Presbyterian College's sociology department challenges students to increase their awareness of the complexities of different societies. The curriculum is designed to stimulate intellectual growth and prepare students to participate in the local, national and world communities.

Sociology examines the forces that shape our lives, both at the broad societal level and at the level of daily social interaction. It addresses a variety of intellectual as well as policy related issues and concerns, such as socioeconomic and demographic change, social institution (such as law, medicine, education, the family, politics, the professions), and the structure of social inequality. As a discipline, sociology is concerned with the methods of inquiry as well as with the substance.  The sociological approach not only asks questions about social phenomena, but also provides a set of methods for their systematic analysis. A sociological education goes beyond informing students about the structure of societies and social relations, to encourage the development of critical and analytical thinking abilities.

A sociology major does not limit a student to one occupation after graduation, but rather opens the door to a variety of career choices. Many sociology graduates specialize in the wide-ranging field of human services, serving as social workers, youth services coordinators, probation officers, state law enforcement officers, mental health counselors, medical technologists and hospital administrators.

Some graduates work in social research positions in government and industry while others have taken jobs in the fields of business, personnel management, teaching and journalism. Some even continue their education and become lawyers, ministers or social service agency administrators. Students may choose courses to pursue various interests such as social/human services, global studies/international issues, administrative or criminal justice, or graduate studies.

The sociology faculty members serve as the heart of the department, maintaining their scholarly interests through active research programs. The faculty members have received Fulbright grants, as well as fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Other grants have come from Presbyterian College's faculty development program.