Undergraduate

Sociology

With a broad-based liberal arts foundation, sociology courses teach students to understand the extent to which social structures impact our lives through the study of sociological theory, methods, and data analysis. In addition, students choose elective courses in the areas of inequality, institutions and community, social change, criminology, and deviance.

Sociology Program

Program Tracks Available

Major, Minor


Admission Deadline

Early Decision: November 15

Early Action: November 15

Early Action II: December 15

Regular Decision: March 15 (Preferred status deadline)

Apply Now


Degrees Offered

B.A.


School

D'Amour College of Liberal Arts and Sciences


Department

Sociology and Criminology

Program Contact

Angela Kaufman-Parks, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminology, Department Chair, Sociology & Criminology
508-767-7357 Kennedy Memorial Hall - Room 212

An Ideal Place To Learn

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Program Curriculum

Faculty


Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Pathways to Success

Bose Corp

Brown Rudnick LLP

Catholic Charities

Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging

Connecticut Public Radio

Easthampton Public Schools

Education First

Fidelity Investments

Glastonbury Public Schools

Hartford Healthcare

Massachusetts Department of Children & Families

Worcester Public Schools

Christina Caira

Sociology 2016
Staff Intern, Worcester Public Counsel, Youth Advocacy Division

Since beginning my internship, I've grown increasingly interested in the school to prison pipeline.

I have learned that certain policies within the education system dictate whether a child will stay in school and receive an education, or become expelled and be pushed into a life with an increased likelihood for unemployment, dependence on social-welfare, and imprisonment.
Sarah Crafford

Sociology 2016
Teacher's Aide at Union Hill Elementary School

Assumption has opened my eyes to the levels of diversity and inequality in our society.

Working at an elementary school in an urban neighborhood has allowed me to witness first-hand how the sociological concepts of race and social class play a role in our educational system. I am inspired to make a difference.
Korlu Jallah

Sociology 2018
The Real Time Crime Center, Worcester Police Station, Worcester, MA

I would tell all students coming to Assumption to consider taking a sociology course!

I've learned so much from my internship. It offered me a better understanding of police departments and I was able to learn about important technological tools that help aid police officers.
Thomas Paine

Sociology 2016
Intern, Worcester Police Department

I learned how the Worcester Police Department tries to keep the city safe.

While interning for the Worcester Police Department, I worked primarily in the Real Time Crime Center with the camera surveillance network. This system helps police solve and prevent crime.
Nicole Rebelo

Sociology 2016
Intern, Worcester County District Attorney's Office, Child Advocacy Center

My experience has helped me to learn about myself, and prepare me for my future.

From my internship, I learned how to work in an office environment, be a part of a professional team, and learned how the criminal justice system works to help children.
Cecilia Sarkodee

Sociology 2016
Volunteer Rape Crisis Counselor with Pathways for Change, Inc.

Interning at Pathways for Change has taught me many valuable skills and was a great experience.

I've learned how to properly complete paperwork, plan events, manage my time appropriately, and how to be a leader. I've also learned how to provide services to clients.
Alana Caraballo

Criminology 2019
Intern, Homeland Security Investigations

Because of Assumption, I feel very confident in my communication and presentation skills.

In addition, the College has been a great help to me professionally. I acquired my first internship because of the CDIC's Career Networking Night which is where I met my future internship supervisor. We talked about conducting an internship and within the week, I started!
Sarah Cordio

Sociology 2020
Researched the topic of mass incarceration and how this issue plagues the United States

Assumption’s professors have inspired me to make a difference in our world.

The ability to connect with professors on a personal level has made all the difference. They have such passion for what they do. Their strongly rooted beliefs in the world of sociology have guided me toward the career I want to pursue.
Marc Torres

Sociology 2021
Researched the topic of suicide and homelessness among veterans

Assumption’s ROTC affiliation program inspired me to learn about social issues that exist.

After graduation, I will commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. As a result, the research I did is important to me because it has given me tools for success by teaching me how to not succumb to the difficulties many veterans face.
Colleen Rauser

Sociology 2020
Researched how mass shooters are predominately white males and how masculinity and race has an impact / Intern, Worcester District Attorney’s Office

I’ve learned what’s expected from lawyers and have experienced what it takes to be a lawyer.

