Sociology

Our mission is to engage students in the social scientific study of relationships, institutions, and society. By developing a strong sociological imagination, our graduates are prepared to contribute to fostering greater equity and social justice, locally and globally. 

Our program promotes academic excellence by cultivating curiosity and critical inquiry using sociological theory and empirical research. Students develop the skills needed to understand patterns of human behavior within and across societies through critical exploration of the social, cultural, and structural forces that shape our world. They engage with diverse perspectives and methodological approaches that foster ethical citizenship, encouraging integrity, respect, and responsibility in addressing complex social issues like inequality, power, and social justice. 

Our program promotes an inclusive and collaborative community where students, faculty, and staff engage in open dialogue, shared learning, and collective problem-solving. A distinctive feature of the program is its robust research sequence, which builds a strong foundation in evidence-based inquiry. Students are encouraged to apply their sociological imagination through a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including internships, community engagement, and senior theses.  Through the study of social processes and systems, students develop the empathy and awareness necessary for global stewardship, learning to advocate for equity, sustainability, and justice in both local and international contexts. Faculty are committed to fostering mentoring relationships that support students’ academic development, career readiness, and personal growth.

Guided by a sense of public purpose and commitment, the program emphasizes informed action, civic engagement, and service as central components of sociological practice.  Graduates of the program are well-prepared for advanced study and for careers in diverse fields such as public policy, education, social research, and community advocacy. They leave the program with a deep understanding of structural dynamics and a commitment to using sociological knowledge as a tool for transformative social change. Overall, the Sociology program prepares students to become lifelong learners and thoughtful leaders working toward a more just and equitable society.

Confront the Problems Facing Our World

Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions. It is a field that explains puzzles in our personal lives, our communities, and the world, with topics that range from crime to education, from the family to social policy, from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture.  As social scientists, sociologists apply scientific reasoning and methodologies not only to understand the array of formidable problems facing our country and our world, but also to encourage social change against structures that perpetuate inequality and oppression.

Discover the skills and tools you need to see the world through a fresh lens and to innovate paths for social change and social service. Graduates of our program have successfully entered fulfilling careers as teachers, social workers and case workers. They also work in nonprofit organizations as community engagement managers or diversity, inclusion and equity specialists. Some of our alumni pursue master’s degrees in applied sociology, higher education administration, and social work, to name a few. Others have gone on to obtain degrees from leading law and graduate schools in the region and beyond.  

The Department of Sociology & Criminology at Framingham State is a vibrant community of committed faculty and engaged students. In fact, sociology majors rank the availability of faculty, faculty concern for student progress, and quality of teaching as among the best aspects of the program. The connections between students and faculty - built in classes, research projects, and service - mean learning and social change go hand in hand.