About the Sociology Department

The Department of Sociology is a vibrant academic community devoted to the pursuit of the common good through the use of critical thinking skills. Sociology faculty, students, and alumni make a difference in their world through civic engagement at the local, regional, national, and international levels. We believe in the use of public sociology to continually renew the communities and worlds in which we live. We are committed to working towards a more just and compassionate world through our teaching, learning, research, and civic engagement. The Department prepares students to be critical observers and engaged participants in the social world. We are committed to teaching, mentoring, advising, and engaging in collaborative research with students. Through these relationships, the Department develops in students the requisite skills for engaged citizenship as well as professions and careers that employ sociological insight. The program emphasizes preparation for graduate-professional studies and employment in sociology, mass communications, criminal justice, law, health professions, education, environmental policy, urban planning and community organizing, community development, human services, and the business world.