What is Sociology?

Sociology is a scientific discipline that studies the underlying, and often unnoticed, social processes that impact every aspect of human society from our interactions with one another, to the groups in which we participate, and the social institutions that shape broader society. These social processes create patterns of actions and behaviors – examples include: the polite yet impersonal greeting and farewell between a cashier and customer; the values held by members of the same community; and, the expansion of the private prison industry over the past twenty-five years in the United States. Sociologists study these social processes, patterns, and outcomes of such patterns across a wide range of social phenomena using a variety of methods including national and international surveys; interviews; focus groups; historical and archival analysis; and more field research-based work. By contributing to our understanding of the social world around us, sociology allows us to examine avenues to address social issues that impact particular classes and categories of people.

Why Choose Sociology?

Sociology students represent a wide range of interests and reasons for pursuing a major or minor in the discipline. For those students who have identified specific career paths to pursue which require graduate training, sociology provides them with strong analytical training and expertise in areas relevant to those paths such as law; public administration; public policy; social work; and healthcare fields. Similarly, for those students interested in pursuing jobs and careers immediately upon graduation over 80% of majors and minors find a satisfying and well-paying position within six months in areas such as human resources; marketing; business; and case management. Academic internships and the opportunity to engage in research provides all majors and minors with skills and expertise that allows them success upon graduation.

Why Sociology at SUNY Geneseo?

The Department of Sociology at SUNY Geneseo trains its students to use critical thinking, writing and research skills to gain knowledge and experience in a variety of issues ranging from family and community welfare to international development; from law, crime and juvenile delinquency to the diversity of religious experiences; from the causes of environmental problems to the structural inequities in medical institutions and the health disparities they engender; and how the power structures generated by race, class and gender distinctions (among others) stratify societies while simultaneously providing locations for social movements to address inequities. Substantive courses on these topics as well as foundational courses in theory, research methods and statistics provide students with the skills to work in any field and make contributions. Equally important, the culture of the Department of Sociology provides a unique and personalized learning environment for majors and minors. Faculty members in the department are actively involved in research in which students can become involved, and they teach courses that reflect their research interests bringing their expertise and passion to the classroom. A number of faculty members have been recognized SUNY-wide and nationally for their research and teaching expertise. Students are able to cultivate relationships with one another and the faculty in the department that can last a lifetime.