About Us
"The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relations between the two within society. That is its task and its promise."
C. Wright Mills wrote these words fifty years ago as Sociology was taking its place as a vital field within the social sciences. Sociology still plays a critical role within academia, in society at large, and at William & Mary.
The Sociology Department at William & Mary was founded in the early 1940's. Today, at any given time we have around 100 majors and each year between 40 and 50 seniors graduate with a degree in Sociology. Many other students take Sociology courses to inform their majors or to explore interests in some of the critical questions of our day. The social consequences of our aging population, globalization, immigration, and segregation are only a few of the issues tackled in our department.
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Majors in Sociology choose from 5 different concentrations:
- Generalist Sociology Concentration
- Globalization Concentration
- Health, Medicine, & Well-Being Concentration
- Criminology, Law, & Society Concentration
- Social Problems, Policy, & Justice Concentration
The minor in Sociology is incredibly flexible, and can be tailored to complement any major. Even if you're not a major or minor, we feel that even just one course in Sociology can enhance your understanding of current events and global issues.
Students of Sociology work closely with our faculty in the classroom and out. Undergraduate students conduct independent research projects mentored by faculty advisors, and participate in faculty-lead collaborative research projects.
To learn more about a Sociology degree and what Sociology majors can do after graduation, check out this resource from the American Sociological Association.