A central goal of sociology is to have students gain insight into how their own lives are influenced by the social relationships around them. Since all human behavior is social behavior, sociology is a very broad field of study. Its subject matter ranges from rural families to urban gangs, from the values and beliefs Americans share to the ways we are divided by race, class, and gender, and from giant corporate organizations to small friendship groups.
Sociology is a strong major in the liberal arts tradition.
A variety of surveys have indicated that employers look for the skills that undergraduate training in sociology provides. Many students use sociology as the liberal arts foundation for professions such as law, education, medicine, social work, and counseling. A BA or BS in sociology can be the first step toward the attainment of more advanced training in order to become a professor, researcher, or applied sociologist. As part of the requirements for the degree, each major does his or her own piece of original research which is carried out from the original conceptualization to the final analysis and presentation. The department does offer internship opportunities to students who qualify.