Discovering ways to heal and renew social relationships
God has created us to be social creatures. We may like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists, but few of us care to spend more than a few hours at a time by ourselves. We constantly seek out the company of friends, relatives, and, if we are lonely enough, even complete strangers.

Sociology is the study of this social part of us, the pattern of interaction with other people which is necessary to our very existence. Sociology has been described as 'the scientific study of human group behavior' and 'the application of scientific methods of inquiry to the puzzles of social life.' We all participate in any number of social groups, many of which overlap. Sociologists study how and why these groups interact with each other and how the interactions affect their members. Such analyses not only yield a clearer understanding of society and its components, but also allow sociologists to see both the causes and the possible remedies for our social problems.

Calvin's program in Sociology
God has a design for the universe, for this planet Earth, and for a social order among the peoples who inhabit the earth. We believe that sin has brought tension and disorder into our social relationships, and that Christ's atonement has given us the power to relieve that tension and reduce that disorder, the power to heal and renew our social relationships. Hence, the study of sociology is an important part of the liberal arts curriculum at Calvin College. We must understand social relationships before we can attempt to heal them in Christ's name.

What Can I Do with A Sociology Major?

Office of Career Development
Assisting Calvin students and graduates in their vocational planning

Careers in Sociology

American Sociological Association- Careers
"BA and Beyond"- A Survey of Sociology Graduates
Career Resources for Sociology Majors
Careers in Sociology
W. Stephen's Careers in Sociology