The research I’ve done has taught me how to present what I’ve learned from various studies. This will be particularly influential for me when trying cases in the future because I will already have knowledge of the different databases that are used to find research.
Colleen Kurtz

Sociology 2020
Researched the topic of accessing dental care and which conditions allow for various types of coverage / Emergency Shelter Intern, Abby’s House: Shelter, Housing, and Advocacy for Women

The sense of community and family at Assumption makes succeeding inevitable.

The CDIC helped me immensely while I developed my resume, providing suggestions on how to make it better and more appealing to employers, and Assumption’s professors have given me the knowledge and the confidence to take on the “real world” after graduation.
John Anthony Fine-Lease

Sociology 2020
Researched the topic of homelessness and the contributing social and personal factors / Intern, Worcester County District Attorney’s Office

Assumption College is an investment which will benefit students for the rest of their lives.

The professors go out of their way to make sure students reach their full potential. Through my Senior Seminar, I’ve learned to conduct qualitative research in a real-world setting which has given me the tools to succeed as I pursue becoming a prosecuting attorney.
Ryan Dalli

Criminology 2018
Intern, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

I'd tell incoming students that the amount of knowledge flowing in these classrooms is exponential.

My Assumption experience played a critical role in my internship because, throughout my four years, I have learned who I am as a person and have grown stronger every day. All of the professors in the Sociology and Criminology department have contributed to my success.
Robert Vozella

Criminology 2019
Security, Raytheon Security

Thanks to Assumption, I have a greater work ethic and have become much more personable.

I've also learned how to interact with different types of personalities - an important skill for my career. There are so many opportunities here, including CDIC's Career Networking Night which opened many doors for me. Take advantage of everything Assumption offers!
Alex Richardson

Criminology 2019
: Manager of Ballpark, Community, and Player Relations with the Worcester Red Sox

Assumption taught me the value of compassion and willingness to serve others in need.

This role allows me to utilize the sport of baseball as a vehicle to bring people together, and have a strong impact in the philanthropic community, which has always been a lifelong goal of mine.

Shining Their Light

Christina Caira

Sociology 2016
Staff Intern, Worcester Public Counsel, Youth Advocacy Division

Since beginning my internship, I've grown increasingly interested in the school to prison pipeline.

I have learned that certain policies within the education system dictate whether a child will stay in school and receive an education, or become expelled and be pushed into a life with an increased likelihood for unemployment, dependence on social-welfare, and imprisonment.
Sarah Crafford

Sociology 2016
Teacher's Aide at Union Hill Elementary School

Assumption has opened my eyes to the levels of diversity and inequality in our society.

Working at an elementary school in an urban neighborhood has allowed me to witness first-hand how the sociological concepts of race and social class play a role in our educational system. I am inspired to make a difference.
Korlu Jallah

Sociology 2018
The Real Time Crime Center, Worcester Police Station, Worcester, MA

I would tell all students coming to Assumption to consider taking a sociology course!

I've learned so much from my internship. It offered me a better understanding of police departments and I was able to learn about important technological tools that help aid police officers.
Thomas Paine

Sociology 2016
Intern, Worcester Police Department

I learned how the Worcester Police Department tries to keep the city safe.

While interning for the Worcester Police Department, I worked primarily in the Real Time Crime Center with the camera surveillance network. This system helps police solve and prevent crime.
Nicole Rebelo

Sociology 2016
Intern, Worcester County District Attorney's Office, Child Advocacy Center

My experience has helped me to learn about myself, and prepare me for my future.

From my internship, I learned how to work in an office environment, be a part of a professional team, and learned how the criminal justice system works to help children.
Cecilia Sarkodee

Sociology 2016
Volunteer Rape Crisis Counselor with Pathways for Change, Inc.

Interning at Pathways for Change has taught me many valuable skills and was a great experience.

I've learned how to properly complete paperwork, plan events, manage my time appropriately, and how to be a leader. I've also learned how to provide services to clients.
Alana Caraballo

Criminology 2019
Intern, Homeland Security Investigations

Because of Assumption, I feel very confident in my communication and presentation skills.

In addition, the College has been a great help to me professionally. I acquired my first internship because of the CDIC's Career Networking Night which is where I met my future internship supervisor. We talked about conducting an internship and within the week, I started!
Sarah Cordio

Sociology 2020
Researched the topic of mass incarceration and how this issue plagues the United States

Assumption’s professors have inspired me to make a difference in our world.

