Sociology

McElhaney Hall, Room 102
Phone: 724-357-2730
Website: www.iup.edu/sociology
Dana Hysock Witham, Chair (http://dhysock@iup.edu)

The Department of Sociology seeks to develop both the scientific and humanistic foundations of sociology, to educate the wider community as to the significance of sociological knowledge, to apply sociological knowledge
to current social problems, and to advance the profession by promoting the welfare of individuals and society. The discipline of sociology focuses primarily on the analysis of modern industrial societies by examining their
basic patterns of social organization, the various changes that occur within these patterns, and the impact of the patterns on individual thought and action. Students are prepared for employment in human service fields or for
graduate study in sociology or related fields.

Students majoring in sociology may select one of two tracks: General Sociology or Human Services.

The General Track attempts to broadly educate those students who may wish to pursue graduate training in sociology and make sociology a career and profession. Because of its flexibility, it is also appropriate for students who want to pursue double majors that would include such fields as psychology or criminology. The General Track gives students the broadest possible training in sociology. Students graduating with majors in general sociology often find employment in business, industry, and government.

The Human Services Track seeks to help students understand the causes of many of the problems that plague modern societies, such as poverty, racial discrimination, substance abuse, and domestic violence. It is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become practitioners in various human services areas (e.g., juvenile delinquency, medical sociology, gerontology, and interpersonal dynamics and family sociology).

Minors in sociology are available in both the General and Human Services tracks.