Sociology at Washington University strives to understand the origins and reproduction of social inequality and apply that knowledge to address issues of pressing public concern. As a new and growing department, we adopt an approach rooted in the work of W.E.B. Du Bois, focused on undertaking rigorous empirical research to identify and suggest solutions to social problems. Our faculty and students engage core questions through diverse cutting-edge methodological approaches, from interview-based and historical analyses to large-scale quantitative experimental designs. Our location in St. Louis provides an ideal vantage to engage the complex interplay of inequity and policy, along with the vibrant social movements that have emerged to address entrenched injustices in the city and region.
Our faculty occupy positions of leadership both in the discipline and within associations and networks at the forefront of social change efforts. We invite you to explore their research programs, the attention their work has garnered in media and policy circles, the many exciting courses that they have to offer, and the focus of our newly-inaugurated graduate program.
"While the availability of sociology as field of study at WashU might seem unremarkable, it is, in reality, the result of a rare and exciting event only eight years ago: the revival of the Department of Sociology."
In 2015, Washington University re-established the Department of Sociology in Arts & Sciences. Concentrating on the origins and impacts of inequality, faculty and students are investigating some of the nation’s most critical and urgent social challenges.
Elizabeth Korver-Glenn, an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Washington University in St. Louis was featured in ASA's Sage Journals. In Korver-Glenn's research, she offers insight into the racial and social theories.
In this video feature, recent graduate Mariel Ehrlich, who double majored in sociology and Latin American studies, talks about her time abroad in Lima, Peru and how studying Spanish has changed her perspective on what it means to be a global citizen.
upcoming events
Office of Graduate Studies Fall Open House
Charles F. Knight Center
Office of Graduate Studies Fall Open House
Office of Graduate Studies in Arts & Sciences’ Open House taking place in-person on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charles F. Knight Center.
You are invited to our Office of Graduate Studies in Arts & Sciences’ Open House taking place in-person on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charles F. Knight Center located on WashU's Danforth Campus in St. Louis, Missouri. Come join us and learn how to navigate your continued educational journey with WashU!
This event is a wonderful opportunity to explore the diverse programs we offer, meet with faculty and department representatives, connect with our student panel, and gain firsthand insights into graduate student life at WashU. We've organized sessions to assist you in navigating your financial pathway and understanding the array of funding options available to support your educational journey.
Did we mention lunch? Yes, a delightful meal is on us, ensuring you have an enjoyable and nourishing day while you explore all the possibilities that our university has to offer.
The event is free, but space is limited, so we encourage you to secure your spot early.
We hope you’ll take advantage of this unique opportunity to get a taste of life as a WashU graduate student. We look forward to welcoming you.