Sociology is the study of how people live, behave and work together in groups. Sociologists ask questions such as: Is there a particular family construct that is “better” or “more natural” than others? Why do religions have such great power to influence human behavior? Are social inequalities universal? Are differences between men and women a part of every society? What kinds of political movements have succeeded in bringing about social change? How does a society encourage people to behave according to its rules and laws? What happens to people who deviate from social expectations?

Why study Sociology?

• To better understand the society in which we live
• To better understand other societies in our age of globalization
• To learn to question the status quo
• To become prepared for a wide range of careers in government, education, non-profit organizations, and business

Sociology at Suffolk

The Sociology Department is the second largest program in Suffolk's College of Arts and Sciences. Our distinguished faculty consists of 15 full-time professors with PhD degrees and 14 adjunct faculty instructors representing diverse professional and academic backgrounds. While each faculty member follows his or her own intellectual passions, as a group we are characterized by our strong and sustained commitment to offering our academic skills and credentials to the betterment of society. Our particular areas of expertise include:

• juvenile justice
• domestic violence
• men in prison
• health care reform
• racial disparities

Respecting the power of rigorous research to shape the way people think and the laws that governments enact, we are committed to reaching out to policy makers and community organizations to share the knowledge we gather through our sociological studies. The research and community involvement of the faculty is brought directly into the classroom. Students have the opportunity to gain rich out-of-classroom experiences that bring Sociology alive. The department offers internship courses that provide engaging work experiences in the student’s field of interest. Our students have worked in federal, state, and local agencies, district courts, law offices, and social service agencies.  

 

The Sociology Department offers:

• Undergraduate Major in Sociology with concentrations in Crime and Justice; Health, Medicine and the Body; and General Sociology 
• Undergraduate Minor in Sociology
• Master of Science Degree in Crime and Justice Studies

Research Centers

The Department has three active research centers. Students have opportunities to be involved in the work of these centers through research assistantships and work-study.

The Center for Women’s Health and Human Rights works to further the health and human rights of women and girls everywhere by exploring and extending the linkages between women’s health and women’s human rights. The Center is the first academic institute in the United States to focus on women’s health and human rights in the humanities and social sciences. It is dedicated to research, teaching, networking and advocacy. 

The Center for Crime and Justice Policy Research provides methodological skills and substantive expertise in the conduct of basic and applied research to assist government agencies, community groups, academic institutions, and private sector organizations in the development, implementation and evaluation of various criminal justice and related social issues.

The Center for Restorative Justice is a community-engaged academic center committed to the promotion of restorative justice practices, principles, and values in New England. CRJ offers public events, workshops and talks on the theory, practice and implementation of restorative principles and practices by practitioners, scholars and community members. CRJ provides materials on restorative practices, programs and principles to communities, agencies and individuals developing restorative approaches and local partnerships in restorative responses to crime and wrongdoing. CRJ offers a series of training events, coaching and consultation to aid the development, implementation and evaluation of restorative approaches within the criminal justice system, schools, social services and communities.