Sociology is the study of society as a whole and of human social organization in groups.
The sociological perspective provides a way to better understand the social world and how human beings come to think and act as they do. The goal of the department is to guide students in gaining knowledge of the social order, how it affects them in their daily lives, and how it can be applied to their vocation. Sociology majors develop an understanding of the theories of society and social groups, learn to create and use scientific tools of analysis, and practice the application of sociological concepts to the solution of social problems. Students are encouraged to select as electives some of the non-traditional learning models available, such as internships, independent study, Interim courses, and field studies. The department urges students to use Augsburg's metropolitan setting as a laboratory for learning.