Cutting-edge research and exceptionally strong graduate and undergraduate training programs
About Us
The department’s focus on basic science is complemented by a deep commitment to informing public and educational policy, particularly on issues related to gender and racial inequality, income inequality, poverty, drug use, economic development, school funding, organizational practices and race and ethnicity.
The department also has close ties with the many other research centers on campus. Interdisciplinary research touches on subjects such as inequality, economics, social sciences, nonlinear systems, politics and social dynamics.
Department Resources
Alumni Spotlight: Catherine Zhang ’22
Learning about sociology was fascinating, said Catherine Zhang ‘22, about her experience delving into subjects like inequality and how institutions shape social phenomena.
During her time at Cornell, she appreciated learning under the brilliant faculty members in the department and finding support in her advisor Professor Bischoff.
Learn more about Catherine's journey and her future endeavor joining pioneering technologist program Schmidt Futures.
Explore more profiles of recent sociology majors below:
Spotlight on Recent Sociology Graduates
Sociology News
Professor Maureen Waller | 2023-24 Access to Justice Scholar
From diverse backgrounds, each faculty member selected brings expertise to further the program’s core mission: generating impactful research on access to civil justice and translating this research into practice.
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New College Scholars research climate, health care, legal interpretation
'A theme of the Harrison College Scholar Program is that our students are independent but not isolated.'
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Support Arts & Sciences on Giving Day March 16
On Thursday, March 16, join the Cornell community to make a difference for students on Cornell Giving Day.
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Same-race reviews reduce inequality in Airbnb bookings
White guests favor Airbnb properties with white hosts, but are more inclined to rent from Black or Asian hosts if they see featured reviews from previous white guests, Cornell research finds.
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Would a wealth tax actually drive the rich out of California?
Cristobal Young, a sociologist at Cornell, and Ithai Lurie, an economist at the U.S. Treasury, look at how incentives and embeddedness shape millionaire tax flight, highlighting the small effect tax reform has had on millionare migration thus far, and raising questions about how work-from-home polic...
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PhD student Nathália Santos awarded the Mitofsky Graduate Research Fellowship
One of the legacies that Warren Mitofsky left was the formation of a fellowship in his name. This year’s Mitofsky Fellow is Nathália Santos, a PhD student in Cornell University’s Department of Sociology.
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Passing the torch: Director of Graduate Studies
A New Year welcomes a new Director of Graduate Studies for the department of Sociology. As of the first of the year, Professor Vida Maralani will be taking the role over from Professor Erin York Cornwell, who’s proven remarkable dedication to the position over the last few years.
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Giving to the Department of Sociology
Unrestricted gifts, no matter what the amount, help support every facet of the Cornell Sociology Department. Gifts may also be designated to support a specific area of the the department's activities.
You can make a gift online at Cornell's Alumni, Parents & Friends page here.