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 cannot be fully understood simply by studying the individuals involved; rather, it requires attention to the wider social contexts in which those individuals 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.  The sociological imagination, therefore, enables insights into not only the social world around us, but our own lives as well.   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.