Department of Sociology

Welcome to the Department of Sociology website

Sociology, the scientific study of human social behavior and organization, asks important questions about what it means to be members of a society. It provides us with tools for exploring how we create identities and find meaning in our relationships, how the people and groups we interact with influence our attitudes and behavior, and how social institutions and cultures shape our beliefs, thoughts, and perceptions. In sociology, we systematically evaluate topics such as race, social class, gender, sexuality, religion, health, environment, government, social change, and we carefully consider the limits of social influence and free will.

Sociology is a rigorous science with a broad scope and a long history. Many sociologists work in careers related to research, education, marketing, human services, and local or state governments. Graduates of NAU’s sociology programs currently serve a diverse range of employers: colleges and universities nationwide, FEMA (disaster relief), non-profit organizations, and research firms. An undergraduate or graduate degree in the Department of Sociology can also be a starting point for professional education in medicine, law, or other graduate programs. If you are interested in human behavior and human societies, and want to make a difference in the lives of others, sociology might be right for you. We would be delighted to share more information about our discipline, department, and faculty with you. Please complete our contact form for more information.

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