Sociologists investigate how people interact and behave within the structure of groups, organizations and societies. The subject of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from the division of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture; and from the sociology of work to the sociology of sports.
Practicum and internship courses complement classroom instruction in the Sociology major and give students an opportunity to gain experience in one or more field placement settings. Sociology majors graduate ready for employment in community, business and organizational settings or for graduate level study in sociology, social work, law and other career fields. A Sociology minor is also available to other majors.
Many sociology majors join Alpha Kappa Delta, the sociology honor society. Getting involved in the society is an opportunity to grow intellectually and collaborate with other students and academics in service.
“My main advice to students is to embrace lifelong learning. Every year, they should be challenging themselves to learn a new skill that’s either related or unrelated to their career.”
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Dennis Canterbury
Professor Emeritus - Sociology
Sociology Professor Dennis Canterbury focuses his studies on labor and social and economic development. Since coming to Eastern in 2000, he has written several books on developing countries and globalization.
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Cara Bergstrom-Lynch
Professor - Sociology
“I love staying in touch with our alumni and hearing about their lives after Eastern (families, work, graduate school) and all the amazing things they are accomplishing out in the world.”
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Career Options
Social services
Community work
Government services
Health services
Journalism
Policing
Human Resources
Advertising
Guidance counselor
Librarian/Researcher
Successful Alumni
Graduates of Eastern’s sociology program are employed in businesses throughout the region; in Connecticut’s departments of Social Services, Education and Corrections; in local and state police departments; and U.S. Immigration Services, to name some places of employment.
Cara Bergstrom-Lynch, professor of sociology at Eastern Connecticut State University, participated in the 21st annual Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage in Northampton, MA, on Dec. 8, her 12th appearance at the event. Her participation raised awareness about domestic violence and honored Eastern student Alyssiah Wiley, who was murdered in 2013 by her ex-boyfriend.
Walner Homere’s educational beginnings were humble. Originally from Haiti, Homere was left with limited options for higher education after scoring a 670 on his SAT. After applying to Eastern Connecticut State University in the early 1990s, however, he was invited to participate in the University’s alternative admissions program known as STEP/CAP — Summer Transition at Eastern Program/Contract Admissions Program.
Sociology Professor Nicolas Simon participated in the third annual United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World OER (Open Educational Resources) Congress in Dubai, UAE. The congress, themed “Digital Public Goods: Open Solutions and AI for Inclusive Access to Knowledge,” brought together educators, technologists and policymakers from around the world.
Robert Rosado is chief of police for the City of Meriden. “In diverse communities, sociology is an important field. Every culture, every group of people has a different way of thinking, so as law enforcement we need to be understanding of that.”
Sociology / ECE Double Major
Kiyana-Nicole Smith ’24
Kiyana-Nicole interned as a teacher assistant in sociology, providing guidance to students and taking notes on teaching strategies. For anyone looking for an internship, Smith said, “Try it for the experience. Find something you are interested in and see if it aligns with your career path. If not, that’s okay too. Keep an open mind because you never know what you may or may not like.”
Sociology Major
Luis Rivera ’22
Luis completed an internship at the Department of Children and Families, assisting case workers with assessments, visiting families and working with a runaway adolescent. He discovered he has a passion for social services. “I can see myself working in social services for the rest of my life. I love the feeling of helping people and helping our social structures.”
University of Bristol
Liselotte Hammer ’18
Liselotte Hammer is pursuing a master’s degree in sociology and criminology at the University of Bristol in England. “I had the best experience at Eastern. The classes were outstanding, my fellow students provided such a strong support system, but the best part was the professors. Every single one of them went out of their way to make sure their students understand the material.”
Toddler Teacher
Pablo Cruz ’21
In summer 2014, Pablo began volunteering at Brooker Memorial Childcare in Torrington. He was hired as a full-time teacher after graduating in August 2021. “I’ve quite literally grown up at this place, as they have seen me transition from high school, to a college student and now to a college graduate. This is my dream job, as there’s no other place I would rather work.”
English and Sociology
Patrice Eugene ’20
Patrice interned at the Chicago-Kent College of Law School in summer 2018. His role included working alongside judges and lawyers at government law firms while attending law classes. Eugene majors in English and sociology “Internships are great opportunities to act immediately on your passion, interest and curiosity.” Earning his M.A. at Columbia University in 2022, Patrice is now a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Pennsylvania.
Sociology
Martha Quiroz ’24
Martha served her internship as a member of the board of Perception Programs, Inc., which provides therapeutic options for local residents. “Nonprofits have a special place in my heart being that I was supported by them from fourth grade up to my senior year in high school. They are essentially how I was able to pursue higher education.”
Financial Aid Counselor
Jennifer Portella ’17
Jennifer is a student services counselor at Quinnipiac University. “I enjoy studying human interactions and how people present themselves in society. The study of sociology taught me to consider the societal factors that influence individuals and groups. I learned how to gather information, assess it, analyze it and incorporate theories about human behavior to help me better understand people.”
Outreach Specialist
Tanika Mangum ’06
Tanika is an Outreach Specialist in the Federal Student Aid Office at the U.S. Department of Education. “At Eastern I was inspired by a diverse group of students and experiences that helped develop my leadership skills.”
