Department of Sociology
Department of Sociology Mission Statement
The Sociology Department at the University of Indianapolis educates about and works to overcome social, political, economic, and environmental problems and injustices while also exploring and celebrating our differences and shared humanity. We pursue these goals through our courses, meetings, events, scholarship, and related work at our university and in our city, state, and world. As professional sociologists, we proudly support our university’s policy of non-discrimination, which welcomes all people regardless of “race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation (or gender identity or expression) or age”. We recognize that diversity improves our lives, makes us better people, promotes innovation, and helps make our world a more beautiful, interesting place in which to live. To learn more, please read the department statements and action steps we have committed to.
Individualized Support Prepares You For Your Career In Helping Others
When you choose to major in sociology, you'll find attentive and supportive faculty who are dedicated to helping you reach your goals of reducing inequality in the world, creating stronger communities, or using science to solve social problems.
We have working relationships with dozens of organizations around Indianapolis in a wide variety of settings, from child care facilities and schools to government agencies and community organizations. That means you're likely to find internship and practicum opportunities that directly relate to the field you want to work in. Not only do they help you build a resume before even graduating, but often these opportunities lead to full-time jobs.
The program encourages and facilitates networking opportunities between students and alumni. Our alumni go on to a wide variety of careers. Below are links to video interviews with some. Please visit our Alumni Profiles page to learn more about what you can do with a sociology degree!
Community-focused
All of our programs have a strong community focus and offer many opportunities for students to be engaged in the community. In addition to internships, field work and service-learning, classes often feature guest speakers from various community organizations.
Minors
Gender Studies Minor
Gender Studies is the multidisciplinary study of how assumptions and expectations about gender and biological sex influence cultural, social, and political ideas about women and men. Through this minor, you'll learn how masculinity and femininity are socially and historically constructed in ways that impact every facet of society.
Learn more about the Gender Studies Minor
Child & Youth Programs Minor
The Child & Youth Programs minor is an interdisciplinary program that provides courses and field-based experiences to prepare students to work in programs that educate and mentor children and youth outside conventional school settings.
Learn more about the Child & Youth Programs Minor
Environmental Sustainability Major and Minor
Environmental Sustainability is a multidisciplinary major or minor that allows students to develop skills and use their passion to solve complex environmental issues. Because of UIndy's location in Indianapolis, and our relationships abroad, students have the ability to apply the skills they learn and engage with the community.
Learn more about Environmental Sustainability Major and Minor
Race and Ethnic Studies Minor
Race and Ethnic Studies is the interdisciplinary and scholarly study of how assumptions and expectations about race and ethnicity influence cultural, social, and political perceptions of US society. The discipline of race and ethnic studies has existed on university campuses since the 1960s following student demand. Important components of the discipline include the study of American cultural groups (such as African Americans, Native Americans, white ethnic groups such as Jewish, Italian, and Polish Americans, and so on) and the examination of intergroup relations using methodologies from social sciences, the humanities, and more.
Research Opportunities
Undergraduate students have many opportunities to participate in research projects on topics of interest. Our faculty are dedicated scholars who enjoy working with students to conduct research, as well as present research findings at professional conferences and community meetings.
Diverse Faculty Backgrounds
Our Sociology faculty bring to the classroom years of experience and extensive research on very diverse topics.
Among our faculty, we have sociologists with expertise in such topics as cohabitation, social class, gender, families, residential segregation, community, surrogacy, homelessness, poverty, inequality, neighborhoods, and more.