University of New England

Photo by Randy Morrison, Sociology Alumni Student '06, Internship in Guatemala.

Sociology is the study of human social behavior, especially the study of the origins, organizations, institutions, and development of human society. The Sociology Department at the University of New England offers students small class sizes, with personal attention from professors, while focusing on experiential, hands-on learning.

The Department of Sociology at the University of New England's seaside University Campus in Biddeford, Maine, offers two degree programs: a bachelor of arts in sociology and a bachelor of arts in psychology and social Relations.

In addition, the Department of Sociology offers minors in sociology and in psychology and social relations that are open to any student in the College of Arts and Sciences or the College of Health Professions.

Both programs are designed to prepare students for their careers and their personal life through extensive course work in sociology and experiential learning, within the context of a liberal arts education that emphasizes the values of discovery, creativity, problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking. 

The mission of the Department of Sociology is to develop the students’ ability to think critically and analytically about fundamental elements and issues of society, culture, and human nature. It is also our mission to prepare the student for future careers in and related to sociology while also helping to prepare them to better understand, relate, and contribute to their world.

There are several factors to our mission. The most fundamental is to enhance students’ ability to think and reason from a sociological perspective. In addition, we will help students expand their knowledge base in sociology.

Department of Sociology students will also develop learning skills through experience in hands-on situations. Finally, throughout these efforts we will work with students to enhance their ability to articulate their ideas verbally and in writing.