Programs
If you are looking to enter a career where you can make a difference in people’s lives, we can prepare you.
Our programs provide students with an understanding of theory and methodology, and offer opportunities to apply knowledge learned in the classroom to experiences in the field through work placement and internship opportunities. Each of our programs also stresses the importance of interdisciplinary education, so students graduate with a well-rounded background that provides a solid foundation for growth in their professional lives. Additionally, small class sizes allow students to build relationships with faculty and classmates that foster their development as students and professionals.
Our department offers course work in three distinct areas:
- The largest major that we offer is social work. This program prepares students for generalist practice in the profession of social work upon graduation. It is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and as an accredited program, it has fairly complex and specific requirements students must follow in order to complete a bachelor of science degree.
- Students may also major in the social science discipline of sociology. In addition to preparing graduates to become social scientists who conduct research on social phenomena, the sociology program provides an excellent education for advanced professional education for careers in the public and private sectors. Although a relatively select group of students major in sociology, sociology courses are an excellent choice to fulfill liberal studies requirements and general electives.
- We currently offer a small program in anthropology. The department’s minor was suspended for 2007-08 for review, but it is expected to be open again to to new enrollment effective fall 2008. Northern does not offer a major in anthropology, but several courses apply to NMU’s liberal studies program, including the world culture requirement.
Students may also select from several department minors to complement their major:
- A standard sociology minor
- A social service minor, which consists of social work courses
- A social research analyst minor
- An interdisciplinary gerontology minor
