What is Sociology?

Sociology is the study of social groups, and how social groups influence - and are influenced by - the people who live within them.

In many ways, society is like a puzzle - at first all the pieces seem completely separate and the picture is disjointed. Then with some study, connections between pieces become clear and the overall picture emerges. Sociology is the study of how the different pieces of society fit together.

Some specific sociological questions include:

• Why is there inequality in the world?
• Is the deaf community an ethnic community?
• Why do conflicts arise between different cultures?
• What are the origins of racism?
• What causes wars?
• Does putting more people in jail reduce crime?
• How can a society create opportunities for its less privileged members?

The Sociology Department offers a major in sociology with either a traditional Sociology concentration or a concentration in Criminology. Both concentrations require students to take a broad survey course which introduces them to the field of sociology. The Department also offers minors in both criminology and sociology.

• B.A. in Sociology
• B.A. in Sociology: Criminology Specialization
• Minor in Sociology
• Minor in Criminology

Our Mission

The Sociology Department at Gallaudet University challenges students and faculty to examine the structural and cultural dimensions of the social world in a bi-lingual environment. Our curriculum emphasizes a concern for the quality and diversity of human life, a commitment to the empirical analysis of culture and society, and a rigorous preparation for students' post-baccalaureate occupational and educational goals.