Sociology is the study of social life and the social origins 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 common culture, from the sociology of work to the sociology of sport. Sociology is a liberal arts major with particular emphasis on developing students' abilities to think critically about complex issues, to analyze social issues and organizations, to design and carry out research, and to write with clarity and economy. The undergraduate major in sociology at the University of Southern Maine offers valuable preparation for careers in social work, social research, criminal justice, politics, public administration, law, business, and education. The major also provides an excellent basis for graduate study in sociology, law, criminology, and social work. The Sociology Department is deeply committed to excellent undergraduate teaching.