Sociology (B.A.)

  • Major, Minor
  • 4-year, On Campus

What You’ll learn

The Sociology major at La Salle provides students with an understanding of the scientific study of human groups in modern societies and the social and cultural forces that affect them. Students will gain an understanding of the sociological perspective so they can better grasp the social and cultural forces that remake our lives on a daily basis.

Why Study Sociology at La Salle?

Located in Philadelphia, La Salle’s major in Sociology offers students numerous internships and experiential learning opportunities. The small classes and attentive faculty create a tight-knit and supportive community atmosphere where students will study the social forces that create hierarchies of inequality as they impact groups based on race/ethnicity, social class, religion, sexual orientation, and gender. Lastly, we are committed to developing the skill sets that lead to careers and graduate training inspired by social justice.

Curriculum, Courses and Requirements

Highlighted Courses

SOC 151: Social Problems and Policy 

This course examines major social problems in contemporary society, their nature, development, social causes, and policy solutions.   

SOC 265 – Sociology of Law

This course analyzes the law as a social process in historical and comparative perspectives.

SOC 262 – Dynamics of Race and Ethnicity in Contemporary Societies

This course is an analysis of the dynamics of race and ethnic relations and of the intersection of race, gender, and class in historical and contemporary contexts.

SOC 355: Drugs, Crime and Justice 

This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of a variety of issues related to drug use, abuse, addition drug-related crime and drug control. 

Meet the Faculty

Good advising is essential as you progress through your time here at La Salle. We will help guide you through your undergraduate program and help you understand where you are in your studies and what you need to do to succeed, both during your time at La Salle and in your professional pursuits after graduation.

Charles Gallagher, Ph.D

Charles A. Gallagher is a professor in the Sociology and Criminal Justice Department at La Salle University. His research focuses on social inequality, race relations, and immigration and has published over 50 articles, reviews, and books on these topics. As a nationally recognized expert on race, immigration, and social inequality, Gallagher has given over 60 talks on these topics around the country, serves as an expert witness on civil rights cases, and is a frequent media source on these issues, appearing in the press, television and radio interviews over 100 times. In 2016, he was selected to serve as a Fulbright Scholar in the UK where he studied residents’ views on immigration. He also serves as Senior Fellow at Yale University’s Urban Ethnography Project.

Charles “Chip” Gallagher, Ph.D.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the Sociology program have started careers in research, government, community services organizations, non-profits, health agencies and case managers. Students develop skills in social science research, statistics, and data analysis. Graduate of La Salle’s Sociology program have taken many different paths after graduation, including (but not limited to):

  • Data analyst
  • Rehabilitation counseling or substance abuse programs
  • Youth counselor
  • Case worker
  • Graduate and law school
  • Community service and non-profit organizations
  • Government agencies/civil service
  • Human resources
  • Public health

Internship Opportunities

The link between the theories, best practices learned in class, and the practical application of that knowledge in a professional setting is a quintessential Lasallian tradition. Your internship allows you to take the academic ideas and theories you have learned in class and apply that knowledge in a real-world setting where you will be mentored by experienced professionals in criminal justice, legal, government, advocacy, and nonprofit settings. Our students have completed internships at organizations such as:

  • City Council Offices, Philadelphia
  • CHOP, Violence Prevention Initiative
  • Uncommon Individual Foundation
  • World Affairs Council
  • GIRLS, Inc.
  • U.S. Attorney’s Office

Charles Gallagher, Ph.D.

Charles A. Gallagher is a professor in the Sociology and Criminal Justice Department at La Salle University. His research focuses on social inequality, race relations, and immigration and has published over 50 articles, reviews, and books on these topics. As a nationally recognized expert on race, immigration, and social inequality, Gallagher has given over 60 talks on these topics around the country, serves as an expert witness on civil rights cases, and is a frequent media source on these issues, appearing in the press, television and radio interviews over 100 times. In 2016, he was selected to serve as a Fulbright Scholar in the UK where he studied residents’ views on immigration. He also serves as Senior Fellow at Yale University’s Urban Ethnography Project.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist 20241204

Former NBA Star Michael Kidd-Gilchrist advocates for all who share his speech condition.

Associate Professor Siobhan M. Conaty, PhD, FCPP, elected as a Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia on Nov. 15, 2024.

Associate Professor Siobhan Conaty, Ph.D., was honored with induction into The College of Physicians of Philadelphia on Nov. 15, 2024. She was among the 27 inductees that included prominent physicians, experts from public health and academia, and civic leaders.

I am inspired every day by the contributions our students make to the community. I am energized by how our University—as well as others—are reinventing themselves during challenging times to ensure that future generations can receive a high-quality education that prepares them for a lifetime of success and opportunities.