In the broadest sense, sociology is the study of society. Rather than assume that everyone has the same viewpoint, sociologists maintain that experience and knowledge can be situated in different perspectives. Students in sociology learn to apply a critical lens to current issues such as economic inequality, gender identities, changing family forms, migration, race and racism, social movements, health care, new technologies, social media, climate change, and more. 

The Department of Sociology is among the top-ranked sociology programs in the country. We train students for a diversity of professions. Our Minor and Major programs provide maximum flexibility with minimal course requirements. Our new course-based Master’s program enables students to earn a higher degree and learn advanced skills within 8 to 12 months.

Our department is also home to one of the leading Criminology programs in the country. Criminology focuses on causes of criminal behaviour, labeling of behaviours as criminal, changing definitions of deviance, crime, and 'normality", the ways we count and measure crime, and social responses to it, including the operation of the institutions that make up the criminal justice system. 

Learn more about our programs: 

1. Sociology 
2. Criminology 
3. MA Programs
4. PhD Program

Where to find us:

Department of Sociology
5-21 HM Tory Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6G 2H4

Phone: (780) 492-5234

General Office Hours:
M-F 8:00 am- 4:00 pm
Closed 12-1pm