Program Overview

There are many reasons to major in sociology. The primary reasons are intellectual (intriguing course content and skill development) and practical (many diverse potential career options). A major in sociology should appeal to both the careerist and the idealist.

Intellectual reasons to study Sociology:

On the intellectual side, and most importantly, sociology is about understanding "the big picture." Sociologists try to understand both broad and narrow social phenomena, issues and problems, and in doing so, they integrate the findings of other social science disciplines. Sociology integrates the findings of economics, political science, psychology and history. Rather than viewing our world only through one lens, sociologists view the world though lenses that combine these diverse perspectives. In addition, in sociology one can study many of the substantive topics that the others social sciences examine. Thus, the fields of ethnic studies, gender and cultural studies build on important sociological traditions and findings.

In sociology, you can:

• Learn how business works through the study of organizations, economic processes, human relations and institutions
• Learn how politics and law work through the study of sociology of law, politics, social movements and revolutions
• Learn how science and medicine create truths and change the world sociology of science, sociology of knowledge, and technological change
• Learn how societies create opportunities and perpetuate inequalities poverty, education, gender, ethnicity and race relations
• Learn how communities of belief and kin are created sociology of culture, religion and family

Work and Organizations

The Work and Organizations curriculum is designed to allow students to study occupations, work, and organizational structures in greater depth. Students will learn about the important role that organizations play in society and the lives of individuals and families. Coursework focuses on a number of types of organizations, including government, community, business, and not-for-profit organizations.

Students are exposed to a variety of issues, including diversity in organizations, major changes in the quality of working life and the labor force, the power and influence of professions, bureaucracies and unions, and organizational leadership and change. Students also examine contemporary problems that individuals, families and communities in the U.S. have in integrating work and family/personal life.