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

Sociology studies how human beings live in groups and in 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 in 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.