Chair's Welcome
Dr. J. Scott Brown
Welcome to the website of the Department of Sociology and Gerontology at Miami University. We offer a variety of academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate level in criminology, gerontology, organizational leadership, sociology, and social justice as well as being the advising home for the health policy and administration concentration in public health. We offer students in each of these programs opportunities for research and career development.
Our faculty teach and do research in a number of important areas that address many of the most pressing issues facing society, including crime, justice, aging, the family, the environment, and many others.
Our students are active in the life of the university and go on to work in a variety of fields. I hope you'll look around to learn about our department's rich history, our academic programs, faculty research, our students, and how you can make a difference!
Department News
John Steele '14 Named Public Diplomacy Officer
“I told myself, ‘John, although you didn’t come into Miami with many things, you’re going to leave Miami with everything.’ ” As he prepares to deploy to Angola for the U.S. Department of State, Social Justice Studies alum John Steele reflects on his journey in Heart of Steele.
See also: SJS alum ('14) John Steele receives Charles B. Rengel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship.
Kristen Budd receives Knox Distinguished Teaching Award
Kristen Budd, assistant professor of sociology and gerontology, is the recipient of the 2019 E. Phillip Knox Distinguished Teaching Award. The award recognizes one faculty member who uses creative, innovative and engaging teaching methods at the undergraduate level.
Prof. Glenn Muschert's Research Featured in the New York Times
Sociology Professor Glenn Muschert's research on school shootings was featured in a New York Times Video on the topic.
Prof. Bob Applebaum on Long-term Care Insurance
Gerontology Professor Bob Applebaum was cited in Reuters article on long-term care insurance.
Sociology
Major
This major is for liberal arts students interested in the study of society, structures, social processes, and human interaction. These range from two-person interactions to relations between large social institutions to relations between nations.
Minors
- Applied Sociological Research
- Criminology
- Disability Studies
- Medical Sociology
- Social Science
- Sociology of Business
- Sociology of Law
Thematic Sequences
- Applied Social Science Methods
- Sociological Perspectives on Inequality
- Sociological Perspectives on Criminality and Deviance
- Gender and Family Issues
- Medical Sociology
Social Justice Studies
Major
Social Justice Studies (SJS) explores the ideals of justice, the realities of injustice, and practical solutions to bridge the gaps between the two. SJS covers a broad range of issues including economic justice, environmental justice, criminal justice, and fundamental human rights. It also covers a broad range of solution sets including policy-making, community organizing, social protest and restorative justice.
Minors
- Crime, Law, and Social Justice
- Social Justice and Inequalities
Thematic Sequences
- Social Justice and Inequalities
- Social Justice, Law and Crime
Gerontology
Major
The gerontology major has a strong liberal arts focus that includes an applied perspective. A comprehensive undergraduate gerontology education places you at a competitive advantage in the job market, graduate school admissions, and career success and satisfaction.
Minors
Aging and Health
Aging and Public Policy
Gerontology
Thematic Sequences
Aging in Diverse Contexts
Health and Aging