Skip to content

Suggested Programs for Sociology

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey

Arguably the most flexible major when it comes to study abroad, sociology leaves the door open to myriad options. For this reason, the biggest challenge may not be finding a program that works but choosing the best program for your interests. Here are some points to consider:

  • Do you have another major or minor that is less flexible and might help you narrow down your options? You may want to start there.
  • Are you looking into internship possibilities? You can search by those.
  • Are you trying to develop skills or experiences that may help you in your eventual job search?

You can consider this. By no means is this a comprehensive list of programs for sociology majors, but these are some solid suggestions:

Programs Highlighting Sociology

Italy: Sociology in Rome

Take two sociology courses that cover current social and political issues in Rome and a comparative study of crime and deviance in Italy. Add a Rome-focused elective and challenge your left brain with a beginner's course in Italian to round out your schedule. The language course on this program offers plenty of engagement with international students in conversational and cultural activities. Interactive guest lectures and site visits around the Eternal City are embedded in each course.

Learn more about deadlines, details, and the application

Chile: Socio-Ecological Sustainability

In Villarrica, you begin the course work that addresses the themes of the program. Courses are offered in a sequence that builds gradually to prepare you for the final planning projects. The first week is completely focused on the Latin American Conservation course to give you a broad background. Next, the first fieldwork trip brings you together with all of the instructors to introduce the three courses that will run the length of the program and provide the basis for much of your work.

Learn more about deadlines, details, and the application

France: Social Justice and Activism

Discover how the core principles of social justice and political activism evolved into pillars of French society. Learn about past and present social issues facing France and its multicultural population. On this program, the city of Paris is used as the classroom to introduce you to the historical underpinnings and precedents of social justice and the rise of particular forms of activism.

Learn more about deadlines, details, and the application

Mexico: Field Research Program

In Mexico, where a diverse population, rich ecology, and fascinating history provide compelling possibilities for research. Courses in field research methods, Mexican culture, and Spanish language in Mexico City combined with mentors set you up for success. Present your findings during a trip to Cuetzalan, a town in a mountainous area near waterfalls and pyramid ruins. This is a research experience that can set you apart when pursuing a career.

Learn more about deadlines, details, and the application

Argentina + Chile: Human Rights and Cultural Memory, Buenos Aires & Santiago

Rising from past military dictatorships, Argentina and Chile are models in social, political, and cultural reinvention. Observe, experience, and compare both countries as you travel from Buenos Aires to Santiago. Each location is rich in contrasts with diverse cultures and landscapes. You also have a chance to interact with local political and human rights organizations. Cultural tours and activities introduce unique flavors, sights, and history. Enjoy the taste of grilled asados, the spirited rivalry of fútbol, and the rhythmic footwork of the tango.

Learn more about deadlines, details, and the application

Immersion & Exchange Programs Suggested for Sociology

Singapore: National Univ. of Singapore (NUS)

Take classes in most UC majors taught by faculty from around the world, and engage with this top level university community through research, clubs, sports, and cultural activities.

Learn more about deadlines, details, and the application

Australia: Univ. of Melbourne

The Univ. of Melbourne is an internationally ranked university in sociology.

Learn more about deadlines, details, and the application

Hong Kong: Univ. of Hong Kong (HKU)

Take regular university courses in the arts, humanities, business, engineering, science, and social sciences at this top-ranked partner university, located on Hong Kong Island.

Learn more about deadlines, details, and the application

Sweden: Lund Univ.

Courses in English in a wide range of academic fields and hands-on research opportunities in science and engineering. Lively college town environment in a charming medieval city.

Learn more about deadlines, details, and the application

Barbados: Univ. of the West Indies

Enjoy a memorable experience on this English-speaking island, and gain new perspectives on an array of subject areas and social relations in the Afro-Caribbean world. Take advantage of field courses and lab work or consider an independent research project. Immerse yourself in the aquamarine waters that surround the "Jewel of the Caribbean."

Learn more about deadlines, details, and the application

United Kingdom: Univ. of Edinburgh

The Univ. of Edinburgh is an internationally ranked university for sociology. You may rank it as your first choice for the Scottish Universities program.

Learn more about deadlines, details, and the application

China: Peking Univ.

