Eastern Illinois University

Sociology is the systematic study of society, social groups, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior.  Through an analysis and exploration of issues central in our personal lives, our communities, our nation, and the world sociology has become one of humankind's major sources of self-awareness in the 21st century.  Sociologists study a variety of topics including family dynamics, crime and deviance, work and occupations, social welfare, health care, social movements, and race, social class, and gender inequalities.

Sociology provides a liberal arts education which develops an ability to think critically and analytically - abilities highly desirable to employers and widely marketable. Most graduates find careers in case and social service work, personnel relations, law enforcement, advocacy work, public relations and other public and private career settings. Sociology is also relevant for students planning to pursue graduate degrees in law, social work, counseling, college student affairs, criminology, business, public administration, sociology and other social sciences.