As professionals navigate an increasingly complex landscape of issues surrounding race, justice, and healthcare, training the next generation of sociologists has become even more crucial. For those interested in entering the criminal justice or social work fields, pursuing a sociology degree can pave the way to a fruitful career focused on serving others and finding solutions to some of society’s most difficult problems.
The online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology program from the University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV) prepares students to effectively analyze social issues, evaluate solutions, and communicate ideas as a writer and public speaker. Here are some issues graduates can expect to encounter on their professional journeys.
The Role of Sociologists in Addressing Criminal Justice Issues
The criminal justice system remains one of the most critical institutions in the U.S., especially in how it reflects societal norms. Sociologists have played a crucial role in implementing de-escalation programs at departments across the nation. These departments report considerable reductions in use-of-force interactions.
Louisville saw significant reductions in injuries to officers and criminals in the first two years of their de-escalation program. In the first 5 years of the Dallas Police Departments’ Integrating Communication, Assessment and Tactics program, they showed a 64% drop excessive force reports.
Sociologists work to understand phenomena surrounding social systems and underlying structures, including why and how many Americans distrust the criminal justice system. They do so through a process known as sociological analysis, which employs methods like observations, surveys, interviews, and statistical analysis to collect data on social behavior and trends, according to Applied Worldwide.
UMSV’s online BA in Sociology program provides students with two track options — one in criminology and justice and another in social service/social work. If students choose to specialize in criminology, they will have the chance to take five specialized courses.
In Law and Society, the coursework focuses on developing legal systems in different societies and how politics has influenced their making, administration, and enforcement. Through the Current Controversies in Crime and Justice course, students will learn to debate in the classroom setting and formulate policy recommendations, an introduction to what will become their day-to-day once they enter the field.
Finding Sociological Solutions in the Social Work Field
Healthcare issues are often at the center of the sociological field, especially for professionals who pursue careers as social workers or community health workers. Mental healthcare has risen to become a major policy issue, especially regarding access.
In September 2024, the federal government issued a rule requiring private insurance companies to provide coverage of mental health and substance use disorder treatment that is equal to coverage of medical care for physical conditions. In a 2024 Gallup poll, nearly 80% of Americans surveyed supported the move. A majority said they believed the government should do more to ensure access to mental healthcare, but they were generally pessimistic about conditions improving.
Sociologists see the stagnant state of mental healthcare accessibility and are developing solutions through a step-by-step process. They start by defining the problem to understand its scope and impact on society. From there, they conduct research and analyze the data to identify patterns and trends. Next, sociologists develop policies to address root causes, including ideas like requiring insurance companies to cover mental healthcare. The solutions must be tested, implemented, and evaluated to measure their effectiveness at addressing underlying issues.
Examine Social Issues and Prepare for This Career Path With a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
UMSV’s social service/social work track introduces students to the social work profession through courses like Social Work Practice. The course explores how to help people in crisis, understand different environmental factors that impact a client’s development, assess a client’s needs and stressors, and implement assessment in clinical practice, including engagement, intervention, and termination.
UMSV’s online BA in Sociology program exposes rising sociologists to many social issues and how they can make a direct impact on their communities by addressing them. Graduates leave the program prepared to take on a variety of career options available in nonprofit organizations, companies, and social services agencies.
Learn more about the University of Mount Saint Vincent’s online BA in Sociology program.
