Examine the inner workings of societies around the world. Sharpen your intellectual skills. Channel your compassion. Focus your curiosity.

Sociology

The major in sociology prepares students to understand, research and critically assess the wide range of issues confronting the various societies of the world. Sociologists study such topics as the causes of wealth and poverty; the changing roles of men, women and families; the migration of the world’s population; racial, ethnic and religious relations in more developed and developing societies; crime and justice; the role of religious and cultural values; and how societies reform and change over time.

Graduates of the sociology department have distinguished themselves as social workers, college professors, lawyers, teachers, personnel directors, probation officers, social service administrators, missionaries, journalists, pastoral counselors, corporate managers, market researchers and social researchers. They also have made a very important contribution to the work of creating more just social structures through their involvement in movements for social justice, peace, civil rights, women’s rights, democracy and human rights throughout the world.