Sociology

Sociology is the study of the interactions of human beings and the social structures we create. A basic premise of sociology is that social behaviour, and indeed society itself, cannot be fully understood simply by studying the individuals involved, but requires attention to the wider social contexts in which they are located. This premise is tied to what C. Wright Mills referred to as the “sociological imagination,” a quality of mind that enables us to grasp biography and history and the relations between the two. Mills saw the promise of sociology in its ability to make the connections between the private troubles of individuals and public or social issues. If only one person is unemployed, that is his or her private trouble. But if one million people are unemployed, that is a social issue that requires attention to the larger economic and political processes and institutions of society. In the same fashion, couples may experience conflicts in their relationship, but when 1 in 3 Canadian marriages are likely to end in divorce, the issue becomes much more than a personal trouble; it is a social issue having to do with the institution of marriage and the family. The sociological imagination, therefore, offers us the promise of gaining insights into not only the social world around us, but our own lives as well.

Sociology Programs

Undergraduate:  Students interested in studying Sociology can choose to complete a major or a minor in Sociology or an honours degree in Sociology. Sociology graduates acquire skills that are directly job-related. Opportunities exist in policy research, industrial and labour relations, government agencies, journalism, social services, and colleges/universities. Although the majority of sociology graduates are employed in the public sector, opportunities in business and industry are increasing as managers become more aware of the contribution that sociologists can make.

The Department of Sociology at the University of Manitoba also offers a criminology major. This program is particularly advantageous to students considering careers related to the criminal justice system (as lawyers, police officers, correctional personnel, and policy analysts).

Graduate: The Department of Sociology offers programmes at the Master's and Ph.D. levels. Many students who have completed their Sociology graduate degrees at the University of Manitoba have gone on to find considerable success in the academic community across Canada, in the private sector, and in government and community service.

We are very proud of our graduates, whom we consider excellent ambassadors for our programmes.

How to Contact Us

If you have questions about your Sociology program, we're here to help:

Phone: (204) 474-9260
or Toll Free within Manitoba:
1-800-432-1960 Extension 9260
Call for an appointment to see an advisor.

Or submit your questions by email.

Visit in person:
8:30 to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday
318 Isbister Building

University of Manitoba
Fort Garry Campus
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Building No. 9 on the Campus map