Have you ever questioned how society influences your worldview? Studying sociology at Goshen College will take your natural curiosity and teach you the critical thinking skills needed to think outside the box. With personalized attention from experienced and knowledgeable faculty, you’ll have the chance to explore issues of identity, inequality, and social change.
The sociology major at Goshen College will allow you to explore your interests and discover how you can use them to improve public and community life, both locally and globally. Our experienced faculty will provide you with the personalized attention you need to succeed.
GC offers many opportunities to apply the knowledge you learn in the classroom to real-world situations:
How do faith and sociology mix? Our Sociology Department focuses on the intersections of religion, society, and culture. Our program emphasizes critical thinking and research methods about social issues from a Christian perspective. Students in our program have unique opportunities to explore how faith informs their sociological perspective and understanding of key social processes.
Have you ever questioned how sociological theories influence your worldview, political sociology, and social science? The sociology program at Goshen College will nurture your natural inquisitiveness for conducting research and teach you the communication skills you need to think outside the box. You will get individualized attention from experienced and knowledgeable instructors who will help you explore topics like identity, inequality, and human behavior.
Our graduates have applied their skills to education, community development, church organizations, human resources, research, law school, and graduate school—all paths for expanding your worldview and improving public and community life at home or abroad.
After taking sociology courses in social research, social analysis, and cultural interpretation, you will be well prepared for graduate programs and careers that engage in social commentary. Many sociology majors have gone on to attend graduate school or seminary to pursue a master’s degree or advanced degree.
Graduates of GC sociology majors and minors have gone on to find career opportunities in the following fields:
Robert Brenneman, professor of criminal justice and sociology at Goshen College, has dedicated his research career to understanding and addressing the root causes of violence, particularly in northern Central America.
Robert Brenneman, professor of criminal justice and sociology, has co-authored a book titled "Building Faith: A Sociology of Religious Structures."
GC alumnus and former professor Calvin Redekop is a sociologist, writer, teacher and activist, and has contributed mightily wherever he went and visibly altered the worlds of church, business, service and the environment.
of GC sociology grads go on to earn a master’s or doctoral degree
of sociology alumni are satisfied or very satisfied with their undergraduate education
of sociology alumni agree that their faculty were genuinely interested in students
Learn more about Goshen College's exceptional academic outcomes and national rankings.
Jes Stoltzfus Buller ’08 knows firsthand how messy the process of peacemaking can be. Shortly after graduating from Goshen College, Buller moved to Colombia as a part of Mennonite Central Committee's Seed program.
Jes' storyRobert Brenneman, professor of criminal justice and sociology, encourages students to prepare for a calling, not just a job.
Robert's storyJose is a multi-talented sustainability studies and sociology double major who has found ways to be a leader at Goshen College.
José's storyJeanne Liechty discovered social work as a major and profession while serving a year of voluntary service in San Antonio, Texas. Today she is a professor of social work and department chair.
Jeanne's storyAnnika Fisher '23 is studying sociology and art for a career in architecture, finding solutions to environmental and housing crises.
Annika's storyStefan Baumgartner, a music and sociology double major from Goshen, believes in social justice. Before graduating in 2015, he found that GC also shares his drive for open conversation.
Stefan's storyKendra Yoder
Co-Director -- Global Engagement Office -- SST (Study Service Term) Professor of Sociology
Women's & Gender Studies
Regina Shands Stoltzfus
Professor of Peace Justice & Conflict Studies
Director of PJCS
