Sociology, BA: Medical Sociology

Medical Sociology Concentration 

This concentration enables students to advance their knowledge of the intersection between health, illness, and various aspects of social structures such as religion, class, gender, and race/ethnicity. This concentration is appropriate for Sociology students who want to go medical school or into the public or private sector to impact health and wellness among populations. 

Students who are pre-health benefit from the Medical Sociology Concentration by furthering their understanding of the complexities that impact the care of patients, groups and populations. The Medical Sociology Concentration provides pre-health students with an extensive academic portfolio appropriate for medical school, or alternatively, a strong complement to other majors and disciplines.

The Sociology Major

The Sociology major helps students identify and explain patterns of social life and human behavior by emphasizing how large-scale social phenomena (such as class, race, and gender inequality) affect the everyday experiences of individuals and vice versa. The major prepares students for a career in a variety of fields such as law, medicine and healthcare, marketing, education, scholarly and applied social research, social work, demography, journalism and media, management in the public and private sectors, administration, and government. The program offers comprehensive advising and significant research and independent study opportunities. Our program is dedicated to nurturing a strong community of scholars, helping them grow academically and professionally under the large-scale mission of the College of Arts & Sciences.

The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 34. Double majors may entail more course units.

For more information: https://sociology.sas.upenn.edu/undergraduate/sociology-major/sociology-major-concentrations/medical-sociology-concentration

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You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.

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Related courses outside of this list are subject to the approval of the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies and Undergraduate Chair

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Students are encouraged to take some courses outside of their concentration.

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For the “2 SOCI or RELATED” requirement in the major, students in the Medical Sociology Concentration can count any SOCI course, or courses outside of SOCI that either 1) devote a substantial portion of their subject matter to sociologically related issues, and/or 2) are directly related to the field of health, healthcare, medicine or other medical phenomena.

Honors

Applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.3 and a GPA of 3.5 in the major.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Sample Plan of Study