Sociology at UNC vs. UO

Hey everyone! I'm a junior interested in majoring in sociology, and I'm currently looking into UNC and UO. Can anyone give me some insight into their sociology programs, like coursework, faculty, and research opportunities? Would love to hear your experiences or thoughts!

Hi! It's great that you're focused on majoring in sociology, and both UNC (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) and UO (University of Oregon) have solid sociology programs.

At UNC, their sociology department is highly ranked nationally and offers a variety of courses covering topics such as social inequality, medical sociology, global sociology, and crime and deviance. Faculty at UNC have diverse research interests and are involved in many ongoing projects, which opens up opportunities for undergraduate students who are interested in research. Additionally, UNC offers a program called Honors Carolina where exceptional undergraduates can participate in research and benefit from a tight-knit academic community.

The sociology program at UO is also reputable, with courses ranging from environmental sociology, education and social change, to social movements and activism. UO's faculty members are active researchers in various areas, providing students with opportunities for research and experiential learning. UO also has sociology-specific student organizations, like the Sociology Club, and the Sociology Undergraduate Research Journal, which are both great ways to engage with other students in your major and potentially get your work published.

In terms of research opportunities, both schools provide numerous options to connect with faculty on research projects. At UNC, the faculty members tend to have regional connections throughout the East Coast and Southeastern U.S., and at UO, faculty have more connections on the West Coast and with environmental organizations. So, you may want to consider which region you'd prefer to focus on when deciding between the two schools.

Lastly, it's important to consider factors beyond the sociology department as well – campus life, location, extracurricular activities, and financial aid offerings may play a significant role in deciding which school is the best fit for you. Good luck with your college search!