Department of Sociology and Criminology

Why Study Sociology at Benedictine College?

Morah Lippert

“My classes have helped me develop respect for all people and understand my role in society and my duty to help others around me. My professors have opened my eyes to many problems in our culture, the hardships of others and the great need for service, empathy, and community all over the world. Sociology has helped me see the dignity of each person and the beauty of different cultures. It has helped me to understand and to want to protect true, authentic culture.”

Moriah Lippert, Class of 2024
Sociology and Spanish Major, Sociology Club President (2022-2024)

From Our Alumni

Juliana Koch

“Studying Sociology instilled in me the importance of using one’s time to give back to the community.”

Juliana Koch, 2023 Father Gabriel Wolters Sociology Award Recipient

More from Juliana

“Understanding different backgrounds, groups, and perspectives is something I use every day as I represent a global company with colleagues and clients from all over the world. This is what I learned at Benedictine College.”

Juliana is currently a Software Project Manager at IBM in Dallas, Texas, where she coordinates volunteer efforts and serves on IBM’s Core Teams for Women’s & Latino’s Leadership. She also represented IBM at the United Nations Hispanic Leadership Summit this year.


Josh McDonald 2023 Graduate

“The Sociology course I took, Ethnography, was particularly impactful as it opened my soul to the reality of suffering in a way I had never seen before.”

More from Josh

“The class sent me to Christ, and, in Him, I began to find a purpose for a restless energy that had long rumbled within me.  Inspired by my study and prayer, the Benedictine Knights Jail Ministry was born.”

Josh graduated in 2023 with a degree in Criminology.  He currently teaches at St. Benedict's Grade School and is the Co-Founder of a Jail Ministry that serves local men and women incarcerated here in Atchison through weekly visits, mentorship, and bible study.


Brigid McCormack

“I am immensely grateful to have gotten a thorough education and endless support from the Sociology Program during my time at Benedictine College.”

Brigid McCormack, 2021 Father Gabriel Wolters Sociology Award Recipient

More from Brigid

“With small class sizes and professors who are passionate about the discipline, I earned an excellent education in sociology, gained experience as a research assistant, and made lasting friends. My experience in the sociology department instilled in me a passion to pursue higher education and study people, places, stories, and institutions abroad.”

Brigid recently earned her Master’s of Science Degree in Narrative Futures - Art, Data & Society at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

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