Welcome to the Sociology Department at Syracuse University. We take an interdisciplinary approach to public sociology in order to understand, critique, and address structural and social inequalities. Known nationally for our expertise in qualitative methods, we also provide excellent training in quantitative research methods.  The cross-cutting interests of faculty and students advance research and teaching across a range of areas including: feminist methods and theory; health; aging and the life course; immigration; education; organizations; and families.  Faculty are affiliated with several Syracuse University Programs and Centers including: Women's Studies; Disability Studies; African American Studies; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Studies; Native American Studies; Cultural Foundations of Education; the Humanities Center; the Center for Policy Research; the Gerontology Center; the Program on the Analysis and Resolution of Conflict; and the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs.

Undergraduates majoring in Sociology can expect to gain a broad understanding of how societies (and American society in particular) operate, and more in-depth understanding of particular institutions, (e.g., health care, labor and industry, popular culture), and issues (e.g., environment, sex and gender, racism, globalization). This knowledge provides a useful background for students pursuing a wide range of careers including social services, marketing and retail, personnel, education and law.

Graduate training is organized around the major areas of Qualitative Methods and Feminist Methods, Inequality Studies, and Health, Aging and Social Policy. Our aim is to prepare students for all aspects of their career: research, teaching, publishing, grants, and mentoring. We begin with professional development seminar that assures that all students have the opportunities they need to become fully prepared future scholars.

The Sociology Department at Syracuse University offers core training in sociological issues, theory and practice. The department also provides opportunities for joint degrees or collaborative study with numerous multi-disciplinary research centers at the prestigious Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. These include the Center for Policy Research, the Global Affairs Institute, the Alan K. Campbell Public Affairs Institute, and the Program in the Analysis and Resolution of Conflict.