About the Sociology Department

Why Sociology at SUNY Geneseo?

The Department of Sociology at SUNY Geneseo trains its students to use critical thinking, writing and research skills to gain knowledge and experience in a variety of issues ranging from - 

• Family and community welfare to international development;
• Law, crime and juvenile delinquency to the diversity of religious experiences;
• The causes of environmental problems to the structural inequities in medical institutions and the health disparities they engender;
• How the power structures generated by race, class and gender distinctions (among others) stratify societies while simultaneously providing locations for social movements to address inequities.

Substantive courses on these topics as well as foundational courses in theory, research methods and statistics provide students with the skills to work in any field and make contributions. Equally important, the culture of the Department of Sociology provides a unique and personalized learning environment for majors and minors. All faculty members are actively involved in research, in which students can become involved, that serves as the basis of the classes they offer and their contributions to the discipline itself through publications, presentations and reports. Geneseo's sociologists are also passionate about teaching and encouraging students to gain important skills, knowledge and experiences in the classroom as well as through internships and teaching assistantships. A number of faculty members have been recognized SUNY-wide and nationally for their research and teaching expertise. Students are able to cultivate relationships with one another and the faculty in the department that can last a lifetime. Working together, the Department of Sociology faculty, staff and students create a dynamic environment in which to live and grow.