Department of Sociology

Welcome to the Sociology Department

Sociology is the study of humans in society. Sociologists study such issues as the causes and consequences of social inequality, the impact of groups on individuals, the causes of social and political change, the sources of values and beliefs, and the organization of major institutions.

Founded in 1895, Catholic University's Sociology Department was the first at an American Catholic university, and is today one of the oldest sociology departments in the United States. We offer courses of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with concentrations in Crime and Justice Studies; Global and Comparative Processes; or Public Policy Analysis. We also offer the Master of Arts in Sociology, and a 5-year combined B.A./M.A. program.

Our sociology program program is designed to enable students to think systematically and critically about society, and to help students develop analytical, research and writing skills relevant to a variety of careers. We encourage qualified advanced students to enroll in graduate courses. Our courses cover such topics as crime and terrorism, race, ethnicity and gender, culture and religion, inequality and social change, and international development issues.

Recent News

Professor James Loewen is the 2012 recipient of the ASA’s Cox-Johnson-Frazier Award.  More information in New and Events.  

Professor Sandra Hanson was awarded her second Fulbright.  The award involves an exchange with Leipzig University in the Spring of 2012. 

Jeffrey C. Penecale received the 2012 William Joseph Kerby Outstanding Senior Award. Congratulations!

Elise Webb was awarded the 2012 Irene B. Taeuber Graduate Student Paper Award from the DC Sociological Society.  Congratulations!

April 23

End of year Department Party and AKD Honor Society Induction

April 29

Pi Gamma Mu Alpha Honor Society Induction Ceremony

May 11

University Honors Convocation

May 12

Graduate and Undergraduate University Convocation