Sociology

About Us

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.

Sociology provides many distinctive perspectives on the world, generating new ideas and critiquing the old. The field also offers a range of research techniques that can be applied to virtually any aspect of social life: street crime and delinquency, corporate downsizing, how people express emotions, welfare or education reform, how families differ and flourish, or problems of peace and war. Because sociology addresses the most challenging issues of our time, it is a rapidly expanding field whose potential is increasingly tapped by those who craft policies and create programs. Sociologists understand social inequality, patterns of behavior, forces for social change and resistance, and how social systems work.

– American Sociological Association

Why MSU Denver?

MSU Denver students have the advantage of the following opportunities:

• Enjoy attending classes on a vibrant and diverse downtown campus.
• Benefit from small classes and individual interactions with faculty.
• Learn from a professional, diverse faculty with real-world experience.
• Field, laboratory, and study abroad courses for hands-on, practical experience.

The 21st century labor market is fast-changing, increasingly global, and technology driven. The skills you need to succeed include creativity, innovation, critical thinking, analytic problem-solving, communication, collaboration, multicultural and global understandings, and expressive and persuasive writing skills. Career advancement in an increasingly diverse global society requires the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with people from different cultures, ethnicities, and nationalities. The good news for sociology majors is that your studies are uniquely suited to help you develop the skills you need for a successful 21st-century career, including: