Sociologists analyze the structure of groups in society and the way these groups influence the behavior of individuals. Related to these larger ideas are many specific questions: What explains inequalities? Why do crime and deviance arise? How do families, schools, churches, and corporations effect social control? What are the functions of welfare programs? How do cities grow and change to reflect changing technologies and population trends? How does law interact with society? These are examples of sociological questions.

At The University of Texas at Dallas, sociology majors are encouraged to go beyond scholarly study to explore the ways that sociology can be put to use in businesses, government, or voluntary organizations. Sociology graduates of the university have pursued careers or graduate study in a variety of areas including policy research, social services, business, law, law enforcement, and other social sciences.