Phone: 845-257-3505
Fax: 845-257-2970
Location: Jacobson Faculty Tower Room 516
Web address: www.newpaltz.edu/sociology 
Sociology is the study of human social life. We are all greatly influenced by the people around us and by the society in which we live. Thus, if we want to understand why people behave and think as they do, we need to systematically examine the social conditions under which people are living. This is what will enable us to understand the origins of social problems such as poverty, racism, violence and gender inequality. A sociological perspective enables us to understand these issues and allows us to develop solutions for these social ills. Through the sociology major students will learn about the methods of sociological research and will gain an understanding of the theoretical perspectives utilized in the discipline. A sociology degree prepares students for a number of specific careers, while providing a perspective that is valuable throughout life.
The Department of Sociology offers three program options. Students who want exposure to a wide array of sociological topics can major in the basic Sociology program, which includes a set of core course requirements as well as a broad array of elective topics of the student’s choosing. Students may also elect to concentrate in a particular area of sociological study by taking an additional set of prescribed courses in one of two concentrations: Human Services, which will prepare students to work directly with people in need of support; or Criminology, which is designed for students with a focused interest on the issue of crime.
A minimum grade of C- is required for courses to count toward the Sociology major and minor.
Sociology Program
