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​The Department of Sociology consists of 10 full-time faculty, 120 undergraduate majors, and over 20 graduate students.  Founded in 1922, the department has a long tradition of inspiring students to apply sociology to the world around them. 

Sociology is the study of groups, social interaction, and social institutions. To study these, the department has developed a core curriculum centered on sociological methods (how we know) and sociological theory (how we explain). Beyond the theory and methods courses, majors enroll in a two-course practice sequence and senior capstone. These courses are designed to help students explore their calling as sociologists, develop an area of specialization, and explore career options. To help students craft their own area of specialization, students are closely mentored by faculty who share their expertise and advise students on their choice of electives in sociology.  

Sociology prepares students for a range of career options. The extensive training in sociological methods and theory qualifies students with BA degrees to work in both non-profit (including social service agencies) and for-profit (marketing, consumer, data analysis) work settings. Many graduates pursue graduate degrees in social work, law, non-profit management, public health, and doctoral programs in sociology. Our graduates have become leaders in the non-profit sector and academic careers.

Our location in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago gives students access to a remarkable range of community service opportunities, field experiences, and internships. With its ethnic communities, economic development, and urban concerns, Chicago is an exciting site for research and observation. 

Faculty

​Julie E. Artis, PhD
Professor
Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences 
Indiana University

Noel Barker, MA
Professional Lecturer
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Michael I.J. Bennett, PhD
Associate Professor
University of Chicago

Fernando G. De Maio, PhD
Professor
Vice President, Health Equity Research and Data Use | Center for Health Equity
American Medical Association
University of Essex

Black Hawk Hancock, PhD
Associate Professor
Chair
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Tracey Lewis-Elligan, PhD
Associate Professor
Interim Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Syracuse University

Martha Martinez-Firestone, PhD
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Associate Professor
Duke University

John Joe Schlichtman, PhD
Associate Professor 
New York University

Greg Scott, PhD
Professor
Director of Graduate Studies 
University of California, Santa Barbara

José Soltero, PhD
Associate Professor
University of Arizona

Joyce Sween, PhD
Professor
Northwestern University

Deena A. Weinstein, PhD
Professor
Purdue University

Mark Wodziak, MA
DePaul University
Instructor

Emeritus Faculty

Judith A. Bootcheck, PhD
Associate Professor Emeritus
Purdue University

Grace Budrys, PhD
Professor Emeritus
University of Chicago

Noreen Cornfield, PhD
Professor Emeritus
University of Chicago

Roberta Garner, PhD
Professor Emeritus 
University of Chicago

John P. Koval, PhD
Associate Professor Emeritus
University of Oregon, Eugene

Richard T. Schaefer, PhD
Vincent de Paul Professor Emeritus
University of Chicago

Charles Suchar, PhD
Vincent de Paul Professor and Dean Emeritus, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Northwestern University