Sociology is a discipline that explores the ways in which personal relationships and group dynamics affect the behavior of individuals and societies as a whole. Insights gained through sociological study are of essential importance in solving a wide range of societal problems.
Welcome to the Department of Sociology at the University of California, Davis. More than 700 undergraduate students have chosen to major in this highly popular program, and more than 8,000 students from throughout campus enroll in our classes each year. Our robust graduate program has about 70 full-time students. The UC Davis Department of Sociology has affiliations with numerous academic units throughout the campus, including Community and Regional Development, Ethnic Studies, African American and African Studies, and the Graduate School of Management.
What is sociology?
Sociology is the study of society and social institutions – the ways in which people form groups, and how people interact within those groups and with members of other groups that form the building blocks of society. Sociologists explore the dynamics among and differences between couples, members of families, clubs, workplaces, racial and ethnic groups, political organizations – all of the ways in which people identify themselves and form alliances with others. The realm of sociology encompasses analysis of gender, bias, economic groups, consumer habits, values and attitudes, and more. Sociology is the scientific study of the ways in which people affect each other's behavior, and the means by which to strengthen understanding and appreciation of the wondrous diversity of cultures, and of humanity itself.
Our core areas of research expertise revolve around critical studies of culture; gender, race, and class; immigration and globalization; inequality; law and society; organizations, economic sociology, and work; social psychology; and social movements and political sociology. We also have research strengths in medical sociology, and health and welfare policy.
We invite you to consider your future in the field of sociology.