The Department of Sociology consists of 14 full-time faculty, 150 undergraduate majors, and over 30 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