Department of Sociology

Making Our Complex World a Better Place

As a student in Duquesne University’s Department of Sociology, you’ll study and analyze the complex social structures that shape our world with a dynamic faculty of renowned experts committed to providing you with a challenging and stimulating academic environment.

Offering a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in applied and public sociology—plus three certificate tracks—our department has a long tradition of excellence in teaching and research. As a part of our sociology community, you will immerse yourself in a wide range of topics, such as social inequality, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, globalization, social movements and urban sociology.

Sociology provides a rich landscape for intellectual development, and among areas you might study are interactions between society and the natural environment, the relationship between health and society, the ways in which social factors influence individual behavior and attitudes, the relationship between law and society and the role of law in promoting social justice.

"Sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious traditions; from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture." (21st Century Careers With an Undergraduate Degree in Sociology, 2014)

Far Beyond the Classroom

Wherever your academic interests lie, you will be encouraged to engage in research projects, internships and community service activities that provide hands-on experience and prepare you for a career in fields such as social work, public policy, law and academia.

With its strong emphasis on social justice and community engagement, and its strong liberal arts foundation, Duquesne’s Department of Sociology is an excellent choice if you are interested in understanding the complexities of the world around you and making a positive impact in your community, now and in the future.