"If it's far away, it's news, but if it's close at home, its sociology"

--James Reston (Scottish Journalist 1909-1995)

What do Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Robin Williams (the comedian)and Maxine Waters (Congresswoman from LA) all have in common? They all majored in sociology!

Sociology is a versatile major that complements other fields of study and is therefore easily combined with other majors or with obtaining teacher licensure. Students often combine majors in sociology and women's studies. Sociology is the scientific and systematic study of society. Students majoring in sociology are able to:

• understand ways to improve interpersonal and intercultural understanding and tolerance   
• understand the role of scholarship in assessment of personal ideas and social policies
• use knowledge and skills for appropriate selection and application of research methods and statistics
• engage in critical thinking skills that distinguish individual and institutional actions and outcomes
• engage in critical thinking skills that apply the dialectic to societal patterns of domination and subordination
• use knowledge about the social foundation of rewarding and enduring communities

With a major in sociology, students prepare for career flexibility and graduate or professional school success. Sociologists recognize and analyze social issues, and work with others to lessen the impact of social problems. They apply theory and research to the complex social world, and seek lessons for policy and possibilities for social justice.

Also offered in conjunction with the sociology department are minors in sociology and criminal justice studies.