The Department of Sociology and Social Work at St. Edward's University brings students together who are committed to creating a better world by improving people's quality of life and ensuring the justice and safety of communities.

The Sociology degree plan for 2020-21 can be found here and the Social Work degree plan for 2020-2021 can be found here.

Programs in this department combine a broad liberal arts education with:

  • Study of multiple disciplines combining areas such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, biology, chemistry, statistics, and political science
  • Topics such as social justice, criminology, race, class, gender, cultural awareness, social welfare, and human behavior
  • Professional preparation

Students achieve a breadth of knowledge and expertise and learn how to handle a variety of challenging situations. They learn to examine situations at an individual, group, community, and institutional level to assess problems and find appropriate solutions. Our programs are research-intensive and guide students in developing a scientific approach to problem-solving. Throughout the program, students develop important research skills and have the chance to present professional-level work. 

We also provide opportunities for field work and service learning, so students can apply their knowledge and skills in a practical application. This gives students the chance to use what they learn in class to make a difference in the local community. Our students are united by shared values, including service to others and dedication to influencing positive social change. 

 

Internships

Internships provide valuable opportunities for students to apply their skills and knowledge, receive professional socialization, expand their networks, and explore career opportunities for after graduation. Internships give students with the chance to help others and improve the local community. Students also learn the importance of professional communication and experience hands-on learning. 

Examples of organizations where students in our department have interned:

  • Austin Partners in Education
  • Austin Police Department
  • Austin Travis County Integral Care
  • Autism Society of Austin
  • BreakThrough
  • Caritas
  • Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas
  • Communities in Schools
  • Con Mi Madre
  • Crockett High School
  • C5 Youth Foundation of Texas
  • Foundation Communities
  • Gardner-Betts Juvenile Justice Center
  • Girls Rock Camp! – Austin
  • Girlstart
  • McCabe Center (federal convict re-entry)
  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving
  • Posada Esperanza
  • Ridge Oak Living Community
  • SafePlace
  • Texas Attorney General
  • Texas Civil Rights Project
  • Texas Victims Services Association
  • Trinity Center
  • Travis County State Jail
  • U.S. District Court
  • U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons
  • U.S. Marshals Service
  • Youth Advocacy

Faculty & Staff

Search the Campus Directory to find Sociology and Social Work faculty and staff.

Student Organizations

Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD)

All Sociology majors and minors are eligible to apply to the International Sociology Honor Society for Sociology students and faculty. Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD), the international sociology honor society seeks to acknowledge and promote excellence in scholarship in the study of sociology, the research of social problems, and such other social and intellectual activities as will lead to improvement in the human condition. 

Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work (Phi Alpha)

Phi Alpha is an Honor Society for Social Work majors who have achieved high academic standards and wish to give more to the surrounding community through service. "Through knowledge - the challenge is to serve."

Social Work Student Association (SWSA)

The purpose of the organization is to commit to human service and social justice, demonstrate and promote the core values of the social work profession, bring awareness of social justice issues, and promote social justice and social change.