The Department of Sociology promotes a challenging atmosphere in which students are encouraged to recognize, understand, and think critically about social processes, issues, and cultural diversity. Through rigorous coursework, the program teaches students how to gather, analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative data. Through research-in-service and internships students learn how to apply their knowledge and skills to problems and needs in businesses, organizations, and communities. A central part of our mission is to provide opportunities for independent student research as well as faculty and student collaborative research. We teach from the philosophy that active engagement in real-world research enhances employment opportunities and opens doors to graduate school. The department engages in sound career planning and preparation with each major.