When claims are made that the family is disintegrating, that America is a middle class society, that blacks are making economic progress, that women have come a long way, that the mass media provide audiences with what they want to see and hear, do you know how to evaluate these arguments? Sociology students learn how to assess such statements. They learn not only the facts of social life, but also the methods for analyzing various claims about society. From what perspective does this claim or that policy recommendation make sense? Is this a valid study? What techniques or data would provide more reliable results? The sociological perspective enhances one's understanding of both interpersonal relations – group processes, family dynamics, gender roles, racial and ethnic differences – and larger social institutions – the corporation, the social class system, the criminal justice system, the mass media. Sociologists study the ways in which human behavior is predictably affected by such factors as social class, race and gender. They examine how social problems – poverty, crime, and pollution – are framed by our social institutions. The students of sociology develop an understanding of the social factors that shape their own identities as well as those that may enable them, in turn, to influence their society. They also acquire knowledge and skills that may be applied in a wide array of work settings. Does a corporation need to assess the suitability of a product for a particular market? Does an organization need to understand its personnel problems? Should a parole board adopt a new method of monitoring parolees? What's the best way of handing the placement of abused children? Any of these problems could well be turned over to a person with sociological training.

An applicant must have graduated from an accredited or government recognized secondary school or have received his or her General Education Development (GED) certificate. It is recommended (but not required) that an applicant completes the equivalent of 16 academic (university preparatory) units in secondary school. For transcripts not in English, a notarized or certified English translation must accompany the original transcript. Two letters of recommendation are required. For students currently enrolled in a school or post-secondary institution, at least one must be written by a teacher or school counselor. If the applicant has been out of school for several years, a recommendation form an employer may be submitted. An applicant whose native language is not English is required to submit the results of a test of English Proficiency to the Office of International Admissions. Students from Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand do not need to submit test scores. SAT or ACT scores are NOT required for admission consideration.