A Pioneer in Sociological Inquiry
Since its inception in 1904, the Department of Sociology at the University of California, Berkeley has been a leading force in the field of social science research and teaching. With a distinguished faculty and a commitment to rigorous scholarship, Berkeley Sociology has consistently ranked among the top sociology departments in the world.
World-Class Faculty and Research
The Berkeley Sociology Department boasts an impressive roster of faculty members who are internationally recognized for their pathbreaking contributions to the field. These scholars have published groundbreaking research in a wide range of areas, including social inequality, race and ethnicity, gender, family, education, and political sociology.
Notable faculty include:
- Nancy Folbre, Distinguished Professor of Economics and Sociology
- Michael Burawoy, Professor of Sociology
- Eva Illouz, Professor of Sociology
- Laura Hamilton, Professor of Sociology
- Charles Ragin, Professor of Sociology
Cutting-Edge Research Facilities
Berkeley Sociology offers its faculty and students access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources. These include:
- The Berkeley Institute for the Study of Social Inequality
- The Center for the Study of Work, Economy, and Society
- The Institute for Labor and Employment
- The Center for Population Research
- The Institute for Gender and the Economy
These centers and institutes provide researchers with opportunities to collaborate, exchange ideas, and pursue innovative research projects.
Innovative Curriculum and Teaching
Berkeley Sociology’s undergraduate and graduate programs offer a comprehensive and cutting-edge curriculum that reflects the latest trends in sociological research. Students are exposed to a wide range of theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches, preparing them for careers in research, academia, policy, or nonprofit organizations.
The department’s commitment to teaching excellence is evidenced by the numerous awards and accolades its faculty have received. In recent years, Berkeley Sociology faculty have won the Alfred Schutz Prize for the best book in theory, the ASA Distinguished Career Award, and the ASA Cooley-Mead Award.
Graduates Making an Impact
Graduates of the Berkeley Sociology Department go on to successful careers in various fields. Many pursue careers in academia, teaching and researching at top universities around the world. Others enter the public sector, working in government agencies, nonprofits, and international organizations. Still others pursue careers in the private sector, using their sociological insights to develop innovative solutions to social problems.
By the Numbers
- The Berkeley Sociology Department offers the following degrees:
- BA in Sociology
- MA in Sociology
- PhD in Sociology
- The department has approximately 250 undergraduate majors and 100 graduate students.
- Over 90% of Berkeley Sociology graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduating.
- The median annual salary for Berkeley Sociology graduates is $65,000.
- Berkeley Sociology faculty have received over $100 million in research grants in the past five years.
The Department’s Future
The Berkeley Sociology Department is poised to continue its leadership role in shaping the future of social science. The department’s faculty are actively engaged in cutting-edge research on the most pressing challenges facing the world today. By training a new generation of sociologists, the department will continue to contribute to the development of innovative solutions to these challenges.
Conclusion
The Berkeley Sociology Department is a world-renowned center for sociological research and teaching. With a distinguished faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and an innovative curriculum, the department is committed to pushing the boundaries of sociological knowledge and preparing its students for successful careers in academia, policy, and beyond.