Sociology

Professor DeBoer
Associate Professor Erickson
Assistant Professor Gentzler

Sociology involves the systematic study of groups and institutions. Social scientists examine the social world using a variety of approaches. Students in sociology learn about urban and rural life, family patterns and relationships, social class, social movements, crime and the criminal justice system, and contemporary social issues. The major prepares students for careers in social research, criminology, demography, gerontology, and human services. The criminology emphasis within the sociology major meets the needs of students with interests and career plans in criminal justice while providing general background in all areas of sociology in order to maximize employment opportunities. A bachelor’s degree in sociology also provides students with an excellent liberal arts foundation for numerous career paths. Students graduating with degrees in sociology develop their ability to critically consider issues having to do with human social behavior, develop an understanding of the logic and techniques of examining human social behavior, develop practical skills and knowledge about work, and develop an understanding of sociological concepts, theories, ideas, and explanations.

Student Learning Outcomes

As a result of completing the Sociology program, students will be able to:

Describe relationships of power between institutions, groups, and individuals.
Demonstrate awareness of public issues and problems and how they are connected to social policy.
Compare and contrast different ideas and philosophies as they pertain to cultural systems.
Conduct an independent research project using original or secondary data.
Describe the interrelatedness of social, cultural, and economic forces that shape the direction of society.
Describe the complexity of intergroup relationships (e.g., family relationships, race/ethnic relations, relationship between social classes) and how they affect individuals and society.
Recognize the importance of social facts-moving beyond individual explanations for social phenomena.
Apply sociological theories to real world phenomena.

Programs

Major

Sociology

Minor

Sociology Minor