Sociology is an important part of a liberal arts education, and students interested in elective courses to complete their degree requirements will find many upper-division sociology courses that complement courses offered in other departments. Sociology is a social science that is concerned primarily with studying social behavior and human groups. Among other things, sociology looks at how groups influence individual behavior, how groups cooperate or conflict with one another, and how societies are established and change. Sociologists are also concerned with social problems that occur in societies such as crime, racial and sexual discrimination, poverty, and inadequate health care. The department offers a general major in sociology as well as a major in sociology with a concentration in criminology.
Minors are available in sociology and criminology.
A major in sociology provides a basis for graduate study in sociology, law, criminology, and related fields. Undergraduate training in sociology is also valuable for students interested in social work, secondary school teaching, business careers, and careers in public service.