Explore UAB

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

  • Haley Medved Kendrick

    Haley Medved Kendrick

    Haley Medved Kendrick (PhD 2018) is Start-up community way-finder and supporter at gener8tor.

    Read more
  • Henna Budhwani

    Henna Budhwani

    Henna Budhwani, PhD (2012), MPH holds the endowed Michael and Paula Read Phelan Professorship in Obstetrical Nursing in the Florida State University (FSU) College of Nursing, Institute on Digital Health and Innovation (IDHI). Additionally, Dr. Budhwani has adjunct appointments in UAB’s School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Organization and School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine.

    Read more
  • No photo available.

    Rosa F. C. Ho

    Rosa F. C. Ho (PhD 2003) is an assistant professor in the Department of Medical Sociology and Social Work at Chung Shan Medical University, located in Taichung, Taiwan.

    Read more
  • Julie Locher

    Julie Locher

    Julie Locher (PhD 1999) is a professor in the Departments of Medicine and Health Care Organization and Policy at UAB.

    Read more

Latest News

  • Does pregnancy protect a mom against Alzheimer’s? A new study sheds light on conflicting findings.
    Many studies have linked childbearing to a lower risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia later in life. But in a new study, UAB sociologists found that early-life factors, including a woman’s socioeconomic status in adolescence, accounted for the apparent pregnancy-cognitive connection.
  • 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.