Sociology is the scientific study of societies, how they are organized, and how they change.
Sociologists attempt to explain patterns of collective social behaviors of groups and societies. Using scientific methods, we conduct research to suggest possible problem-solving strategies for society’s problems. We develop theories about societies, communities, institutions, bureaucracies, small groups, personal identities, relationships and interpersonal relations, social movements, collective behavior, social classes, social conflict, and more. In a practical sense, sociology is many different things for undergraduates: workforce preparedness, a pathway to a job; a way to learn about society or some parts of it such as cities, families, or organizations; knowledge about social problems and how to solve them; skills that will be useful to a lawyer, counselor, urban planner, social worker, police administrator, gerontologist, teacher, community organizer, or other professional.
