The Field

The field of sociology studies virtually every aspect of human society: the family, gender, race and ethnic relations, aging, education, work, population, and many others. Its principal goal as a discipline is to understand the workings of human society and to explain social behavior. Although sociologists do study what are commonly regarded as social problems — crime, drug addiction, and poverty, for example — they also examine fundamental social processes present in any society: social change, conflict and inequality.

Studying sociology as an undergraduate major is an excellent way to prepare for entry-level work or graduate school in various fields. New graduates have found opportunities in the fields of social policy, law, criminal justice, social science research, human resources, organizational and non-profit management, education, environmental policy and research, advocacy, and social work to name a few.  Students interested in continuing their education at the graduate level have successfully enrolled in law school, business school, social work and public policy graduate programs, as well as continuing on to pursue a PhD in Sociology.   The Sociology degree offers a multitude of opportunities and offers an excellent introduction to American society, social science research and demography, and international issues.