Department of Sociology
Sociology is a vibrant discipline dedicated to examining relationships between individuals and the justice system, between the economy and a particular city, or between school districts.
The Department of Sociology is committed to furthering the promotion of social justice by combining social-science research methods with concepts of peace, social justice and community to provide students with the tools they need to critically analyze sociological theories.
Why Choose Sociology at USD?
With a degree in sociology, you'll gain valuable insights into the structures, policies and practices that can foster or inhibit group success. Be prepared for any career or profession that involves complex group dynamics, communication and data analysis.
Focus on Social Justice
USD provides students a program rooted in Catholic intellectual tradition and social justice. This ensures that students apply their knowledge in real-life applications and experience how they can impact a community and influence positive change.
Refine Research Skills
Researching skills can be transferred to any profession. In conjunction with your coursework, you'll gain practical knowledge as well as gain tangible experience that can bolster your resume.
Get Involved with the Community
See how your studies affect communities by networking and working alongside communities to address issues and present solutions. This provides insight to potential careers and is impressive to employers.
Advanced Research Environment
Faculty actively pursue their own research, and you'll have the opportunity to work alongside them on their projects. This presents co-publication opportunities as well as presentation and communication skills.
Upcoming Events
- Apr14
Come to the Table: Radical Hospitality and Communities of Belonging
Wednesday, April 14, 2021 // 4 p.m.Virtual Event - Apr21
Come to the Table: Radical Hospitality and Communities of Belonging
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 // 4 p.m.Virtual Event - Apr28
Souls of Black Folks: Poetry, Essays and Readings Series
Wednesday, April 28, 2021 // 4 p.m.Virtual Event - May5
Souls of Black Folks: Poetry, Essays and Readings Series
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 // 4 p.m.Virtual Event
In the News
Dr. Cid Martinez will be on a panel that examines criminal justice reform on March 4 @ 12 P.M. (PT)
// February 19, 2021
In this event, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot will discuss criminal justice reform. The event will be moderated by Cheryl Corl…
Addressing Homelessness: Vote for One of 10 Changemaker Challenge Video Finalists by Oct. 29
// October 26, 2020
The Changemaker Challenge, an annual fall competition open to all University of San Diego students, faculty and staff to create a two-minute…
Professor Jessica Magellan, Sociology Department, honored by the Mortar Board USD Chapter
// October 21, 2020
The Mortar Board Faculty Appreciation Dinner strives to honor faculty who have made a significant contribution to the academic achievement a…
Publication of Myth and Reality in the U.S. Immigration Debate from Routledge by Associate Professor Greg Prieto, Ph.D.
// October 21, 2020
We are delighted to announce the publication of Myth and Reality in the U.S. Immigration Debate from Routledge by Associate Professor G…
Living History: Reflections from One of USD's Earliest Black Woman Graduates
// August 14, 2020
Living in Washington, D.C for more than 50 years, Ellissia (Darley) Price-Fagin ’66 (BA) has seen plenty of history up close. And as a…
Lisa Nunn, PhD, wins 2020 Scholarly Contribution to Teaching and Learning Award from the American Sociological Association
// August 10, 2020
Combining student perspectives with the latest research on bridging the academic achievement gap, she shows how professors can make a differ…
Torero Tidbits: STEAM Conference; Latinidad Talk; Keck Fellows; Sports Academic Awards
// July 24, 2020
Free, Virtual STEAM Youth and Community Conference — July 25 The fifth annual STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathemati…
Torero Tidbits: CAS Conversations; Engineering's Ignite Entrepreneur Series; STEAM Conference
// July 9, 2020
July's CAS Conversations: Movements in Black Lives, Define ‘Defunding the Police’ One way in which the University of San Diego&…
Black Lives Matter
// June 9, 2020
Black Lives Matter Statement: Black Lives Matter in the teaching, scholarship, community work, and advocacy in the Department of Soci…
USD Professor Examines Protests And Reasons Behind Them
// June 1, 2020
University of San Diego sociology professor Cid Martinez joined KPBS Midday Edition on Monday to discuss how COVID-19 is contributing to the…
Office Hours: Lisa Nunn, PhD, Associate Professor of Sociology
// March 24, 2020
Whether it's her experience playing softball in college, her time in the Peace Corps, or her research on campus, Lisa Nunn, PhD, an associat…
Mulvaney Center's Maria Silva Receives Cone Award as Emerging Leader
// January 31, 2020
Maria Silva ’12 (BA), director of community partnerships for USD’s Karen and Tom Mulvaney Center for Community, Awareness and So…
Dr. Greg Prieto Awarded Prestigious American Sociological Association Book Award for 2019
// June 21, 2019
The American Sociological Association awarded Greg Prieto, PhD, with the 2019 Latina/o Section Distinguished Contribution to Research Book…
USD Office Hours: Dr. Greg Prieto, Assistant Professor of Sociology
// September 11, 2018
What do the movie FernGully and the field of sociology have in common? Well, the answer to that is Greg Prieto, PhD, an assistant professor …
Dr. Greg Prieto Book: Immigrants Under Threat: Risk and Resistance in the Deportation Nation
// September 1, 2018
Greg Prieto, PhD, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of San Diego, published a book, Immigrants Under Threat: Risk and Re…
Theodore Castro, Tiasha Rogers Receive Well-Deserved Alcalá Awards
// June 6, 2018
The Alcalá Award is a proud reminder of the mission of all students who attend the University of San Diego. Recipients of this award …
Beyond the Classroom: Dr. Channon Miller, Dr. Angela Nurse
// February 20, 2018
Two members of the University of San Diego’s 2017-18 Diversity Postdoctoral Fellows cohort, Dr. Channon Miller in the Department of Hi…
Holy Land Reflection: A Truly Immersive Experience
// February 9, 2018
Each year, the Frances G. Harpst Center for Catholic Thought and Culture conducts a USD Faculty Travel Immersion Seminar. Each January, a sm…
Women of Impact Honors USD Students, Faculty, Staff, Administrators and Community Leader
// December 4, 2017
The 20th annual University of San Diego Women of Impact Awards luncheon, held on Nov. 30 in Hahn University Center Forum C, was a campus-wid…
As DACA decision sinks in, support groups try to reach students
// September 6, 2017
Greg Prieto, professor of sociology at USD, talks about ways USD has reached out to help DACA and undocumented students.…
Reflection: Freedom Writers Continues to Inspire USD Professor
// July 4, 2017
Thomas Ehrlich Reifer, PhD, is a sociology professor at the University of San Diego. He recently participated in the Freedom Writers Teacher…
Comité México Recognizes Inaugural Scholarship Recipients
// October 28, 2016
On a fall evening that’s annually a chance for its guests to sample fine Mexican wine paired with a specially prepared multiple-c…
Department of Sociology
College of Arts and Sciences
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5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110