IU Sociology: What is Sociology?

What is Sociology?

Sociology is the study of the social forces that influence human behavior. A degree in sociology leads to a better understanding of people from a variety of social backgrounds as well as insight into all types of social interactions and group dynamics. For example, a sociologist might examine the changing roles of women and men both at work and at home. IU sociology students choose from a wide variety of topics and courses ranging from the study of media to the study of schools. Here are some examples of specialty areas and courses that students have focused on:

Work/Business
Work and Occupations
Medical/Social Work/ Counseling
The Family
Mental Illness
Politics/Government/Law
Social Change
Race and Ethnic Relations
Criminal Justice/Deviance
Deviant Behavior and Social Control

For more details on studying sociology at IU, consult the Undergraduate Advisor, MaryLou Hosek, in Ballantine Hall, Room 749. Phone: 855-4233. Email to mhosek@indiana.edu.

Download our brochure in PDF format.

"Studying sociology helps you understand how all our different characteristics -- gender, race, class, religion -- affect us and how they affect the society we live in."

Jennifer Baize

"As the study of any aspect of social interaction, sociology lets you explore these interactions in all sorts of settings -- from the workplace and school to home and church."

Matt LaFontaine

"All of the classes open doors to more fields of study. There's no stopping the knowledge."

Joanna Murray

"Sociology really brings life into the classroom. It brings out the humanness in us."

Tenisha Fennie

"We all need to be prepared for a more diverse society. Sociology gives you the tools to analyze our changing world and not be afraid of these changes."

Dietrich Willkie

"Other majors stress book work with the mentality that 'this is the method that we use, and this is how it is,' and you learn it and apply it. In sociology, though, the knowledge is more hands on because you are involved in projects that require field work and interviews."

Melissa Medina

What is Sociology? Sociology is the study of the social forces that influence human behavior. A degree in sociology leads to a better understanding of people from a variety of social backgrounds as well as insight into all types of social interactions and group dynamics. For example, a sociologist might examine the changing roles of women and men both at work and at home. IU sociology students choose from a wide variety of topics and courses ranging from the study of media to the study of schools. Here are some examples of specialty areas and courses that students have focused on: Work/Business Work and Occupations Medical/Social Work/ Counseling The Family Mental Illness Politics/Government/Law Social Change Race and Ethnic Relations Criminal Justice/Deviance Deviant Behavior and Social Control		For more details on studying sociology at IU, consult the Undergraduate Advisor, MaryLou Hosek, in Ballantine Hall, Room 749. Phone: 855-4233. Email to mhosek@indiana.edu. Download our brochure in PDF format.
Alumni Voices

"Studying sociology helps you understand how all our different characteristics -- gender, race, class, religion -- affect us and how they affect the society we live in." Jennifer Baize	"As the study of any aspect of social interaction, sociology lets you explore these interactions in all sorts of settings -- from the workplace and school to home and church." Matt LaFontaine	"All of the classes open doors to more fields of study. There's no stopping the knowledge." Joanna Murray

"Sociology really brings life into the classroom. It brings out the humanness in us." Tenisha Fennie	"We all need to be prepared for a more diverse society. Sociology gives you the tools to analyze our changing world and not be afraid of these changes." Dietrich Willkie	"Other majors stress book work with the mentality that 'this is the method that we use, and this is how it is,' and you learn it and apply it. In sociology, though, the knowledge is more hands on because you are involved in projects that require field work and interviews." Melissa Medina