Community sociology is an interdisciplinary major drawing from the fields of sociology, psychology, political science, social work, and liberal studies. Community sociology focuses on developing a conceptual and practical understanding of how groups of people form and function as communities and the processes, problems, and institutions within communities of place and communities of interest. Field research, international travel, and applied work opportunities are available to students in this program. The community sociology major prepares students for a diverse range of careers in both public and private sectors and continued education toward a postgraduate degree.

Program Requirements (PDF)
Course Descriptions (PDF)

Program goals:

• Use critical thinking to examine social phenomenon with a specific focus on the context of community.
• Understand and evaluate theories, methods, and empirical examinations of society in a manner that furthers the discipline of sociology with a focus on community.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills consistent with the professional expectations of the discipline.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the social, political, and economic contexts of communities of place and interest.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, professional responsibilities, and ethical sensibilities in research and applied work.
• Compete successfully in being admitted to graduate programs in sociology and/or obtaining a professional position utilizing applied sociological expertise. Goal for students completing the teaching major in sociology (secondary education) is:
  • To use effective and reflective teaching strategies designed to help secondary students learn basic concepts and principles in general sociology.

What can I do with this major? - Career Options

Who has a degree in sociology?
Social reformers Francis Perkins, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Saul Alinsky; actors Robin Williams and Dan Akroyd; professional athletes Joe Theisman and Alonzo Mourning; former President Ronald Reagan; former Iowa Governor Terry Brandsted; and Nobel Peace Prize winner Emily Balch, all completed their undergraduate degrees in sociology.

Recent Wartburg College community sociology graduates are working in the fields of community organizing, law enforcement, human services, marketing, financial services, college student services, and church-related organizations. Others are pursing graduate degrees in sociology, child development, criminal justice, and clinical psychology.