Department of Sociology

Oscar Miller, Ph.D., Department Chair
212 Jane E. Elliott Hall
615-963-5511

Faculty: K. Abel, R. Hampton, B. Kilbourne, M. Mahmoud, O. Miller, E. Sanford, J. Scales

General Statement

Sociology is the study of group life. As a social science, it combines scientific and humanistic perspectives and research methods to identify, describe, explain, and understand the connections between the social forces that help shape who we are, what we believe, how we behave, and how we choose to live our lives. It examines how we shape our world through our interactions with others and by the choices we make, and how and why groups form, organize, achieve goals, and evolve. Key areas of inquiry include culture, identity, urban and rural life, socialization, family patterns and relationships, social change, racism, sexism, stratification and social class, economic systems, political power, law and social control, conflict, education, population, environment, technology and communications, health care and illness, social movements, community responses to disasters, life in organizations, and contemporary social issues. The knowledge and skills that are cultivated in the sociology curriculum are in high demand by business, industry, and government, and provide excellent preparation for advanced training in business, law and other professions. Sociology majors should choose electives both in the field and outside the field to further enhance these skills.

Mission

The Sociology Department’s mission is to prepare students for entry-level professional employment in government, education, and business, industry, and community organizations- with emphasis on the acquisition of basic research skills. The program also prepares students for graduate and professional study in Sociology and other social science disciplines, and in law and business.

Objectives

students who successfully complete this degree will be able to: 1) understand the connections between the social forces that help shape society; 2) understand sociological concepts and theoretical perspectives on human social behavior; 3) use research and statistical methodology to better understand the social world and provide important information to public and private sector organizations and groups; 4) think critically and communicate effectively on sociological subject matter; and 5) apply the principles of sociology to everyday life problems and social issues.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities include, but are not limited to, employment in local, state, and federal government, and social and community service agencies in the areas of housing, juvenile courts and juvenile and adult corrections, urban and community planning/development, mental health and drug counseling, youth guidance, human services, and social research; and in business and industrial management and management trainee programs in retail, manufacturing, insurance, banking, utilities, journalism, and personnel.

Programs

Major