The ability to connect with professors on a personal level has made all the difference. They have such passion for what they do. Their strongly rooted beliefs in the world of sociology have guided me toward the career I want to pursue.
Marc Torres

Sociology 2021
Researched the topic of suicide and homelessness among veterans

Assumption’s ROTC affiliation program inspired me to learn about social issues that exist.

After graduation, I will commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. As a result, the research I did is important to me because it has given me tools for success by teaching me how to not succumb to the difficulties many veterans face.
Colleen Rauser

Sociology 2020
Researched how mass shooters are predominately white males and how masculinity and race has an impact / Intern, Worcester District Attorney’s Office

I’ve learned what’s expected from lawyers and have experienced what it takes to be a lawyer.

The research I’ve done has taught me how to present what I’ve learned from various studies. This will be particularly influential for me when trying cases in the future because I will already have knowledge of the different databases that are used to find research.
Colleen Kurtz

Sociology 2020
Researched the topic of accessing dental care and which conditions allow for various types of coverage / Emergency Shelter Intern, Abby’s House: Shelter, Housing, and Advocacy for Women

The sense of community and family at Assumption makes succeeding inevitable.

The CDIC helped me immensely while I developed my resume, providing suggestions on how to make it better and more appealing to employers, and Assumption’s professors have given me the knowledge and the confidence to take on the “real world” after graduation.
John Anthony Fine-Lease

Sociology 2020
Researched the topic of homelessness and the contributing social and personal factors / Intern, Worcester County District Attorney’s Office

Assumption College is an investment which will benefit students for the rest of their lives.

The professors go out of their way to make sure students reach their full potential. Through my Senior Seminar, I’ve learned to conduct qualitative research in a real-world setting which has given me the tools to succeed as I pursue becoming a prosecuting attorney.
Ryan Dalli

Criminology 2018
Intern, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

I'd tell incoming students that the amount of knowledge flowing in these classrooms is exponential.

My Assumption experience played a critical role in my internship because, throughout my four years, I have learned who I am as a person and have grown stronger every day. All of the professors in the Sociology and Criminology department have contributed to my success.
Robert Vozella

Criminology 2019
Security, Raytheon Security

Thanks to Assumption, I have a greater work ethic and have become much more personable.

I've also learned how to interact with different types of personalities - an important skill for my career. There are so many opportunities here, including CDIC's Career Networking Night which opened many doors for me. Take advantage of everything Assumption offers!
Alex Richardson

Criminology 2019
: Manager of Ballpark, Community, and Player Relations with the Worcester Red Sox

Assumption taught me the value of compassion and willingness to serve others in need.

This role allows me to utilize the sport of baseball as a vehicle to bring people together, and have a strong impact in the philanthropic community, which has always been a lifelong goal of mine.
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Sep 30 Sat

Tour, Tailgate, Touchdowns

Join us for a morning tour of our beautiful 185-acre campus that begins at the Admissions House and ends at the Brian Kelly '83 Stadium where you can enjoy some pre-game food and drinks at a special tailgate before our Greyhounds take on the Pace University Setters at a noon football game. The stude ... Read more about Tour, Tailgate, Touchdowns

Sep. 30, 2023
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Assumption University Campus
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Oct 21 Sat

Admissions Fall Open House

Enjoy a fall day exploring the beautiful 185 acre campus of Assumption University at our Fall Open House!  Please join our faculty, staff, and students to learn more about our admissions process, academic programs, student life, athletics and so much more.  Prospective students and parents will have ... Read more about Admissions Fall Open House

Oct. 21, 2023
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Assumption University Campus
Register

Events

Sep 30 Sat

Tour, Tailgate, Touchdowns

Join us for a morning tour of our beautiful 185-acre campus that begins at the Admissions House and ends at the Brian Kelly '83 Stadium where you can enjoy some pre-game food and drinks at a special tailgate before our Greyhounds take on the Pace University Setters at a noon football game. The stude ... Read more about Tour, Tailgate, Touchdowns

Sep. 30, 2023
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Assumption University Campus
Register
Oct 21 Sat

Admissions Fall Open House

Enjoy a fall day exploring the beautiful 185 acre campus of Assumption University at our Fall Open House!  Please join our faculty, staff, and students to learn more about our admissions process, academic programs, student life, athletics and so much more.  Prospective students and parents will have ... Read more about Admissions Fall Open House

Oct. 21, 2023
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Assumption University Campus
Register

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