Sociology

The program in sociology seeks to offer sociology major the knowledge and skills necessary for pursuing graduate studies and for careers in professions such as law, medicine, business, teaching, research, government, planning, and human services.

Sociology studies how human beings live in groups and societies, and how they judge the meaning of their social lives. Sometimes sociologists begin with the individual and observe how the commitments of social factors bind them together in social relationships and result in the production of beliefs, values, and behaviors. At other times sociologists begin with cultural traditions, societies, and even entire civilizations and study the different cultural designs, the social organizations, and the modes of consciousness according to which people both in conflict and cooperation order their shared lives.

Sociology fosters reflective self -understanding in students through the appreciation of their own and others' underlying commitments. It also cultivates the ability of human beings to act adequately in the various social worlds in which they live.

Majors in sociology will find it helpful to become closely acquainted with at least one other discipline in the humanities or the social sciences, such as history, English, economics, religion, or psychology. Joint majors and interdisciplinary studies are encouraged by the faculty in sociology.

DEPARTMENT CHAIR Shirley Brown, Ph.D.

Chair's Welcome Statement

The disciplines of psychology, sociology, criminal justice, and homeland security comprise the Department of Behavioral Sciences. All of these disciplines share a common focus—human behavior. While each discipline examines human behavior from a different perspective, together they answer the questions that many of us ask about thoughts, actions, and interactions. We welcome you to explore our course offerings as you select and pursue a major. We invite you to engage in the learning experiences that will equip you with the critical knowledge, tools, and skills needed to attain your academic and career goals.

Academic Discipline

The focus on how different social groups and cultures interact makes a Sociology or Anthropology major increasingly valuable in our highly globalized and interconnected world. Students in both majors also learn to think critically and imaginatively, interpret and assess an argument, design and carry out research, and write and speak cogently.