health?” and “How does inequality shape social policies?” paves the way for students to become leaders in their fields and catalyze social change in their communities.

Why Study Sociology?

To keep up with a rapidly changing social landscape, sociology majors aquire the ability to critically analyze the world and their place within it through a wide range of fascinating courses. An undergraduate degree in sociology provides students with the technical and analytic tools, critical thinking skills and global perspective they need to navigate the 21st century successfully and succeed in many careers. 

Why Study Criminology?

Crime and punishment are among the most pressing issues facing society today. Majoring in criminology equips students with the skills to understand why crime occurs, how broader social forces and inequalities shape society’s response to crime, and critically evaluate issues of justice and safety, Through theoretical and methodological courses, majors develop the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to examine how social forces and structural inequalities (including race, class and gender) shape crime, punishment, and the criminal justice system.

Post-Graduation

Graduates from UB’s Department of Sociology apply their knowledge and skills across a variety of occupations and professions including medical and health services, recreation, business, law and law enforcement, urban planning, social policy, and social services. They are also prepared for graduate and professional school programs in areas such as sociology, criminology, medicine, health professions, law, public policy, business, social work and other social sciences.

Provisonal Admission to Criminology MS Program

All undergraduate Sociology and Criminology majors that graduate with a GPA of 3.0 or higher will be provisionally admitted to the Criminology MS program. For more information on the College of Arts and Sciences Provisional Admission program, please click here.

Why do you recommend the undergraduate sociology program at UB?

"I recommend this program because I believe that a college degree should be a reflection of who you are as a person and a reflection of where you want to go in life. A sociology degree provides all students with the necessary skills to pursue a wide variety of graduate programs and/or professional careers. I am confident that when a student graduates with a sociology degree, they are able to see the world, and our societies within, from many different perspectives and bring about positive social change."
– Ashley Scott, BA '15

Degrees

  • BA in Sociology
  • BA in Criminology
  • Minor in Sociology
  • Minor in Criminology
  • Minor in Social Justice
  • Minor in Society, Medicine and Health
  • Understanding Diversity Through Sociology Micro-Credential
  • Crime and Justice in a Diverse Society Micro-Credential

Contact Us

General Inquiries:
ugradsoc@buffalo.edu

Student Spotlight

  • March 2024: Dylan McCann
    2/28/24
    This month, we are recognizing Dylan McCann as our March 2024 Student Spotlight Award Winner! Dylan is currently running the Sociology Club at UB, which has “given me the opportunity to refine my ability to communicate to others the importance of certain sociological themes.” After graduation, Dylan plans on pursuing graduate school to continue exploring his sociological interests.