About us
Sociology has a long history at The University of Akron. Our Department began offering undergraduate degrees in 1934 when we separated from the Department of Economics. An M.A. degree was approved in 1963, with our first master’s degree awarded in 1966. In 1973, we received approval for a joint Ph.D. program with Kent State University. Our first doctoral degrees were awarded in 1979.
We offer a baccalaureate degree in sociology. We also offer a minor in sociology that completes all general education requirements, as well as a certificate in Research Methods for the Social Sciences.
In addition to going on to graduate study in sociology or law school, our graduates have secured careers as Federal agents (e.g. U.S. Secret Service, the FBI), marketing, sales, public administration, community development, health care, and academia.
Department of Sociology Mission and Vision Statement
The Department of Sociology provides all students with the tools to engage, and the skills to solve, real-world problems including issues of health and well-being, social justice and inequalities. We collaborate across campus and with community members and organizations to develop students with strong analytic and communication skills who can think critically and act creatively to address social problems. By ensuring that all students apply their learning through hands-on research projects and a range of experiential learning opportunities, we graduate informed students who are prepared to work in areas designed to address systemic problems facing our local, regional and global communities and organizations.