Sociology is the systematic study of social behavior and human groups. It focuses on the influence of social relationships upon people=s attitudes and behavior and on how societies are established and how they change. The scope of sociology is broad. Students of sociology study social groupings such as families, gangs, business firms, political parties, schools, religions, and work. Sociology students are also concerned with social issues such as poverty, conformity, discrimination, alienation, overpopulation, and community. Their common objective is to identify the underlying and recurring patterns of and influences on social behavior.
The graduate program in sociology at Western is focused on preparing students for a multitude of possibilities. Students will be instructed on both qualitative and quantitative methods as well as both contemporary and classical theory. We have two options for graduate students to complete their degree: thesis and non-thesis. Students will be able to work closely on whichever degree completion program on which they prefer to work.
The Sociology faculty conduct research and teach in a variety of sociological areas including but not limited to: criminology, stratification, social psychology, medical sociology, economic sociology, and political sociology. Faculty present research at regional, national, and international conferences and publish in a variety of journals.
Graduate students have a student centered organization, Sociology Graduate Student Association that participates in not only academic, but social activities. This is a student run and centered organization with leadership positions being filled by graduate students.