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Study Sociology with a Concentration in Inequality and Social Justice at UM

Inequality and social justice: Everyone’s talking about it, some are working to change it. As a sociology major with a concentration in inequality and social justice at UM, you’ll examine the causes and consequences of these timely subjects while gaining a solid foundation in sociology.

Through in-class discussions, research and internships, you’ll dive into inequality at the local, national and global level, and the political, legal and social processes that contribute to, or reduce, inequalities.

Our graduates are in high demand by employers for their solid understanding of inequality and their detailed understanding of social dynamics. Plus, they bring strong data analysis and critical thinking skills to the job.

What can you do with a concentration in inequality and social justice?

As interest in inequality and social justice continue to increase, so will the demand for individuals who are well versed in the social dynamics of both issues. A UM sociology degree with a concentration in inequality and social justice perfectly positions students to fill that need in government and nonprofit agencies, as well as the private sector.

Other organizations that have hired students in the inequality and social justice program include:

• Missoula Food Bank
• Partnership Health
• YWCA
• Poverello Center
• Missoula City-County Health Department

Two recent graduates of our program are testament to the skills gained — one is the Chief Policy Officer of the ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú Food Bank Network, the other is the Executive Director for the All Nations Health Center in Missoula.

UM’s program also prepares students for further study or employment in fields such as law, social work, education, counseling, politics and public administration.

Sociology jobs

A sociology degree with a focus on inequality and social justice offers a variety of career paths, including:

• Social and human services worker
• Policy analyst
• Politician
• Data analyst
• Social worker
• Nonprofit manager or administrator
• Community organizer and advocate

Sociology salaries

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the median annual salary for sociologists is $86,110. The median annual salary for community and social service occupations, however, is $47,520. Drilling down further, the median annual salary for social workers is $51,760.

Experiential learning in the sociology degree program

Inequality and social justice are real-world phenomena that must be studied using data, theory and hands-on learning. Our robust internship program and faculty-led research opportunities give students experience that prepares them for a career path in sociology-related fields.

Internships for sociology majors

Our internship program is a win-win for both students and local organizations. Students gain practical experience and credits, while organizations benefit from the energy and expertise of sociology students.

Many students have interned at such local organizations as Partnership Health of Missoula, Women’s Resource Center at UM, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Missoula Food Bank, YWCA’s GUTS (Girls Using Their Strengths) Program, the Flagship Program and the Poverello Center.

Undergraduate research experiences for sociology majors

What are the causes of inequality and how can we help change it? How can social justice be achieved? These are important questions that require intensive research, which is an integral part of the UM sociology degree program.

Students in this program learn about several methods of collecting and analyzing data, and design and conduct their own sociological projects examining an aspect of inequality of their choosing.

Sociology faculty also have a long and enthusiastic tradition of conducting research for, and providing service to, a wide variety of local and statewide organizations, including the ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú Board of Crime Control, Salish Kootenai College, the ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission and the ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú District of U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services.

Career development in the sociology degree program

Students in the inequality and social justice concentration are challenged to sharpen their analytical and critical thinking skills throughout their time at UM. With these skills in their toolbox, they can better assess inequalities and solutions, which helps make them stellar job candidates.

Of course, you’ll be taught by the best, as all faculty have Ph.D.s in sociology. Many have won prestigious teaching and mentoring awards in recent years, including the Cox Educational Excellence Award and William Reynolds Award for Excellence in Teaching Across the Curriculum, UM’s Outstanding Faculty Advising Award, and the Missoulian newspaper’s Best UM Professor Award.

Scholarships for sociology majors

Through scholarships, we can help students achieve their educational and career goals. The Department of Sociology awards the Dusten Hollist Memorial Scholarship in honor of a longtime professor of Sociology at UM and beloved member of the campus community.

Sociology - Inequality and Social Justice Degree Requirements

The concentration in inequality and social justice examines the causes and consequences of inequalities based on class, gender, race/ethnicity, disability, age and sexual orientation. Social inequalities at the local, national and global levels are studied, as are the political, legal and social processes that contribute to or reduce inequalities. 

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