Department of Sociology
An Engaging Academic Environment
Sociology is the science that studies the social relations of people. It is a scientific approach to understanding human groups and human interaction. From families to neighborhoods to nation-states, human life is spent in the company of others. The theories and methods of sociology provide a means to analyze the social nature of human existence and work toward a world that is more tolerant, equitable, and inclusive.
Training in sociology expands one's awareness and appreciation of human diversity, and is useful preparation for careers in business, law, government, ministry, medicine, and many more.
Why Baylor Sociology
Dating back to 1919, Baylor’s sociology program offers a legacy of distinguished service, high caliber scholarship, exemplary teaching, and unique opportunities to its students. At Baylor, we offer courses taught by top scholars and various opportunities for independent research.
Undergraduate Programs
An attractive aspect of our program is its flexibility with sociological studies in keeping with students interests and ambitions.
Graduate Programs
The Department of Sociology at Baylor University has a productive faculty committed to the mentorship and collaborative research with students.
Research Areas
Research is an important aspect of graduate study at Baylor and, by the end of their second year, Sociology doctoral students will begin engaging in an in-depth research project. Our graduate students have been published in Social Forces, Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion and Social Science Quarterly. Their work also has been selected by notable new outlets such as The Huffington Post, USA Today and The Washington Post.
Careers in Sociology
The knowledge and analytical skills of sociology make our graduates broadly marketable. More than half of our alumni build a career upon their undergraduate degree. About a third eventually pursues some type of graduate education, such as sociology, social work, seminary, business administration, law, or medical. Private laboratories, foundations, and research centers offer opportunities for those who study sociology and health.
Ty is the Associate Client Engagement Manager for a major tech company.
Jordyn attended graduate school and now works in a hospital.
Matt is pursing an M.S. in Forensics Psychology and is working as an Outreach Coordinator at his university.
Sociology In the News
More NewsBaylor among the top 20 colleges and universities nationally, earning BU recognition this spring as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for the third straight year.
Dougherty joins Baylor legends among the university’s 33 Master Teachers. In January, President Linda Livingstone announced the lifetime designation for this rare honor for four Baylor professors.
Sociology's very own, Dr. Kevin Dougherty, is announced as one of four distinguished recipients of highest honor granted for sustained excellence in teaching.
Baylor University has been named to TIME Magazine’s list of the 100 Best Colleges for Future Leaders 2025, a ranking measuring universities that excel in nurturing some of the nation’s most highly influential leaders.