What is Sociology? – Sociology is the general science of social phenomena. Its subjects range from elementary social relationships, groups, networks, organizations and national societies to the processes and structures of global society. With this wide range of phenomena, Sociology is far less specialized than other social sciences. It has a large arsenal of research methods and theoretical approaches at its disposal in order to do justice to the particularities of all its subjects. Sociology is a subject that is pluralistic in its theories and methods. Its inner diversity makes the program of study in Sociology exciting, but also renews the students’ need for constant changes of perspective. Sociology is a challenging program of study for which you should bring a wide range of interests and a lively mind! You need empathy as well as the ability to think abstractly, a love of reading as well as math skills, a curious observational spirit as well as analytical thinking, an understanding of the language of “ordinary people” as well as English-language specialist literature. But don’t worry: you don’t have to be perfect! We will train you in these skills!
Every year, around 13,000 students attend the university open house at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) to gain a comprehensive insight into the courses offered and campus life. During this special event, the young visitors have the opportunity to find out about the various degree programs, such as Sociology, in subject-specific introductory events. This also includes special introductory lectures on Sociology, which offer those interested an initial overview of the central topics, research fields and career prospects of this program of study.
In addition to the lectures, students can take part in regular courses to gain an authentic impression of everyday university life. A special highlight of the day is the exciting supporting program on stage, which highlights topics related to the choice of studies, studying in Mainz and career prospects after the program of study. These program items help visitors to make an informed decision about their future educational path.
At the Sociology pavilion, students will have the opportunity to seek advice about the program of study in an advisory capacity. Employees, teaching staff and professors and/or Sociology students will be on hand to answer any questions about the program of study, its content and future prospects. This direct interaction allows those interested to gain a comprehensive impression of the subject and valuable insights into everyday life as a student.
In addition to the subject-specific offerings, there are numerous interdisciplinary lectures and advisory services that provide comprehensive information on the topics of international affairs, additional qualifications and campus life at Mainz University. Here, students can find out everything they need to know about opportunities such as studying abroad, international degrees, learning foreign languages or the possibility of completing vocational training at the university.
Is Sociology really right for me? Does it match my interests, abilities and preferences? Does it meet my expectations and ideas? Our try-out-days provide the answer!
Here you can get to know Sociology at Mainz up close, gain an insight into everyday life at the university and talk to students and lecturers.
During our try-out-days, you can gain first-hand experience, ask the academic advisory office about the content, structure, requirements and design options or stays abroad for the program of study as well as future career fields and gain a direct insight into everyday university life by attending a lecture.
The BA degree program in Sociology is non-selective in core and minor subjects.
The MA degree program is non-selective.
When applying for a study place at JGU (including when changing of subject), you must indicate which academic semester you are applying for. If you have already completed coursework that could lead to placement in an advanced semester, you will therefore need to know which academic semester you will be placed in before submitting your application for a transfer between universities.
Placement is based on the program of study and examinations you have already completed. If you would like advising on the subject or transfer between universities before the application deadline, please contact the Sociology student advising office at studienbuero.soziologie@uni-mainz.de at the latest one week before the application deadline.
Sociology is not a program of study that leads to a clearly defined career field. Contrary to what some legends of the past would have you believe, Sociology is also not a program of study with poor job market prospects. You don’t find very many sociologists among cab drivers!
Sociology graduates work in numerous professional fields: for example, in social, market and opinion research, project management, consulting, marketing, human resources, journalism and publishing, in public administration, in foundations and non-governmental organizations, in the education and cultural sectors and, of course, in academia. According to graduate studies, sociologists are predominantly employed at a level commensurate with their training and rarely below average, earning salaries that are in line with the average for all university degrees.
Professionally relevant skills that are taught directly in the program of study include methods of quantitative and qualitative social research, subject-related knowledge and theoretical training in changing perspectives. In addition, it is a specific style of working and thinking that is taught rather implicitly in sociology studies, but which will benefit you in many professional fields. Studying sociology is not primarily about cramming textbook knowledge, but about promoting reflective, multi-perspective, creative, problem-solving and independent work! These are skills that are highly valued in the economy of the modern service and knowledge society.
Would you like to know how the Mainz Institute of Sociology is evaluated by our students?
You can find the answer in the CHE ranking:
