Department of Sociology and Cultural Analysis
The Department of Sociology and Cultural Analysis unites the former Departments of Sociology and Gender, Race, and Identity to examine social structures, social change and the forces that shape inequality and lived experience.
Learn more about the department
Majors and minors
Explore the majors and minors we offer in sociology, social research analytics, and gender, race, and identity.
Students pursuing a degree in sociology develop a deeper understanding of how societies are organized, maintained and transformed. Sociology examines social interactions, institutions and global processes with particular attention to issues of power, inequality, culture, identity, health, education, work and social change.
Students learn to develop and conduct social science research using qualitative and quantitative methods, from ethnography and interviews to surveys and program evaluation. Through hands-on research and presentation experience, they gain analytical and communication skills valued across education, nonprofit, government and business sectors.
Gender, Race, and Identity (GRI) majors explore the intersection of various social identities and power dynamics. This interdisciplinary program spans from historical to contemporary contexts, from global to local, equipping students to engage with and enact change critically. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) offers a general GRI major or specializations in Ethnic Studies or Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, preparing them for diverse careers, including public advocacy and education. Students may also choose to minor in a GRI specialization.
Students who complete this PackTeach Program will earn two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Education/Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. This program provides students with a broad background in sociology. Students who complete the program are prepared to teach in secondary education, graduate school or an immediate career in the field of social studies. This dual degree program supports the University of Nevada, Reno's commitment to providing our communities with highly qualified, diverse professional educators.
Students who complete this dual degree program will earn two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Bachelor of Social Work. This program provides students with the scientific and theoretical study of human societies and how they develop, along with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to help improve the lives of people and clients in these societies. Students who complete the program are prepared for careers in a variety of professional settings engaging with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
Sociology is the study of humans in their social groupings. Students learn to examine the development of social classes, gender roles, racial prejudices, social analysis of politics, economic structure, the development of modern industrial society, and a variety of other issues relevant to the study of society and social structure.
The accelerated B.A./M.A. program encourages outstanding students in the Sociology, B.A. program at the University of Nevada, Reno to obtain an M.A. degree in a shorter amount of time.
The Department of Sociology and Cultural Analysis offers the following minors:
Connect with Sociology and Cultural Analysis advising
The Sociology and Cultural Analysis advising team can help navigate degree requirements, choose courses, plan for graduate study, and explore internships and career opportunities.
Graduate programs
We offer several graduate programs in sociology, social research analytics and gender, race, and identity, including master's degrees and graduate certificates.
Master of Arts in Sociology
The M.A. in Sociology program provides rigorous training in advanced sociological theory and a range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and prepares graduates for a variety of careers in applied research or social service.
Social Research Analytics Graduate Certificate
This certificate is provides students with advanced training in social science research methods and applied statistics they may apply to their research as students and working professionals.
Master of Arts in Gender, Race and Identity
The Gender, Race, and Identity (GRI) graduate curriculum is intentionally flexible, allowing students to pursue areas of intellectual and professional importance while gaining both breadth and depth in the study of race, class, gender and related formations of identity.
Gender, Race, and Identity Graduate Certificate
This GRI graduate certificate is an interdisciplinary course of study that enhances students' understanding of how identities are constructed and the ways they intersect.
Upcoming sociology and cultural analysis events
Find upcoming events by the Department of Sociology and Cultural Analysis.
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News from the Department of Sociology and Cultural Analysis
The Department of Sociology and the Department of Gender, Race, and Identity merge into a unified intellectual home for the social and critical study of human life
The College of Liberal Arts’ Department of Gender, Race, and Identity proudly celebrates this national achievement
The Marta Elliott Scholarship Endowment is available to liberal arts students who are struggling with mental health challenges