Goals and Mission of the Department

The Department of Sociology offers degree programs at three levels:  Baccalaureate, Masters, and Doctoral.  The doctoral degree is offered as a part of a joint program with the University of Akron.  The Department cross lists certain of its courses with other departments, and offers Honors sections of its courses in conjunction with the Honors College.  

The primary objectives of the Department are to:

1.    Create an academic environment which promotes the intellectual and professional development of students and Faculty/faculty;

2.    Develop and maintain a commitment to scholarly activity in research, graduate education, and undergraduate education which is commensurate with the goals and mission of Kent State University;

3.    Provide programs for all students which meet the educational and technological demands of the discipline;

4.    Offer courses in cognate academic disciplines and professional fields which provide the necessary base for the career goals of students and Faculty/faculty; and,

5.    Provide the public with service commensurate with a University.

    Implicit in these objectives is our responsibility as teachers, which includes but is not limited to, educating undergraduate and graduate students and providing continuing education while promoting and clarifying the role and philosophy of education.
    A strong commitment to research means creating and maintaining a significant intellectual environment and achieving our broader commitments to the advancement of knowledge and service to the public.  
    Service to the University and to the general public unifies and clarifies the role of the University in the local community, in the State of Ohio, in the nation, and is valued within the Department, the College and the University.