Sociology is a social science discipline oriented to a critical understanding of social arrangements and expectations. The notion of social arrangements is central—we seek to explain both where they come from and how they matter.
The Department of Sociology at Western Michigan University offers undergraduate programs in sociology and criminal justice, and graduate programs in sociology. Each program focuses on building solid foundations in the core areas of theory and method. Concentrations are offered in comparative sociology, criminology, gender and feminism, power and inequality, race and ethnic relations, research methods and applied sociology, and sociology of religion. The dedicated faculty are recognized nationally and internationally for outstanding contributions in their respective fields of study.