Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences – Sociology

 

Department of Sociology

As global trends increasingly emphasize human-centered research and analysis, sociology has emerged as a rapidly growing discipline with increasing visibility. Recognizing the interdisciplinary orientation of contemporary sociology, the Department of Sociology at Bahçeşehir University brings together a distinguished academic team from fields such as history, anthropology, political science, and literature. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the department actively contributes to scientific research, academic instruction, and applied projects.

Our research areas include social media, energy, migration, youth, crime and risk studies, social movements, gender studies, and folklore. As our world and our country experience rapid social transformation, the importance of sociological research continues to grow. In this context, there is an increasing need for individuals who possess not only strong theoretical knowledge in sociology and the social sciences but also the methodological, philosophical, political, economic, and humanistic perspectives necessary to analyze and address complex social issues.

Objective

The objective of the program is to educate graduates who possess strong methodological and analytical skills, a high level of awareness of both global and local dynamics, and the capacity to conduct research in diverse fields. One distinctive feature of the program is its interdisciplinary structure, highlighting the intersections of sociology with education, psychology, anthropology, international relations, philosophy, and history—areas that are often less emphasized in traditional sociology programs.

The Department’s research and curriculum cover a wide range of topics, including social movements, migration studies, radical political movements, social conflict and its resolution, and contemporary social issues shaped by current global conditions.

The Department of Sociology also offers minor and double major opportunities.

Program

In order to graduate from Bahçeşehir University, students must complete a total of 240 ECTS credits. During the first two years, students take core courses essential to sociology, including Introduction to Sociology, Research Methods, Anthropology, Social Psychology, Statistics in Social Sciences, Urban Sociology, Social Stratification, and Theoretical Perspectives. All first year courses are compulsory.

From the second year onward, students continue with required courses while also selecting elective courses that strengthen their theoretical knowledge and research skills. Some third-year electives are offered as general electives designed to broaden students’ intellectual perspectives and develop additional competencies in areas such as foreign languages, philosophy, history, and music.

In the fourth year, students choose an area of specialization within sociology—such as Political Sociology, Urban Sociology, Migration Sociology, or Gender Studies—and take departmental electives related to their chosen field. During a two-semester seminar course, students develop and present an independent research project. Students may also choose to take COOP courses as electives, which provide practical work experience.

Mission of the Sociology Department

The mission of the Sociology Program is to educate future sociologists who are inquisitive, analytical, and capable of critical thinking; who possess problem-solving and social innovation skills; who can adapt to global conditions; who effectively utilize information and communication technologies; and who contribute value to the societies in which they live. The program aims to cultivate individuals who respect diversity and are capable of conducting research that contributes to improving the living standards of both our country and humanity.

Objectives of the Sociology Department

1. To generate knowledge through research and development in sociology and apply this knowledge to develop creative solutions to social problems, while understanding both global and local dynamics and the relationships between them. The department aims to achieve excellence in education, research, and societal contribution.
2. To educate individuals equipped with interdisciplinary perspectives who can analyze social problems and contribute to improving human living standards, while possessing the professional and individual competencies required in the 21st century and a strong awareness of sustainability.
3. To conduct sociological research capable of creating value in a globally competitive environment through the effective use of technology, while educating creative and entrepreneurial individuals who can carry out such research.
4. To enable graduates to continuously develop their learning competencies and apply their knowledge and competencies in both public and private sectors by adapting to changing conditions while maintaining critical and innovative thinking.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. To understand and compare major classical and contemporary sociological perspectives and apply them to the analysis of social phenomena.
2. To identify the fundamental methodological approaches used in constructing sociological and anthropological knowledge at both local and global levels.
3. To apply theoretical and practical knowledge of statistics within the social sciences.
4. To acquire foundational knowledge from related disciplines such as psychology, history, political science, communication, and literature, and apply this knowledge to sociological analysis.
5. To understand and apply scientific and ethical principles in collecting, interpreting, and publishing sociological data, and to develop effective communication skills for sharing this information with experts and relevant stakeholders.
6. To develop the ability to analyze and disseminate sociological knowledge using computer programs for qualitative and quantitative analysis and to follow developments in these areas.
7. To understand theories related to urban and rural sociology, demography, political sociology, gender studies, sociology of the body, visual sociology, sociology of art, sociology of work, sociology of religion, sociology of knowledge, and sociology of crime.
8. To understand how sociology is positioned as a scientific discipline from philosophical and historical perspectives.
9. To develop awareness of social issues within Turkish society, approach these issues critically, and gain knowledge about the work of Turkish sociologists.
10. To develop awareness of social issues and global social processes and apply sociological analysis to development and social responsibility projects.
11. To develop the ability to formulate research questions, design research projects, and prepare comprehensive written reports individually or as part of a team.
12. To transfer knowledge acquired in sociology to the secondary education level.

Career Opportunities

Graduates benefit from their interdisciplinary academic background and can pursue careers across a wide range of public and private sectors. They may work in media organizations, research companies, think tanks, industrial and commercial enterprises, local governments, and in research and development, public relations, or human resources departments of companies, as well as in various educational institutions.

In addition, graduates who complete the required pedagogical training may work as Philosophy Group Teachers in secondary education institutions, particularly in private colleges and Anatolian high schools that provide education in foreign languages.

SOCIOLOGY DEPARTMENT RANKINGS AND MINIMUM ADMISSION SCORES

Rankings and minimum admission scores for the Sociology Department from previous years have been announced. TYT–AYT (YKS) minimum scores and success rankings represent the university placement scores and rankings from previous years. You may compare your score and ranking with those from previous years when finalizing your university preferences.