Pursue Chinese language and cultural studies at this top ranked university, with the opportunity to take select courses taught in Chinese or English. Internship opportunities available. For spring semester, stay on for a summer internship. Internships offer two months experience in local start-up companies run by PKU alumni.

Learn more about deadlines, details, and the application

United Kingdom: Univ. of Manchester

The Univ. of Manchester is an internationally ranked university in sociology with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and innovative teaching methods, providing students with a comprehensive and cutting-edge education. Additionally, Manchester's vibrant and diverse urban environment offers a rich sociocultural backdrop for sociological exploration, enabling students to engage with real-world social issues and broaden their understanding of global societies.

Learn more about deadlines, details, and the application

 

Completing Other SSHA Requirements Abroad

SSHA students, in general, can take advantage of the requirement to complete four (4) non-major upper-division general education courses—or equivalent—from SSHA areas as varied as English literature to economics. Most SSHA students complete one or more of these required courses while studying abroad. These courses must be reviewed through the   SSHA course approval form.

SSHA students must also complete a total of 60.0 semester units in order to graduate. SSHA students complete many of these units within their major but often need more and can complete these requirements abroad.

Course Approval and Course Approval Forms

With a few exceptions of previously approved courses (ask your academic advisor), courses will need to be approved to meet individual degree requirements. In these cases, students will use the Course Approval Form for the school that would typically offer such a course at UC Merced:

 

The school will often require a syllabus or equivalent in order to do a review. Keep in mind that syllabi may be protected intellectual property of certain professors or universities and may not be publicly posted online. If it is a UC Center program, you may be able to acquire syllabi through your study abroad advisor. If the program is with a local host university and the course is not posted online, you may be able to inquire with the instructor or host university in some cases.

Academic Planning

No matter your academic intentions while studying abroad, you should consult your academic advisor and your MyDegreePath report to plan out your study abroad academic goals. Once you narrow your search to 1-3 study abroad programs consult your program page or ask your study abroad advisor about resources for researching courses in your program.

 

Start planning for study abroad with your academic advisor as soon as you can. One of the keys to maximizing academic success abroad is early planning and scheduling course loads before, during, and after study abroad. This includes strategies such as targeting a study abroad term to exploit areas of flexibility in your academic plan.

Be sure to make use of UCEAP course credit resources below, too.

 

UC Merced Campus Credit through UCEAP

How to Explore Database of Courses Previously Taken

 

Campus Credit Abroad

Planning the courses you’ll take on study abroad is as important as figuring out when and where to go. All courses taken on the University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) are guaranteed UC credit, but understanding how each class may fit into your academic plan is a critical part of the planning process.

UCEAP Database of Courses Previously Taken

How to Find Courses for UCEAP

One of the challenges with academic planning and completing the Academic Planning Form is finding courses. While there is never any certainty with course offerings and study abroad always requires a little calculated academic risk, there are some techniques to minimize the risk and exploit unique educational opportunities through study abroad.

Courses & Credit Tab

For nearly every UCEAP program page, there will be a tab labeled “Courses & Credit.” Within this tab you will find information and links in the “Course Opportunities” area. The course resources are listed in order of relevance. Depending on the program, you might find any of the following resources:

  1. Course syllabi
  2. Links to academic majors or programs with courses
  3. A bulleted list of courses

UCEAP Course Catalog

All UCEAP coursework taken in the last five (5) years is listed in the UCEAP Course Catalog. There are a few things you should consider when using the UCEAP Course Catalog:

  1. The list of courses is not comprehensive.
  2. Course units are listed in quarter units (to convert to semester units, divide by 1.5).
  3. Syllabi are not included.
  4. You may need to search less intuitive subject areas to find coursework (e.g. health sciences for public health, "engineering" for bioengineering, business for management and business economics).

Check Previously Approved Courses

There are a few resources available showing coursework previously approved for study abroad online. The resources are limited but they do represent some of the more recent course approvals:

A Note on Course Syllabi

Your academic advisor or school may insist that you need syllabi in order to determine whether a course abroad will substitute a particular degree requirement. While this is generally true, this does not prevent you from planning out your academic schedule abroad and determining what type of degree requirements a course may fulfill.

Sometimes your study abroad advisor or UCEAP can acquire a syllabus on your behalf; however, this is not always the case. Please understand that syllabi are often considered intellectual property and may not be shared until the course begins. Previously approved courses (see above) are often your first go-to resource to select courses.