The sociology program emphasizes "public sociology," or, taking the disciplinary skills of sociology outside of higher education into the public sphere for the purpose of contributing to the greater good. Public Sociology links the formal study of sociological phenomena done in higher education and professional social science research to various audiences in the public.

Goals Include Engaging With

• Public awareness of sociological research
• Social activism and responsible citizenry
• Social policy and social service organizations

Assumption's sociology program helps students better understand the richness and diversity of social life in an increasingly interconnected, complex, and multicultural world. Through both courses and co-curricular activities, department faculty provides students with ways to think critically about their world, their society, and themselves. Students acquire new and different ways of looking at the human community, including an appreciation of the social patterning of behavior; an understanding of the development of communities; an awareness of the functions and dysfunctions of societal institutions; and a deeper comprehension of the diverse ways of being human.

The program is designed to allow students to explore sociological contributions to understanding social change and solving social problems. A major in sociology prepares students for graduate study in the field of sociology, as well as for graduate study in related fields such as social work, policy analysis, public health, education, law, journalism, and criminal justice. The sociology major also provides an important background for a wide range of occupations in which knowledge of human behavior, social relationships, and institutional practices are important.

In acquiring competencies in the methodological and theoretical approaches of sociology, students have the opportunity to explore human relations in their most fundamental as well as their broadest scope, from the dynamic intimacy of small groups to the structures of entire societies.

Learning Goals for Sociology Majors 

• Develop an understanding of how the discipline of sociology can be taken out into the public for the greater good. 
• Better understand how social inequality is based upon divisions in class, race, ethnicity, gender, age, and sexual orientation. 
• Develop an understanding of sociological approaches to analyzing and addressing the complex interactions between individuals and societal, historical, and cultural forces. 
• To gain specific competencies in social research as related to the field of sociology.
• To acquire the essential skills necessary for successful careers and post-graduate education.