Explore UAB

Colleges & Schools

Department of Sociology College of Arts and Sciences

Why Study Sociology?

Sociology is the scientific study of human behavior and the complexities of human social relationships. If you want to understand social behavior in the real world, sociology is where you find the answers. Regardless of your chosen career path, having a critical understanding of the social world can put you at the forefront of your career field.

InternshipsUndergraduateOnline MAPhD


It is a top-notch program. I'd recommend this program to anybody who wants to improve the rigor of the work they do.

– Tracy Sims (2020 MA in Sociology graduate); Senior Director, U.S. Lead of Chronic Disease Environment Shaping at Eli Lilly and Company

Featured Alumni

  • Shane Burns

    Shane Burns

    Shane Burns (PhD 2021) is a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Southern California (USC) Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

    Read more
  • Jeffrey E. Hall

    Jeffrey E. Hall

    Jeffrey E. Hall (PhD, MSPH, 2003) is the Deputy Director of the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Read more
  • Caroline Robinson

    Caroline O. Pardo

    Caroline O. Pardo (PhD 2007) serves as President, Continuing Professional Development, at Clinical Education Alliance, as well as holds industry recognitions such as the Fellow Award, Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions, and is a Certified Healthcare CPD Professional.

    Read more
  • Carey Usher

    Carey Usher

    Carey Usher (PhD 2001) is Associate Provost and Dean of Mary Baldwin College for Women, of Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia.

    Read more
More Featured Alumni

Latest News

  • CAS Graduate Research Day spotlights research and the changing landscape of graduate education
    On November 20, 2024, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) hosted its first-ever Graduate Research Day at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alumni House.
  • UAB’s online sociology master’s program trains students to put theory into practice
    A focus on applying sociology to practical work projects, cutting-edge data analysis and supportive faculty make this one of the nation’s top online graduate programs in the field. In this article, faculty explain what sets it apart and two UAB employees/alumni share how they are using its lessons in their work.  
  • How much grandparenting is too much grandparenting? Study explores effects of grandparenting on health
    Findings from a new UAB study show greater levels of grandparenting intensity are not associated with greater physical activity. 
More News