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1/31/2013 - Spring Semester is Underway

The Sociology department would like to wish everyone the best of luck as they go through the new semester!

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Overview: The Department of Sociology

For a quick overview of our department, view our departmental brochure.

With nine full time faculty, several part time teaching faculty and internship coordinators working in the field, the Sociology Department at Oneonta State is big enough to provide cutting edge programs yet small enough to offer a personalized educational experience.

We currently offer four undergraduate majors (with a fifth on the way):

• Sociology - Liberal Arts
• Sociology - Human Services
• A new major, Sociology - Community & Environment, is currently going through the process of approval
• Criminal Justice
• Gerontology Studies

We also offer four undergraduate minors

• Sociology
• Gerontology Studies
• Community & Environment
• Criminal Justice

For information on individual courses, please visit our courses page.

If you are wondering what you can do with a sociology major, take a look at this recent report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It forecasts a bright future for sociologists, who possess the kinds of skills that will be most marketable in the years to come. Here is an excerpt:

"Overall employment of sociologists and political scientists is expected to grow 21 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. Sociologists will experience much faster than average job growth because the incorporation of sociology into research in other fields continues to increase. Sociologists possess broad training and education in analytical, methodological, conceptual, and quantitative and qualitative analysis and research, so their skills can be applied to many different occupations. As a result, many workers with sociology backgrounds will find work in niche areas with specialized titles, such as market analyst, research assistant, writer, and policy analyst. Some sociologists may find work conducting policy research for consulting firms, and their knowledge of society and social behavior may be used as well by a variety of companies in product development, marketing, and advertising. Demand for sociologists also will stem from growth in the number of social, political, and business associations and organizations, including many nonprofit organizations, to conduct various evaluations and statistical work." (Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Faculty

The faculty view themselves as genuine teachers and scholars. To learn more about the faculty, you should visit the faculty page. In recent years members of the department have published more than a dozen books with more on the way, as well as numerous scholarly articles, conference presentations, and other research reports. In other words, the sociology faculty are engaged scholars who are active in the field. Members of the faculty have also been honored on several occasions for excellence in teaching by the Panhellenic Association and listed in Who's Who among American Teachers.

At Oneonta, you won't find yourself sitting in a lecture hall with 400 students because there is no lecture hall that can hold that many students. But unlike some small colleges, you will find a rich assortment of courses to take. And that's the kind of advantage you get in a place that is not too big, not too small, but just right!

Students

At SUNY Oneonta, our students are our top priority. A lot of colleges and universities might make similar claims and then turn around and treat students like a distraction from research. The fact is we actually make students a priority while at the same time maintaining an impressive level of scholarship. If you are thinking about coming to SUNY Oneonta to be a part of the Sociology Department, or if you are a current student looking for important information, you should visit our student page.

The Sociology department is proud to have two different clubs, the Sociology Club and the Criminal Justice Club. Students who join these clubs will give themselves an enhanced experience while at the College. This comes in the form of social networks, which are important for career success, but also as a source of friendship and enjoyment. Both clubs participate in fundraising efforts, host workshops and speakers, go on exciting field trips, particpate in professional conferences (such as the Eastern Sociological Society), and generally have a good time and grow at the same time.

For students who achieve the highest level of academic performance, we offer membership with Alpha Kappa Delta (Alphi Pi chapter), the International Sociology Honor Society. Graduating with honors is a distinction that will greatly enhance your appeal.

Looking for information related to your professional development or doing research and want to find a place to present it. Then you should take a look at the resources page.

Apply now for study at SUNY Oneonta!

Information

For the latest news in our department or for employment opportunities, you should visit our news and employment pages.

If you would like more information about the Sociology Department, any of its programs (majors, tracks, minors), faculty, activities, courses, etc., please do not hesitate to contact us.