Sociology is the study of group life: its characteristics, changes, causes and consequences. It combines scientific and humanistic perspectives in the study of urban and rural life, family patterns and relationships, social change, intergroup relationships, social class, environment, technology and communications, health seeking behavior, as well as social movements. The Department of Sociology offers an undergraduate degree, a minor, three certificates, and a graduate degree in sociology. The department also now offers a combined B.A./M.A. five-year program. The MA degree provides a progressive educational experience that equips students for master's level careers or entry into Ph.D. programs. Students complete a set of core courses in upper level sociology (27 credit hours) and either a Master's thesis, report on an internship, or portfolio of work (6 credit hours).
Families play a significant part in individuals lives and society. At the micro or interpersonal level they are a setting for small-group processes such as socialization, conflict, communication and intimacy. At the meso or institutional level they interact with other major social institutions including those affecting education, law, healthcare, religion, the economy, criminal justice, and welfare. At the macro or structural level, the familyin its varied and diverse forms also is key to understanding how inequality is experienced and reproduced in society. The interplay of these multiple levelsthe micro or interpersonal, the meso or institutional, and the macro or structuralis important as well as individuals influence social structures and institutions, and the latter, in turn, affect family interactions and relationships. This concentration provides in depth understanding of the complex role of families and family members at multiple levels, as well as the social systems, organizations and communities responsible for supporting families and individuals.
