

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.
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:
The newest episode of a podcast hosted by Entrepreneurship at Cornell, Startup Cornell, features Meredith Oppenheim ‘95, founder of Vitality Society and now a strategic advisor in the senior housing space.
Read moreDemocracy is in retreat across much of the world, and for years Cornell government scholars have been tracking its erosion in various regions – including the United States. Now they’ve brought these global perspectives on democratic backsliding together in one volume.
Read moreProf. Landon Schnabel comments on the new IRS filing regarding political endorsements by religious institutions.
Read moreProfessor Alaka Basu says the absolute rise in the mortality rates of 1-19 year olds in the U.S. during the peak COVID period is striking.
Read moreJuhwan Seo (Cornell Soc Ph.D. ’25) published a new state-of-the-field review article in the inaugural issue of Sex & Sexualities.
Read moreThe beloved character used his fortune for good, unlike certain zillionaires. Professor Bischoff comments on income segregation in today's world.
Read more"Since the COVID pandemic began five years ago, the U.S. has gone from being merely polarized to split into two separate and incompatible realities."
Read moreThe historic selection of Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago-born U.S. citizen and naturalized Peruvian, reflects Catholicism's evolving global identity.
Read moreUnrestricted 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.