FAQs

1. Is sociology the same as social work?
   No.
2. Isn’t it pretty much the same as psychology?
   Nope.
3. So what is sociology?
   Sociology is the systematic study of social life, which includes groups, institutions, culture, society—and, of course, people!
4. How is sociology different from psychology?
   Here’s a short answer: Both fields offer explanations of human behavior, but while psychologists look mainly at what’s happening inside individuals, sociologists are interested primarily in factors that are external to individuals (e.g., the groups they belong to, the institutions they interact within, and the culture and society they live in). For a longer answer, stop by the Department of Sociology!
5. Where is the Department of Sociology located?
   We’re in Sullivan Hall 307.
6. What can I do with a major in sociology?
   A quick perusal of the employment page of any major newspaper finds an array of positions that sociology majors are qualified to fill, such as: research assistant, resident service coordinator, program coordinator, youth worker, training associate, case manager, operations assistant, property manager, customer service representative, sales support associate, or sales manager trainee. The Student Association for Sociology (SAS) holds an annual career night where students meet alumni and people in careers that are available to sociology majors. While employment opportunities are available to those who graduate from Merrimack College with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, the program of study at Merrimack also prepares students to pursue a graduate education in sociology and in a variety of other related professions such as social work, law, criminal justice, public administration, public health, human services, human resources, journalism, or business.