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Social Sciences

Sociology & Social Change

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Students currently enrolled in the undergraduate sociology & social change major can complete degrees in their major. However, as of Fall 2023 we are no longer accepting students into this program.

Unlock the potential for a fairer, more just society.

You want to shake things up. You see the challenges communities face, from race relations to homelessness, addiction, unemployment, and beyond. And you want to make an impact and be a positive force in your community.

With a strong focus on research and internships in the Greater Boston community, this major will prepare you for graduate school, as well as work in social policy, law and advocacy, community organizations, business, public health, and public administration. As you grow into a career that transforms children, families, and communities, you'll blaze trails and gain a reputation as an innovative problem solver and creative thinker.

With early and guided hands-on learning in places like the Rian Immigration Center, Black Lives Matter, Transgender Emergency Fund, Harvard Program for Refugee Trauma, and many more, you'll graduate prepared to succeed.

As a sociology and social change major, you’ll take a close look at how our society works and how we decide what’s important to us. Then, you’ll focus on solutions to the areas where society doesn’t live up to its promises of equality, fairness, and justice for all.

To tackle social problems like homelessness, discrimination, and unemployment, you first need to understand the scope of the problem. That’s where research comes in. You’ll examine challenges and the potential solutions other cities and communities have tried to see what works and what doesn’t. Along the way, you’ll investigate the dynamics that play out among individuals, groups, and society as a whole.

You’ll analyze how race, class, gender, sexuality, age, and globalization intersect to affect social life and social structures. And through your small, intensive courses, you’ll dive into powerful questions about how relationships, groups, and structures impact individuals and society as we know it.

Undergraduate Program Inquiry Form

Program Structure

Full-time or part-time on-campus program

120 Credits
Thinking about transferring here?

Log in to Transferology, add the courses you've taken, and see how they'll transfer to Lesley University.

Craft Creative Combinations
As a Sociology & Social Change major, you can pursue a second major or one of our 45+ minors—in art & design or a liberal arts subject—to expand your career opportunities.

Forge your own path with a creative combination:
Gain Skills and Expertise
Here’s a taste of what you’ll do in our sociology and social change program:
students interacting in classroom

Small College, Big University

Within the dynamic environment of a larger university, you'll receive the personalized education of a small liberal arts college of 1,300 students. You'll learn from our highly specialized faculty who are passionate experts in the social sciences and beyond—from child homelessness to social work, human services, political science, and more.

$83,420
Average salary for sociology professionals in the U.S.
In Massachusetts, the average salary is even higher than the U.S. average, at $93,540. Massachusetts is also the state with the third highest employment in the U.S. for sociology professionals. From advocacy to research, administration, and more, the program will prepare you for important work across a range of fields (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2019).
Careers
Jobs You Could Have
Job opportunities for sociology and social change majors are projected to increase by over eleven percent in the next ten years in a wide range of industries, including:
Careers
Where You Could Work
Graduates of sociology and social change programs pursue a wide range of careers across a variety of industries. Top employers of graduates include:
doble campus during the fall

Cambridge is our campus. Boston is our neighbor.

Whether you're pursuing social work, political science, or another major in the social sciences, you'll take classes on our three beautiful Cambridge campuses. You'll discover the Cambridge and Boston area—a dynamic hub of professional opportunity, service work, culture, and fun few other cities can match. And, you'll build your résumé and make connections through internships as you take advantage of the rich resources in Massachusetts, home to 20,000+ nonprofits.

Faculty

Approximate cost, before financial aid, for one year of study in this undergraduate program.
Sociology & Social Change
Housing Options
: Compare the cost of the program for students who live on campus in a residence hall with the cost for commuter students.
  • Tuition
    Fall Tuition
    $15,945
    Spring Tuition
    $15,945
  • Fees
    Software Fee
    $200
    Fall Comprehensive Fee
    $445
    Spring Comprehensive Fee
    $445
  • Room & Board
    Fall Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Spring Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Fall Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Spring Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Fall Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Spring Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Housing Deposit (one-time fee)
    $300
  • Total cost before financial aid
Estimated Cost

Merit Scholarships & Financial Aid

It’s our goal at Lesley to break down financial barriers so that students who want to learn here, can learn here. That’s why we offer generous, customized aid packages for students based on their individual needs. In fact, more than 98% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Tuition & Fees

Other fees may apply. Review all undergraduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Housing Options
Compare the cost of the program for students who live on campus in a residence hall with the cost for commuter students.
  • Tuition
    Fall Tuition
    $15,945
    Spring Tuition
    $15,945
  • Fees
    Software Fee
    $200
    Fall Comprehensive Fee
    $445
    Spring Comprehensive Fee
    $445
  • Room & Board
    Fall Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Spring Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Fall Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Spring Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Fall Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Spring Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Housing Deposit (one-time fee)
    $300
  • Total cost before financial aid
Estimated Cost

Merit Scholarships & Financial Aid

It’s our goal at Lesley to break down financial barriers so that students who want to learn here, can learn here. That’s why we offer generous, customized aid packages for students based on their individual needs. In fact, more than 98% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Tuition & Fees

Other fees may apply. Review all undergraduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Apply Now

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

Approximate cost, before financial aid, for one year of study in this undergraduate program. Tuition and fees are for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal, state, and university funding. Scholarships, grants, Work-Study, and loans. It’s all right here.

Next steps to apply

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.