Department of Sociology
An Engaging Academic Environment
Sociology literally means the study of society, or of social things. 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. Training in sociology 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, you will take classes taught by top scholars and have opportunities for independent research.
Undergraduate Programs
An attractive aspect of our program is its flexibility. You customize your sociological studies in keeping with your 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. There has never been a better time to study sociology at Baylor.
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.
Maggie G.
Ph.D. student
Maggie is in the Sociology PhD program at the University of Texas at Austin.
Jeremy A.
Benefits Advisor
Serves patients at bedside by explaining their benefits, accounts, and payment options with the access services team at Baylor Scott and White - Hillcrest.
Cole D.
Law School Student
Attending law school at Southern Methodist University.
Sociology
In the News
Baylor doctoral student receives research grant to study entrepreneurial veterans
Nov. 20, 2020
A Baylor doctoral candidate in sociology has been selected to receive grant money through an annual national program that supports research into real-world problems facing entrepreneurs and their communities.
People Who Feel Their Lives Are Threatened Are More Likely to Experience Miracles
Aug. 17, 2020
WACO, Texas (Aug. 17, 2020) – People who experience threats to their existence — which these days may well be economic and political instability — are more likely to experience miracles, according to a Baylor University study.
Snapchat, Instagram and Other Unexpected Guests in Class
Jul. 22, 2020
Kevin Dougherty and Jesse DeDeyne documented how students used their cellphones during a sociology class last fall (spoiler: texting friends and checking Snapchat) and discuss how they'll change their teaching in response.
Faith-centered tattoos the focus of one Baylor prof’s research
Mar. 11, 2020
From sailors to motorcycle gangs, tattoos have long been a hallmark of rebellion, and a subtle indicator of someone outside the mainstream. But that stigma has eroded significantly in recent years, and today, it's hardly surprising to see a tattoo on almost anyone. That's what led Baylor sociology professor Kevin Dougherty to consider what tattoos...
Our Faculty
Spotlight
Mackenzie Brewer
Assistant Professor of Sociology
Chris Pieper
Senior Lecturer of Sociology and Undergraduate Program Director
Kevin Dougherty
Associate Professor of SociologyGraduate Program Director
Faculty Affiliate, Institute for Studies of Religion
Laura Upenieks
Assistant Professor of Sociology