In addition to the introductory information presented here, the sociology department has its own home page. Undergraduate course descriptions for the sociology department are also available online.
Sociology involves the study of human beings in social contexts.
Sociologists examine the ways in which social relationships among individuals, groups, and organizations are created and maintained. They also study the causes and consequences of change in the social world. Students who major in sociology may study socialization, social psychology, deviance and social control, formal organizations, equality and inequality within society, and social structure. Specific phenomena are also studied, including the family, health and illness, gender, race and ethnic relations, social policy, and criminology. Sociology majors should learn skills in methods of social research, statistical analysis, and sociological theory.