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
'The research I did at Cornell developed my commitment to mixed methods'
Prof. Susan Rose (Cornell Soc P.h.D. '84) shares a bit about her time at Cornell.
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Book calls social scientists to robust ‘multiverse’ analysis
To cut through misinformation, noise and fragile claims, sociologist Cristobal Young has written a book calling social science researchers to the highest standards of evidence through “multiverse analysis,” an approach which reveals the full range of estimates the data can support.
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Cook-Gray Lecture will examine transformative labor movement
Annelise Orleck, Dartmouth College, will deliver the 2025 Alice Cook-Lois Gray Distinguished Lecture on April 15: “Poverty Wages, 'We're Not Lovin' It': Gender, Race and Inequality Rising in the 21st Century.”
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Weidel, Meloni, and Le Pen: the rise of women who dominate three of Europe’s main far-right parties
Professor Mabel Berezin weighs in on the conversation about the women leading the far-right parties, historically led by men.
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New York State Reverses Population Losses
Prof. Ben Cornwell comments on population changes in the Empire State, and reasons behind the long-standing trend of folks moving out of the state.
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Cornell Center for Social Sciences names 2025-26 Faculty Fellows 
12 faculty members from seven colleges have been named 2025-26 Faculty Fellows with the Cornell Center for Social Sciences.
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Where computer scientists and economists talk to each other
In a world that’s growing more connected every day, economists and computer scientists need to work together. Cornell researchers have thought this way for years, and the rest of the world is catching on.
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With education funding cut looming, ‘irreplaceable data on schools’ at risk
The real economic and social value of the Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences research won’t show up in DOGE’s metrics.
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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.