About the Department of Sociology

Our mission statement

The Department of Sociology is committed to excellence in teaching, research and service in the best tradition of a liberal arts education. The department prides itself in providing a quality education to its majors, minors and graduate students. It is also committed to serving the larger university community by participation in such programs as the core curriculum.

Our objectives

Development of critical/analytic thinking

The sociological perspective is inherently critical. It demands of its practitioners that they analyze a complex set of especially relevant issues that are central to an understanding of society and social structures.

Rigorous training in quantitative and qualitative research methods

Our undergraduate courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods prepare students to articulate research questions or hypotheses, and to design and execute studies that explore or test them. In addition to our required courses, we offer upper-division courses that focus on applied data analysis and visualization, linear regression, program evaluation research, survey design and analysis and more.

Professional socialization into such values as social responsibility and service to the community

This seeks to develop in students a sense of social responsibility to the community. The vision of sociology is firmly embedded in a value system based on the principles of social justice and human well-being.

Creation of a critical awareness of diversity issues

The department has been a leader in articulating diversity issues and in framing curricular offerings that allow for a critical understanding of cultural and social diversity.

Enhancement of written and verbal communication skills

Through participation in the core curriculum, the department is able to improve communication skills of its majors.