Sociology

Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of humankind’s most important creation — the social group. Everything that we do is either directly or indirectly influenced by groups. All of our greatest achievements, good and bad, are products of human groups. Even the most solitary artist or writer would be utterly devoid of creativity without a social context in which to nurture individual genius or without an audience from which to draw critical evaluation. Indeed, there is very little in our life that occurs outside the group context. This is what sociology is all about — the systematic, scientific study of human groups.

Our program offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Sociology plus a certificate program in Applied Social Research. Students can also pursue an accelerated B.S./M.S. track. We focus on sociological theory, social research methods and dimensions of social stratification from both academic and applied sociological perspectives.

Our faculty includes professors with joint appointments in gender, sexuality and women’s studies, African-American studies, and religious studies. Their knowledge spans a broad spectrum of expertise in social theory, research methods, race and ethnicity, gender, family, sexuality, and sexual and domestic violence.

Some of our graduates have gone on to professional degree programs in medicine, law and business, while others have pursued graduate studies in sociology, political science and education. In addition to finding employment in the private sector in fields like advertising and human resource management, our graduates have also been hired by state and federal agencies to work as analysts and administrators.

Faculty

 

For further information, please contact:
Jennifer A. Johnson, Ph.D.
Chair
Sociology Programs
Phone: (804) 828-6826
Email: jajohnson3@vcu.edu