In the sociology and human services programs at Colby-Sawyer, you’ll study the dynamic relationship between individuals and society to understand why people act, think and feel the way they do when they function together as a collective.

Sociology Track

In the sociology track, you’ll focus on gaining a strong theoretical background in sociology by applying macro and micro approaches to the study of diversity, the influences of culture and social structure, and the root causes of injustice and inequality. Students in this track will explore the reciprocal relationship between individuals and society, as well as how human experience is affected by social change and stratification, institutions, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age and class. Graduates are prepared for careers in a variety of settings, such as the educational system, the criminal justice system, the medical system and political and community advocacy offices.

Human Services Track

In the human services track, you’ll prepare for a career in social work fields. Human services provides you with the foundation necessary for a career working directly with children, families and individuals, as well as organizations and communities. Graduates are prepared for clinical careers in a variety of settings including schools, the criminal justice system, the medical system, mental health and substance misuse facilities and community advocacy offices.

In both concentrations, students participate in research alongside faculty and peers and present their work at professional events like the annual conference of the Eastern Sociological Society. This prepares students for graduate level study, and the pursuit of a graduate degree such as an M.S.W.

Students integrate community service with academic coursework through internships and service learning— key components of Colby-Sawyer’s sociology and human services program. Students have gained valuable experience with a variety of organizations like the New Hampshire Food Bank, the Sullivan County Department of Corrections and the Kearsarge Lake Sunapee Food Pantry.

A Capstone project during your final year offers experience in designing, investigating and presenting research on a topic of interest. Collaborative research, data analysis, service learning and an internship at the organization of your choice are combined to provide practical experience and valuable career skills.