Sociology, the scientific study of human behavior in social groups, seeks to understand how people interact, how they organize themselves in social groups, and how this organization changes. Courses in sociology focus on the basic forms of social organization and social processes, in our own and other cultures, and on the theoretical approaches sociologists use to understand those basic forms. These courses contribute to critical, intelligent understanding of how the social world operates--an essential insight for any liberally educated person in a complex and rapidly changing world. Students of sociology will find that their related work in psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, and history enhances their sociological insights. Majors are required to study statistics and are encouraged to participate in interdisciplinary courses, internships, and off-campus programs. The study of foreign languages is highly recommended, especially for those who are interested in comparative sociology.
Sociological training is useful for any career, since all careers require working with people in groups. The discipline is particularly helpful for careers in business, education, law, medicine, urban and social planning, journalism, social work, and governmental service.