Sociology

The Sociology Department offers students an understanding of the dynamics, principles and patterns that govern human interaction and social structure. At Old Westbury, students are exposed both to the substantive knowledge and to the theories and methods of the discipline. Students exposed to sociology in this way are able to work independently to increase and clarify their understanding of human social life.

Graduates of the Sociology Department have open to them an array of career opportunities, including professions in social work, law, journalism, public administration and education. Criminology majors will be well prepared for employment in various occupations within the criminal justice system. Both programs also prepare students for graduate school in a variety of social science and social policy fields.

Did You Know?

Maryann De Leo, a 1977 graduate of the Media & Communications program within the American Studies Department, was honored with an Oscar in the Documentary Short Subject category at the 76th Annual Academy Awards for her work as producer and director of "Chernobyl Heart," a film about the effects of radiation on the children of Belarus, Russia, 16 years after the infamous nuclear reactor accident at Chernobyl.

Distinguished Service Professor of Mathematics, Jong Pil Lee, was awarded a 2005 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring during ceremonies held at The White House.

35 Old Westbury students gave up their traditional Spring Break rituals in 2006 and instead volunteered their time and effort in New Orleans to aid recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.