Sociology

The Department of Social Sciences shall become a leading department in the region, exemplifying the highest intellectual standards offered in leading universities throughout the world.

Mission

The mission of the program is to train students in the foundational methods and theories integral to sociology and closely related social sciences, and to combine that training with practical experience and research skills to produce graduates capable of significant contributions in a wide variety of practical and research-oriented pursuits. Coursework in the sociology program is configured to simultaneously build a strong social and cultural understanding of the local region, while also producing global citizens with an awareness and respect for cultural diversity and other ways of living.

Objectives

The major in Sociology strives to:

• Equip students with methods for gathering and analyzing systematically derived field-based data.
• Develop students’ understanding of basic social science concepts.
• Provide students with the ethical foundation for conducting research on social and cultural issues to explain societal patterns or problems.
• Furnish students with an understanding of both the uniformity and diversity observable in socio-cultural orders.

Opportunities Graduates in Sociology find employment in government agencies, non-governmental organizations, international aid and development agencies, and in the private sector in management positions, community service, social service, and research organizations. Quantitative and qualitative research skills also allows for graduates to be employed by marketing, research and consulting agencies.

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Qatar University offers a comprehensive program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of social structures, cultural dynamics, and human behavior within diverse societies. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and analytical abilities, enabling graduates to interpret social phenomena and contribute meaningfully to community development and policy formulation. Throughout the program, students will explore areas such as social theory, research methodologies, family dynamics, gender issues, urbanization, globalization, and social change. The program combines theoretical courses with practical experiences, encouraging students to engage in research projects, community service, and internships that align with their interests and career goals. Faculty members are distinguished experts in sociology and related fields, providing mentorship and fostering a collaborative learning environment. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in social research, community development, government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations. It also provides a solid foundation for students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in sociology or related disciplines. By the end of the program, students will have developed a nuanced understanding of social issues, enhanced their research capabilities, and gained the skills necessary to analyze and address complex social challenges in Qatar and beyond. The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Qatar University is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment that promotes diversity, critical inquiry, and social responsibility.

High School Requirements

All applicants to Qatar University must complete a minimum of 12 years of formal education and their transcript results must be certified by the appropriate educational agency. The high school grade requirements mentioned in this section are minimum scores, they do not guaranteed admission, and they may change according to the strength of the applicant pool and the available capacity in each college or major. Additionally, high school requirements do vary by college and individual colleges reserve the right to stipulate additional requirements to the admission minimums listed below.

Qatari Secondary School Certificate

1. General Secondary Schools
   The 12th grade final high school percentage is used when considering applicants from General Secondary Schools.
    
2. Independent Schools
   Graduates from Independent Schools in the academic year 2009/2010 onwards are admitted according to Qatar Senior School Certificates (QSSC) on the basis of the final total result for the last year. For students who have obtained the Independent Certificate before the academic year 2009/2010, they will be admitted on the basis of the table of Score Equivalency in each Academic Year. 

Private and International School Certificates

ِِApplicants from the following educational systems must satisfy the admission requirements:

1. Grade Point Average (GPA) System
   • Awarded a High School Diploma in a General Studies Curriculum with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale (“C”) and satisfies the minimum high school percentage requirement during the final year of high school.
   • Passed at least six different subjects including at least one science (biology, physics, chemistry), one mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, geometry), and one English Language course during the Junior or Senior year.
      
2. British Secondary School System
   • Earned at least five IGSCE (O Level) subjects with a minimum grade of "D" and a minimum of two subjects at the Advanced (A) or (AS) level or a combination of (A) and (AS) level subjects with a minimum grade of "D".
   • As the official results for this school system will be released after QU has announced admission decisions, applicants may submit predicted grades in addition to official result certificates by the submission deadline. Applicants who submit predicted high school grades (pdf) will be considered for Provisional Admission.
      
3. International Baccalaureate (IB) System
   • Completion of the full IB Diploma with at least 2 subjects at the HL and the other 4 subjects at SL level.
   • The student should have attained a total grade point score of 24 out 42, excluding grades for Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay.
   • As the official results for this school system will be released after QU has announced admission decisions, applicants may submit predicted grades by the submission deadline. Applicants who submit predicted high school grades (pdf) will be considered for Provisional Admission.
4. KSA School System:
     In order to be considered for admission to Qatar University, applicants from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must complete High School & pass the National Exam for Assessment in Higher Education with the minimum percentage required by their major/program of choice, for male students starting from 1422/1423 (2002/2003), for female students starting from 1430 (2009).

Qatar University supports a wide variety of scholarships recipients each academic year in order to attract highly qualified students. While the vast majority of academic scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and scholarly achievement, Qatar University also provides other scholarships that also consider financial need. All scholarships cover the cost of tuition fees while the benefits of some scholarships may also include one or more of the following benefits: free accommodation in university dormitories, transportation to and from the University, and a yearly airfare ticket to the home country for students who are not residents of Qatar.The student shall pay the due penalties in case he/she drops courses, or withdraw from the semester.

Scholarships contained within this guide includes only first bachelor students and students who transfer from other universities to Qatar University. Non-degree applicants, visiting students and applicants seeking a second bachelor's degree are not eligible for academic scholarships offered by Qatar University.

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Qatar University offers students a comprehensive introduction to social theories, methodologies, and the analysis of social phenomena. The program aims to develop a deep understanding of the social fabric of Qatar and the wider world, empowering graduates to analyze social issues critically and contribute to societal development. The curriculum includes core courses in sociological theory, research methods, and statistics, alongside specialized electives covering topics such as family, education, urbanization, gender, and culture. Students gain practical skills through research projects, internships, and case studies, preparing them for careers in academia, government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. The program seeks to equip students with analytical tools to interpret complex social dynamics, fostering critical thinking and cultural awareness essential in today's interconnected world. Faculty members are experienced scholars and researchers committed to delivering quality education and fostering an engaging learning environment. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and applied skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to address social challenges and contribute positively to society. Graduates of the Sociology program at Qatar University can pursue further education or embark on careers involving policy analysis, social research, community development, and consultancy. The program also encourages student participation in seminars, workshops, and conferences, promoting active learning and professional development. Overall, the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Qatar University provides a solid foundation in social sciences, preparing students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning in a diverse and dynamic global context.