Sociology is the social science which studies human groups and society. It explores the multiple influences which groups exert in our personal lives: friendships, marriages, families, work units, businesses, schools, neighborhoods, organizations, communities, churches, clubs, etc. In addition, Sociology analyzes how and why groups form, hold together, and sometimes break up. It seeks an accurate and scientific understanding of society and of social life.

Likewise, Sociology explores the many social and cultural forces which operate throughout society-forces which form individual persons, shape their attitudes and behaviors, and determine social events. While describing what is, while explaining how and why it is, and while predicting what will probably occur, Sociology offers countless applied and practical ways to change and to improve human life and society.

Contact Us

Grace Keyes, Acting Chair, Fall 2012
(210) 431-2280
gkeyes@stmarytx.edu
Charles Francis Hall 205

Janet S. Armitage, Ph.D., Chair (Sabbatical, Fall 2012)
, (210) 436-3211
jarmitage1@stmarytx.edu
Charles Francis Hall 205

Ruth Castillo
Administrative Assistant
(210) 436-3224
rcastillo5@stmarytx.edu

Sociology is the social science which studies human groups and society. It explores multiple influences which groups exert in our personal lives: friendships, marriages, families, work units, businesses, schools, neighborhoods, organizations, com-munities, churches, clubs, etc. In addition, Sociology analyzes how and why groups form, hold together, and sometimes break up. It seeks an accurate and scientific understanding of society and of social life. Likewise, Sociology explores the many social and cultural forces which operate throughout society -- forces which form individual persons, shape their attitudes and behaviors, and determine social events. While describing what is, while explaining how and why it is and while predicting what will probably occur, Sociology offers countless applied and practical ways to change and to improve human life and society.

Anthropology is a minor available to students from any major.

The Sociology Department offers three broad career optionss/concentrations which interest most of its majors.

Anthropology Option/Concentration

The Anthropology concentration offers a holistic, cross-cultural study of humans and is of particular interest to students considering a career in anthropology or archaeology, like cultural resource management, museum studies, social science research, social land public policy, planning, and government administration. 18 hours are required.

Social Research Direction/Concentration

If you are considering a career which requires the kinds of social research and data analysis skills increasingly demanded in our "information society," (social science research, market research, social and public policy, planning, government administration, etc.), then we recommend that you select this concentration.

Social Service Direction/Concentration

This course of study emphasizes contemporary social problems and proposed solutions. This is appropriate if you are considering a career in the social service and helping professions (social work, human relations, counseling, probation, parole, law enforcement, administration, management, sales, etc.).

Faculty