Department of Sociology

Shelby Longard (chair), Erin Pryor, Ken Spring, Andi Stepnick.

Vision:

The Sociology Program provides specific knowledge, skills, and theoretical frameworks for developing cultural awareness and an understanding of how social arrangements influence life at the individual, group, community, and societal levels.

Purpose:

Our rigorous and student-centered program provides graduates with the transferable skills necessary for a fast-changing and complex world including: data analysis, critical thinking, leadership, and effective oral and written communication. The study of Sociology encourages cross-cultural awareness, self-understanding, and the betterment of society through the reduction of social problems. These skills and knowledge prepare our students for graduate training and for a variety of careers including but not limited to: International Relations, Marketing Research, Social Service and Non-profit Management, City Management, Gerontology, Education, Ministry, Criminal Justice, Advocacy/Activism, and Law.

Goals:

Sociology students will develop a complex understanding of how major social and cultural arrangements related to race, class, and gender interact with the economy, education, religion, family, and the environment.
Sociology students will acquire critical reading and data analysis skills though rigorous methodological training.
Sociology students will learn to apply research skills, theoretical orientations, and sociological knowledge to social issues and matters of public policy.
Sociology students will learn to use research skills for exploring intellectual freedom and knowledge of self, especially related to the role of human agency in promoting social change.
Sociology students will have multiple opportunities for community involvement and internships that enhance student learning and benefit the community.
Sociology students will experience a student-friendly learning environment that offers personalized advising and mentoring to foster students’ personal and professional development.
Sociology students will develop interpersonal skills, cross-cultural awareness, and other professional skills that will serve them throughout their lives in a variety of contexts.