Overview of Sociology
Sociology is the scientific study of society, social institutions, social structure and social relationships. A key contribution of the discipline is the insight that social factors matter; our lives are not only shaped by personal psychology, but also by our place in the social world.
Sociology's areas of inquiry range from intimate family relationships to ties between nation-states; from divisions by race, class, gender and sexuality to shared ideas of common culture; and from understanding the influence of broad-scale social movements to analyzing how adolescents become productive adults.
Areas of Research
- Radical, ethnic and gender inequality in education
- Law and Social Policy
- Hate Crimes, Social Movements, Collective Action, Protests
- Urban inequality, immigration
Potential Careers*
- Demographic analyst
- Labor relations representative
- Social welfare examiner
- Criminologist
- Consumer advocate
- Gerontologist
- Marriage and family therapist
- Social services program director
- Veteran affairs specialist
* Please Note: Some of these carers might require education beyond a Bachelor's degree.
Learning Outcomes
Students graduating from the Sociology program demonstrate the following:
- Think critically about the causes and consequences of social inequality;
- Design and evaluate empirical sociological research;
- Explain and apply the major theoretical perspectives in sociology;
- Communicate orally and in writing about sociological concepts;
- Use their sociological education outside of the undergraduate classroom, particularly in their careers or further education.