SOCIOLOGY MISSION
The Sociology Program has a long-standing commitment to excellence in teaching, application of research expertise in service of the community and the development of disciplinary knowledge, and other forms of service to the larger community. The Program, consistent with the mission of Northern Arizona University, emphasizes quality undergraduate education in Sociology. We offer undergraduate degree programs in Sociology (BA, BS, and Extended BA/BS) and Applied Sociology (BS/BA). The program also offers graduate education leading to the degree of Master of Arts in Applied Sociology. The program also administers an interdisciplinary minor and certificate program in Gerontology. The commitment of the Sociology Program to quality teaching is manifest in faculty effort devoted to instruction and the promotion of close interaction among students, faculty, and administrators.
The mission of the Sociology Program is to promote, through teaching, research and service, and understanding of "problems of biography, history and their intersections within social structures" (C. Wright Mills). The program utilizes a three-pronged approach to accomplishing this mission. First, the program aims to increase understanding of group, organizational, and institutional processes that structure communities and human experience. This emphasis responds to students whose interest and goals are to gain a better understanding of social organization and human relationships in the context of ongoing social change. The undergraduate and graduate degree curricula are designed to further this component of our mission by facilitating student learning about the structure and dynamics of human societies and how these affect individual lives. Basic research contributes to this aim by analyzing patterns of beliefs, behaviors, and resource distribution in historical and cultural context.
Second, the program encourages the application of sociological theory, knowledge and methodologies in efforts to address contemporary issues and problems facing society at large and communities in our region. This commitment underlies the emphasis in our degree programs on application and sociological practice through undergraduate and graduate internship programs. The internship program provides hands-on experience for our students to help bridge the gap between theory and practice of Sociology. Additionally, faculty and student involvement in applied research contributes to agencies and communities throughout Arizona. The applied dimension of our mission provides opportunities for students to learn how to use the knowledge and skills gained in the program in a wide range of employment settings.
Lastly, the Sociology program embraces its role in the education of all Northern Arizona University students. In this light, the program provides a substantial number of quality courses in the Northern Arizona Liberal Studies Program. Many of these courses are offered at statewide sites throughout Arizona and via the Internet. Our faculty also regularly teaches the University Colloquium course. Several of our faculty are involved in interdisciplinary programs across campus and our courses serve a number of such programs.
