The department’s focus on basic science is complemented by a deep commitment to informing public and educational policy, particularly on issues related to gender and racial inequality, income inequality, poverty, drug use, economic development, school funding, organizational practices and race and ethnicity.
The department also has close ties with the many other research centers on campus. Interdisciplinary research touches on subjects such as inequality, economics, social sciences, nonlinear systems, politics and social dynamics.
Department Resources
Alumni Spotlight: Catherine Zhang ’22
Learning about sociology was fascinating, said Catherine Zhang ‘22, about her experience delving into subjects like inequality and how institutions shape social phenomena.
During her time at Cornell, she appreciated learning under the brilliant faculty members in the department and finding support in her advisor Professor Bischoff.
Learn more about Catherine's journey and her future endeavor joining pioneering technologist program Schmidt Futures.
Explore more profiles of recent sociology majors below:
Sociology News
Student spotlight: Katherine Ally Zaslavsky
Katherine Ally Zaslavsky doctoral candidate in sociology from Endwell, New York, studies the value of representation.
Read moreTen inducted into Bouchet Honor Society
Eight Cornell doctoral candidates, including five connected to A&S, and two postdocs have been inducted into the Cornell chapter of the Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society.
Read moreFlorida ruling ‘deviates from the more moderate views’ held by most Americans
Professor Landon Schnabel: “The Florida Supreme Court's seemingly contradictory abortion rulings—allowing a six-week ban while permitting voters to decide on a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights up to viability—reveal the tension between conservative courts and the popular will in d...
Read moreSummer Experience Grant applications now open
The grants provide funding for students in unpaid or low-paying summer experiences to offset the cost of taking on those positions.
Read morePanel explores rise of nationalism across the globe
Cornell faculty and alumni took part in a wide-ranging discussion focused on nationalism around the world during a March 26 New York City event featuring NPR media correspondent David Folkenflik ’91, the Zubrow Distinguished Visiting Journalist in the College of Arts & Sciences.
Read moreA.D. White professor addresses threats to democracy
Theda Skocpol, Harvard scholar and A.D. White Professor-at-Large at Cornell, will present the public lecture “Rising Threats to U.S. Democracy – Roots and Responses” on April 9.
Read moreFrance’s abortion rights vote sets potential ‘worldwide precedent’
France is the first county in the world to include a right to an abortion in its constitution, underscoring the role of culture, religion and secular governance in the preservation and progress of individual freedoms, says sociologist Landon Schnabel.
Read moreSupport Arts & Sciences on Giving Day March 14
Your gift allows the College to fulfill our mission — to prepare our students to do the greatest good in the world.
Read moreGiving to the Department of Sociology
Unrestricted gifts, no matter what the amount, help support every facet of the Cornell Sociology Department. Gifts may also be designated to support a specific area of the the department's activities.
You can make a gift online at Cornell's Alumni, Parents & Friends page here.