Sociology is the scientific study of society. It is also the study of patterns and processes of human social relations and human behavior. The Sociology Department at Colby provides students with conceptual frameworks and analytic skills necessary to understand how social forces shape people?s lives and how people shape and transform society.?

Courses focused on a wide range of issues, problems, and organizations show how sociological theory enables us to analyze institutions, social and cultural change, persisting inequalities, and much more. Opportunities for intensive discussion and closely supervised research foster the development of critical and creative thinking. Sociology students are prepared to participate in the private and public sectors of a diverse democracy and world.