UMass Lowell's Department of Sociology prepares students for careers in a variety of fields by providing a rigorous understanding of the social forces and institutions that affect human behavior.

Meet Our Students and Alumni

UMass Lowell student Rafaela Gonzalez poses with some of her GloryScent products
Rafaela Gonzalez '18
Sociology

Rafaela Gonzalez wants to care for people as individuals and in communities, so she's majoring in sociology and minoring in psychology. She's also started her own business.

I like to encourage people and give them hope - especially teenagers when they have problems and people aren't actually listening.
Read More About Rafaela Gonzalez 
Kimani sitting next to professor Chandra Waring
Kimani Brown '23
Sociology

Kimani Brown is doing research on racial equity and inclusion with a professor.

She thought I could make a contribution.
Read More About Kimani Brown 
Franchesca Arias takes a selfie in Spain during her study abroad program with a group of students and Assoc. Teaching Prof. Thomas Piñeros-Shields
Franchesca Arias '20
Sociology & Spanish

Honors student Franchesca Arias is passionate about studying abroad after completing a summer program in Valencia, Spain.

Study abroad is one of those life-changing experiences. When you’re immersed in the culture, you realize you have the ability to learn every single aspect of that culture and what they’re going through socially and politically.
Read More About Franchesca Arias 
UMass Lowell student Rosmery Medrano sits at a table with an open book
Rosmery Medrano '22
Sociology

Rosmery Medrano analyzed her culture and hometown in a field research class.

It was really interesting to analyze my city from a sociological perspective.
Read More About Rosmery Medrano 
Ben Jeter and others stand around a table a meeting
Ben Jeter '21
Sociology

Ben Jeter’s experiences at UMass Lowell, including participating in the professional co-op program and his job as a resident advisor, turned him into a student leader.

My roles as an RA and within the Black Student Union really changed my life and informed who I am today.
Read More About Ben Jeter 
  • UML Sociology Asst. Prof. Chandra Waring and senior sociology major Kimani Brown look at research together

    ‘Racial Equity and Inclusion’ is New Track for Sociology Majors

    Racial equity and inclusion are the focus of a new concentration for sociology majors. It’s supported by several recently hired faculty who study race and ethnicity, opening up new research opportunities for students.
    Featured Story
  • UMass Lowell Sociology Assoc. Prof. Mignon Duffy with the Merrimack River in the background

    Sociology Class and Student Government Join Forces on Survey

    Students in a sociology research methods class collaborated with the Student Government Association on a survey of undergraduates. The sociology majors got real-world experience – and the SGA is using the results to assess and advocate for student needs.