Major in Sociology and Political Science

The Major in Sociology and Political Science at Pine Manor College integrates sociology and political science into a single program of study. It has a central set of courses that emphasize understanding social and political systems from the neighborhood to the world. We see the place in all communities for activism and leadership. Core courses provide both foundational learning and common experiences integrating and applying learning in the major. SPS majors complete one of four tracks, through which they integrate and define what the major means for them: Politics and Policy; Criminal Justice; Sociology; or International Development. Program courses reinforce the broad general educational objectives of the College by consciously integrating teaching strategies that support the achievement of the Core Competencies of the Pine Manor College education.

SPS graduates are prepared for entry into a variety of fields, including law enforcement and other aspects of the criminal justice system, human services, politics, and community organizing, or work in international business and development. Recent graduates have completed law school, are working as victim advocates in regional offices of the attorney general, are working in communities to reduce youth violence, and are providing counseling in prisons.

Pine Manor College is a private four-year liberal arts college situated on over 45 wooded acres in the Chestnut Hill section of Brookline, Massachusetts, only a few miles outside of Boston. For over 100 years, Pine Manor College has provided a student-focused education and tailored mentoring grounded in the liberal arts tradition.

Serving a majority of first-generation and low-income students, Pine Manor College promotes diversity where students from a range of linguistic, economic, and cultural backgrounds experience a personal learning environment that transforms them, preparing them for successful careers in an ever-changing world. With competencies grounded in the liberal arts tradition, our graduates enter employment and advanced studies with critical thinking skills, a commitment to civic engagement, and immediate job and long-term career opportunities.