The Department of Sociology is located within the Faculty of Arts, one of the core faculties of the University. Sociology has been taught at the University of Manitoba since 1923-24. When the Department first achieved its independent status in 1967, there were already 21 courses offered, but the period of greatest expansion took place during the 1970s when student interest in Sociology increased dramatically, and combined undergraduate and graduate course offerings quickly grew to almost 70. Since then the curriculum has stabilized at approximately 90 courses, including almost 40 graduate courses.
The Masters program in Sociology was first introduced in 1964, and since then well over 150 M.A. degrees have been awarded. It is now a well-established program with between 40-50 full-time students enrolled. The Doctoral program, by contrast, came into existence in 1983.
The mission of the Department of Sociology is primarily focused on its undergraduate and graduate academic programs. As well, faculty members pursue active research programs, and thus the Department is home to many nationally and internationally acclaimed scholars. The Centre on Aging, an interdisciplinary research institute. Members of the Department of Sociology have affiliations with other research institutes at the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg (e.g., RESOLVE, a centre for research and education for solutions to violence and abuse and WISER a multidisciplinary, longitudinal population health promotion research program).
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The study of sociology teaches us to think creatively and critically about the world around us. In so doing it provides us with a better understanding of our place in this world and of ways to move more confidently toward a changing and uncertain future. Such knowledge can enhance our ability to better achieve personal goals in whatever career we eventually pursue.
Sociology graduates also acquire skills that are more directly job-related, particularly those who proceed beyond the B.A. degree and complete a graduate program (M.A., Ph.D.). 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.
As noted below, the Department of Sociology at the University of Manitoba also offers a distinct undergraduate criminology major. This program is particularly advantageous to students considering careers specifically in criminal justice and corrections.