“Sociology is a uniquely valuable way of asking and answering big questions: how do societies work? Where do social and cultural patterns and inequalities come from? How do they change, persist, and matter in people’s lives? The world needs more people who have considered these questions and understand the evidence and the complicated answers. Majoring in sociology gives students the tools to answer those kinds of questions, preparing them to excel as citizens, members of communities, leaders, and professionals.” 

–Andrew Perrin, Department Chair 

Undergraduate Committee 

All sociology majors are eligible to become part of the Undergraduate Committee. This committee helps the Director of Undergraduate Studies organize social, academic, and pre-professional events for their fellow students. 

The department is eager to support students’ initiatives and open to ideas that increase student engagement with faculty and each other. Recent events include a Halloween party, dinner discussions on hot topics in the news, a coffee hour for prospective students, and a graduation celebration.  

Sociology majors interested in joining this committee should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities 

Sociology majors often participate in faculty-led research projects. These research projects cover a wide range of topics and methodologies and require different levels of training and preparation. Some students travel across the country to conduct interviews about social mobility. Others help design surveys of Baltimore residents or analyze historic reports of global social protest.

Students who are interested in learning more about available projects and positions should reach out to one of our affiliated centers or any of our individual faculty to find out what they are currently working on. 

Sociology Department Colloquium  

The Sociology Department Colloquium is central to the intellectual life of the department and is attended by all members of the faculty, affiliated researchers, and graduate students. It takes place once a month and features speakers from both inside and outside of the department. Undergraduate students are welcome to attend any of the seminars. See our events calendar for more details.  

Students who would like course credit for attending the seminars can register for AS.230.420. See course listings  for more detail.  

Coleman Award 

The Coleman Award is given each year to the department’s outstanding graduating senior. James Coleman was a renowned American Sociologist who founded the department in 1959. He is known for his work on the sociology of education, social capital, and mathematical sociology. The award reflects academic achievements, departmental service, and engagement in public sociology.