University of Hartford

What you'll study

The Sociology programme emphasises both theory and empirical research. Core courses build a foundation in sociological theory, research methods and quantitative analysis, while electives allow students to explore specialised areas such as race and ethnicity, gender, family, crime, urban studies and social change.

• Core modules: Introduction to Sociology, Sociological Theory, Social Research Methods, Statistics for the Social Sciences, Senior Seminar / Capstone Project.
• Common electives: Race and Ethnicity, Gender and Society, Sociology of the Family, Deviance and Social Control, Urban Sociology, Criminology, Sociology of Health and Illness, Work and Organisations.
• Experiential learning: Internship or field placement with community organisations, government agencies or non‑profits in the Hartford region; applied research projects with faculty; opportunities for community‑based learning.
• Senior requirement: A capstone experience that typically involves a substantive research project or practicum demonstrating mastery of sociological methods and concepts.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Hartford undergraduate programmes normally requires graduation from secondary school or an equivalent qualification. Typical expectations include a competitive secondary school record with evidence of coursework in humanities or social sciences. The university considers applicants holistically, including extracurricular activities and personal statements.

• Domestic applicants: High school diploma or equivalent; institutional review of grades and course rigor. Standardised tests may be optional or considered depending on the application pathway.
• Transfer students: Official college transcripts with satisfactory grades in prior post‑secondary coursework; consult the registrar for how credits transfer into the sociology major.
• International applicants: Secondary school completion equivalent to U.S. high school; proof of English language proficiency such as TOEFL or IELTS if English is not the primary language of instruction.
• Other considerations: A personal statement, letters of recommendation and evidence of community or research experience can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates with a sociology degree develop skills in critical thinking, research design, data analysis and written/oral communication that are valuable across many sectors. The programme prepares students for immediate employment as well as graduate study.

• Typical entry‑level roles include case work and program support in social service agencies, community outreach coordinator, research assistant, community organiser, and roles in human resources or administration.
• With further training or graduate study, alumni move into social work, public policy, market and social research, criminal justice professions, higher education, and non‑profit leadership.
• The research and analytical focus also equips students for careers in data analysis, programme evaluation and government or advocacy organisations.

Why study at University of Hartford

The University of Hartford offers a sociology programme grounded in small class sizes and personalised faculty mentoring, making it well suited for students who want close supervision of research and hands‑on learning. Its location provides access to internships and community partnerships across the city and state, enabling applied experience alongside coursework.

• Faculty engagement: Opportunities to work with faculty on research projects and to receive guidance on postgraduate pathways.
• Community connections: Strong links with local non‑profits, schools and government agencies for internships and service‑learning placements.
• Interdisciplinary options: Easy collaboration with related departments such as psychology, criminal justice, political science and public health to tailor an individual programme of study.