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Department of Sociology

The Department of Sociology is one of seven departments within the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at Hawassa University.


Department of Sociology

The Department of Sociology is one of seven departments within the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at Hawassa University. Our history dates back to 2007 with the launch of our undergraduate degree program. Since 2018, we've been re-established as a department, proudly offering both undergraduate (BA) and postgraduate (MA) degrees in Sociology. Currently, our department is home to 10 academic staff members specialising in diverse sub-fields of Sociology. We welcome students through regular and weekend programs. Beyond teaching, our faculty and students are actively involved in social research and community service, contributing to the broader understanding and betterment of society.

List of programs offered in each department

1

Undergraduate

  • Sociology

 

2

Masters or Specialisations

  • Sociology

Graduate profile of each program

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology

Graduates of the BA program possess a comprehensive set of conceptual, practical, methodological, and civic competencies, preparing them to excel in diverse roles and contribute meaningfully to society. They are equipped to:

  • Evaluate and discuss social science theories and perspectives to interpret social processes.
  • Design and execute sociological research projects, document findings, write comprehensive reports, and critically assess empirical data.
  • Promote well-informed and constructive civil discourse within local communities, across Ethiopia, and globally.
  • Utilize sociological perspectives to address community and organizational challenges, acting as change agents by fostering participation and effective teamwork.
  • Contribute to policymaking and implementation at local, regional, and federal government levels and advocate for disadvantaged groups with cultural sensitivity and compassion.
  • Perform effectively in positions requiring sociological perspectives and methods, including socio-economic planning, rural and urban development, technology transfer, health and social services, relief provision, labor relations, cultural affairs, and teaching.

Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology

Graduates of the MA program possess advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and practical competencies to:

  • Critically understand and interpret diverse social realities within specific cultural contexts, applying advanced sociological concepts, theories, and research methodologies.
  • Design, conduct, and independently manage rigorous sociological research projects, evaluate findings, and contribute to the existing body of sociological knowledge.
  • Comprehend the intricacies of policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation at local, regional, national, and international levels, including evidence-based policy design and strategy development.
  • Undertake and coordinate multidisciplinary research initiatives, understanding contributions from various disciplines and leveraging knowledge of group dynamics and organizational processes.
  • Teach sociology and related social sciences effectively at higher education institutions, communicating complex sociological ideas to diverse audiences.
  • Function successfully in diverse professional settings requiring advanced sociological perspectives and methods.

Potential employers of graduates 

Graduates of the BA and MA in Sociology programs at Hawassa University are equipped with analytical, research, and practical skills that prepare them for a wide range of professional roles. Potential career paths include:

Development and Humanitarian Organisations (Local, National, and International)
  • Project developers, coordinators, and evaluators
  • Community mobilisers and change agents
  • Researchers and data analysts
  • Advisers and consultants
  • Advocates & lobbyists for social justice & human rights
  • Social impact assessors for development companies

Public Sector and Government Agencies
  • Correctional administration institutions
  • Bureaus of Labor and Skills
  • Bureaus of Women, Children, and Social Affairs
  • Youth and Sports Affairs Departments
  • Rural development and agriculture bureaus
  • Refugee, migration, and immigration affairs agencies

Social Services and Counseling
  • Family and marriage counseling organisations
  • Group and community social work organisations
  • Rehabilitation service organisations
  • Child, women, youth, older persons, and other marginalized groups affairs
  • School advisers and counselors
  • Health institutions, including community health workers and public health educators

Research and Consultancy
  • Private consultancy firms
  • Market research firms
  • Social research organisations
  • Survey researchers

Education
  • Educators and instructors at universities and colleges
  • Secondary school teachers (with additional pedagogical training if required)