Academic Programs
and Majors


Sociology Major

Department Faculty

Future Preparation

Sociology at Houghton

Houghton offers both a major and minor in sociology, leading to the B.A. degree. The sociology program includes coursework in anthropology. All three full-time faculty members in the program—two sociologists and one anthropologist—hold the Ph.D. They sustain active scholarly lives while maintaining a strong commitment to the cause of social justice. 

Sociology provides an understanding of formation, action, and change within society. The emphasis at Houghton is on building a sound appreciation of theoretical issues and in linking this understanding to how we live our lives. This approach is reflected in Principles of Sociology, the introductory course, and the four core courses required for the major: Sociological Theory, Statistics, Social Science Research Methods, and The Individual and Society. Students complete the program by selecting four elective courses in sociology or anthropology. In sum, a major consists of 24 credit hours and a minor of 12 credit hours (above the introductory level). 

Studying sociology is consistent with the goals of a liberal arts education, which include insightful analysis, capable abstraction, and effective communication. We live in a rapidly changing social world. All of us need to understand how society shapes us, and how we in turn shape society. The study of sociology provides insight into this dual aspect of our social involvement. Because sociology helps us understand the social forces operating in society, it provides an excellent background and preparation for careers in criminology, politics, law, health services, management, social work, urban planning, and other related areas. Our program provides a solid foundation from which to pursue graduate work. Our majors have gone on to graduate programs at Princeton, University of Illinois, SUNY at Buffalo, and others. In fact, although we have a relatively small program, we excel in producing Ph.D. sociologists. Regardless of one’s eventual occupational and lifestyle choices, sociology provides an excellent preparation for students who wish to have a greater understanding of themselves and of others.

In a Christian perspective, sociology alerts us to the influences of social forces that we can call “worldly.” The study of sociology offers an analytical framework that can enable us to be “in but not of the world.” Our faculty is convinced that those who know the least about the social world are those most likely to be dominated by it. It is imperative that we as Christians critically and closely examine the conventional social world and inquire together how we can best serve God in this context. 

Sociology professors at Houghton are interested in the total development of our students. We encourage participation in campus activities that allow one to put into action the understanding gained from classes. Campus organizations offering an opportunity for involvement include Habitat for Humanity; Allegany County Outreach (similar to Big Brother/Big Sister programs); Cross Cultural Student Society; Salvation Army; and World Missions Fellowship (which offers mission trips), among others.

In addition to main-campus opportunities for experience and service, Houghton College has many other resources for student development. Houghton has four other campuses where students can live in a very different setting and culture, while studying with Houghton professors who take a Christian worldview (Houghton in London, Houghton in Tanzania, the Oregon Extension, and the West Seneca campus near Buffalo). With our proximity to Buffalo and Rochester, students benefit from exposure to ethnic and cultural diversity. Students work in practicum settings; take field trips to visit churches of various denominations and faiths; and visit planned communities. Moreover, the college is a member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), which offers several cross-cultural programs available to Houghton students (for example, American Studies Program, Los Angeles Film Studies Center, and Russian Studies Program). All these opportunities are used to expand the vision of students beyond their own borders.