About the Program

Why This Major Is Relevant

Sociology helps us understand how we relate to others in an increasingly diverse, polarized, and multicultural society. Its subject matter ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob, from crime to religion, and from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. In fact, few fields have such a broad scope and relevance. In a world that is growing more and more complex economically, religiously, politically, and socially, sociologists play a critical role in helping our businesses, governments, and nonprofit organizations make decisions and understand the dynamics at play. As experts in human behavior coming from a Christian worldview, an APU sociology major is uniquely equipped to lead organizations to interact with those of different countries and creeds in a compassionate, ethical manner.

Gain In-depth Learning Experiences

The sociology program at APU centers on the concept of “Christian sociology”—an intellectual and spiritual foundation for both personal development and service. Christian sociology asserts that self-understanding comes from discovering connections with other people. It is through interaction in families, schools, churches, and communities that individuals develop as persons, and it is this mutual dependence that forms the basis for moral life. The heart for service, an important outcome of dependence on God and relationships with others, is practically manifested and modeled as God’s love through the actions of those who serve. Both academic sociology and Christian faith offer perspectives on human behavior and social life, and partner perspectives in a dialogue meant to express a more complete and unified picture of the truth about social reality and the human experience.