Most of the faculty are actively involved in research. Recent faculty research has included studies of opinions on women's issues, willingness to pay additional taxes, prayer, stereotypes and ethnic prejudice, and the social organization of sport. The mission of the Department of Sociology is to provide students with an understanding of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology, knowledge about and the ability to use sociological concepts in the analysis of social phenomena, opportunities to develop critical thinking as well as written and oral communication skills utilizing a sociological perspective, an understanding of sociocultural diversity within and among societies, and qualitative and quantitative research skills including the appropriate use of computer technology. Sociology is the study of social life and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociology's subject matter ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob, from crime to religion, from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, from the sociology of work to the sociology of sport.
Few fields have such broad scope and relevance.
Training in sociology provides students with a perspective on human development and social life that is an especially important part of a college education. Social theory and research methods provide the foundation for study in sociology. On this foundation, programs with electives can be built to meet the needs of students with different goals and interests. The research emphasis trains in data gathering, analysis, and report writing - these are valuable in many careers. In addition, an understanding of the relationships between individuals and groups can prove useful in everyday life as well as at work.