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Department of Sociology

  • A brick pathway at the University of South Carolina, Columbia.

About

The Department of Sociology at USC offers a program of study that provides students with a thorough grounding in how society shapes the behaviors and outcomes of individuals and groups. Our faculty engage in research using a wide range of data analysis techniques to better understand how race, gender, social class and the groups and networks individuals are embedded in impact people’s health, social mobility, family formation and life chances.  

 Why study sociology?

  • Discover the societal mechanisms behind relevant issues like gender and racial discrimination.
  • Be able to quantify these disparities through data. 
    Learn how to conduct research and gain lab experience.
  • Increase critical thinking through empirical inquiry.  
  • Study under nationally and internationally recognized scholars who are invested in your academic success.
  • Learn how to conduct research and gain lab experience.

More degree options

Students entering the department can choose from a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, with an option for graduating with distinction. The sociology minor is available during the semester and as an online summer program. We also offer master's and Ph.D. programs.  

Our Research

We have three main areas of research focus: inequalities and institutions, population and health, and social psychology. We maintain a rigorous research schedule, and our department has received several grants over $2,000,000.  

Our Lecture Series

We sponsor an annual lecture series in memory of one of our department's most celebrated members, Dr. Bruce Mayhew. This series brings in speakers from all over and focuses on everything from aging, to race, autism and crime.   

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

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