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 Debby Fernand stands next to RHSA Director Matthew Hurwitz
Debby Fernand '22
Psychology, Sociology and Race and Ethnic Studies

Debby Fernand says the River Hawk Scholars Academy has introduced her to friends and faculty mentors – and turned her into a leader herself.

The RHSA was the first aspect of college I got to know and love.
Read More About Debby Fernand 
Lilian Whitehead in the files storage area at the Center for Lowell History.
Lilian Whitehead '27
Biology (sociology minor)

A work-study job with the Center for Lowell History is preparing Lilian Whitehead for a future museum career.

It’s a great experience for the direction I want to go in for my career.
Read More About Lilian Whitehead 
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 
Michelle Garcia reads aloud in front of a class
Michelle Garcia '21
English, Sociology

Michelle Garcia, a rising spoken word poet, is also learning how to write poetry for the page.

Writing keeps me sane. It keeps me grounded.
Read More About Michelle Garcia 
  • 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.