Program Mission

The Sociology Program is committed to high quality instruction, research, and service activities that are exemplary contributions to the Vision and Mission of the University of West Georgia.

The Sociology Program embraces academic freedom in the conduct of its faculty, as well as the philosophy and objectives of liberal arts education through its contributions to general education and the core curriculum. Its undergraduate programs (Sociology and Social & Behavioral Health) seek to provide students mastery of basic academic subject matters and the skills necessary for enrichment and continued success in academic and workplace environments following graduation. Its graduate program seeks to provide students a mastery of the discipline, with critical examination of more specialized issues, and the abilities to resolve social problems. The Sociology faculty is committed to instructional excellence, scholarly contributions to their areas of professional expertise, and service to the institution and civic community.

Individual Program Missions:

B.S. Sociology

The Bachelor of Science in Sociology provides majors with a working knowledge of sociological theory and research methodologies, as well as the skills necessary to prepare and present research reports. These basic investigative skills allow students to begin preparations to make their mark in the world, by critically analyzing issues related to inequality and inequity. Our optional internship opportunities put our majors in the field, allowing them to confront social injustice and giving them the chance to change the world.

B.S. Social & Behavioral Health

The Bachelor of Science in Social & Behavioral Health seeks to provide students with the ability to assess the social and cultural frameworks of diverse populations of healthcare consumers. Majors take courses in several disciplines and students are given the flexibility to tailor the program to their specific interests. In addition to learning the basics of behavioral and mental health, majors are also afforded a working knowledge of the methodologies used to design and assess programs aimed at improving health. A required internship exposes students to the world of social and behavioral health, while also expanding their professional network before graduation.

M.A. Sociology

It is the purpose of the Sociology Graduate program to expose students to the distinctive ways in which sociologists examine behavior. Our aim is to help students examine diverse sociological and criminological perspectives and come to understand their historical traditions; to teach students unique methods of inquiry; and, to expose students to sub-fields in the discipline in an effort to provide for them an area of expertise. In the process, we strive to teach students general problem-solving skills and help them develop independent and critical thinking skills. Further, a broad range of public service activities that contribute to social life and an affirmation of the equal dignity of each person are promoted. All of this is done to enhance the lives of our students and to prepare them for success in academic and workplace environments.