Making Our Complex World a Better Place

As a student in Â鶹ֱ²¥â€™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.

"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.

Program Tracks

Faculty Expertise

In the Â鶹ֱ²¥ sociology department, our faculty study the following subjects, among many others:

  • sociology of religion
  • policing and criminal justice reform
  • school bullying
  • social movements
  • environmental sociology
  • poverty and housing policy
  • the sociology of health and illness
  • maternal health
  • veterans’ health issues

What can you do with a sociology degree?

Many jobs draw upon sociological understanding and training, and with a degree in sociology, you’ll enter the corporate, not-for-profit and government worlds in such roles as:

  • Director of research
  • Policy analyst
  • Consultant
  • Human resources manager 
  • Program manager

Our graduates are employed as social work caseworkers, counselors, recreation workers in public and private social service agencies; as researchers in consulting firms and research universities; and in private, state or federal agencies.

Some of our graduates are law enforcement officers (at local, state or federal levels); probation, parole or corrections officers; correctional counselors; or professionals in community corrections and other rehabilitative programs.

Other students work in agencies concerned with healthcare policy, the administration of homes and facilities for the elderly, the management of public and private services and counseling of the aged.

 

Exploring your options?

Sociology is an ideal major for Discover/Undecided students!

Meet Our Faculty

Dr. Cathleen Appelt

Dr. Cathleen Appelt

Associate Professor, Sociology

Dr. Norman Conti

Dr. Norman Conti

Professor, Sociology & Pierre Schouver, C.S.Sp. Endowed Chair in Mission

Dr. Michael Irwin

Dr. Michael Irwin

Graduate Director & Associate Professor, Sociology

Dr. Sarah MacMillen

Dr. Sarah MacMillen

Associate Professor, Sociology

Dr. Ann Popp

Dr. Ann Popp

Department Chair & Associate Professor, Sociology

Dr. Matthew Schneirov

Dr. Matthew Schneirov

Emeritus Professor, Sociology

Dr. Anita Zuberi

Dr. Anita Zuberi

Associate Professor, Sociology

Contact for more info

Sociology Department