Sociology examines social interaction, forms of social organization, and influences of social groups, institutions, and structure upon behavior. The goals of the department include providing a familiarity with sociological concepts, theories, research methods, and research findings; fostering knowledge of, and respect for, diverse social systems and cultures; alerting students to the needs of their community and society; and promoting a spirit of social service. See the course catalog.

Four concentrations are available:

•  general sociology, which is designed for students interested in research in sociology, teaching, law, business or public administration, and related fields
•  criminology and justice, which is recommended for students interested in careers in research and analysis for government agencies and private consulting firms, academia, law, positions in policy-making organizations, law enforcement, probation and parole work, and related careers
•  education and society, which is recommended for students interested in teaching and other careers
•  social work, which is designed for students interested in careers related to social services A Sample Program  
• 
  B.A. in Sociology (Social Work Concentration)

  Year 1
  Literature: Visions and Values (ENGL 109)
  Writing for College (ENGL 115)
  Core: Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 204)
  Core: The Shaping of the Modern World (HIST 214)
  Modern Foreign Language requirement
  Core: The Arts Experience (ART 210)
  Computers and Their Uses (CMPT 114)
  Elementary Statistics (MATH 211)
  The First-Year Experience (CMSV 101)
  Elective/Major 3 credits in either one

  Year 2
  Core: Economics (ECON 110)
  Core: Sociology (SOC 101)
  Core: The Life of Reason (PHIL 212)
  Core: The Life of Faith (RELS 208)
  Core: Foundations of Chemistry (CHEM 100)
  Concepts of Biology (BIOL 101)
  Introduction to Social Work (SOC 210)
  Social Class and Inequality (SOC 304)
  Social Work Practice I (SOC 312)
  Elective/Major 3 credits in either one

  Year 3 
  World Literature (ENGL 320)
  Junior-level Integrated course (INTG 3XX)
  Sociological Theories (SOC 324)
  Survey Research (SOC 319)
  Social Work Practice II (SOC 307)
  Elective/Major 15 credits combined

  Year 4
  Senior-level Integrated course (INTG 4XX)
  Senior Seminar (SOC 416)
  Elective/Major 23 credits combined

  Total Credits for Graduation: 120