Sociology

You’ll find Hastings College alumni with sociology degrees working for Gallup, serving as law enforcement officials, providing support for people with intellectual disabilities, teaching in schools across the country and promoting football for an arena football team, just to name a few exciting places!

Apply your knowledge

Why do people react as they do? How do different groups interact? What does science tell us about human behavior?

As a Hastings College sociology major, you’ll dive into these subjects and learn to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations — not just the theoretical. This means you’ll graduate prepared to advise and counsel private businesses, the nonprofit organizations or government agencies.

You’ll develop a working knowledge of sociological theory, research methodology and data interpretation through challenging, practical assignments. You can take classes that push and educate you on issues related peace, justice and social change. As a senior, you’ll conduct your own sociological research project on a topic you’ve selected.

Create your future

See for yourself how we tailor your education to your talents and your goals. Schedule a visit and we’ll demonstrate how Hastings will inspire you to reach your potential, or if you’re a high school senior, apply today.

Go further with a Hastings education

Thanks to our small class sizes (most have fewer than 20 students!), and a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, you’ll work closely with faculty and your advisor to complete your degree in four years. In fact, most students who graduate from Hastings do so in four years!

Our block-style semester structure means you’ll take just one or two classes at a time — which really lets you focus more intently on each class. It also lets faculty devote more time to every student because they’re only teaching one or two classes in a block!

Graduate with experience

Sociology majors intern and conduct research for Hastings-area entities such as the Village of Harvard, Nebraska; Mary Lanning Healthcare; Lochland Country Club; law enforcement agencies; nonprofits; and more! To help build your professional network and leadership skills, take advantage of opportunities to attend and present at professional conferences.

Some students expand their understanding of the world by studying abroad. Many gather additional experiences and insights that help advance career options throughout the semester and during the summer. What does all this mean? You’ll graduate from Hastings ready to succeed.

Along your path you’ll appreciate the stepping stones of teaching, counseling, inspiring, supporting and guiding from our engaged faculty. It’s an experience that’s true to Hastings College and you won’t find it anywhere else.

- - - Watson finds passion for research at Hastings College
    - Akotaobi aims to grow concepts of equity, diversity and inclusion

Your experience matters

Maximize scholarships — Yes, you’ll get an academic scholarship. But you’ll also get a “plus one” scholarship from the group, team or area you’re part of. It’s a great way to help pay for school — but also to find your people.

We’ve thought a lot about the ways students learn and built a four-year plan to help you navigate it all. From finding your place and in Year 1, to showing the world you’re ready for what’s next four years later.

Your transition from college to a career begins your first semester. Every class, internship, research study and activity adds up. We love to celebrate all the ways you shine — your experience matters!

Get involved beyond the sociology classroom

Alpha Chi (Academic Honor Society)
Alpha Kappa Delta (International Sociological Honor Society)

In addition to Alpha Chi, there’s always something to do at Hastings. Student clubs, service learning, Greek life, recreation and more make Hastings a great campus for student life.

Find scholarships for Sociology majors

Your high school achievements can both fuel and fund your success at Hastings. We offer a range of generous and renewable academic scholarships based on your GPA. Then there’s “plus one” scholarships — an additional scholarship for participating in anything from athletics to the arts to media (it’s a long list!).

It all adds up to making Hastings an great choice for you and your family.