Department of Sociology

University of Wisconsin-Madison
Hundreds of demonstrators from the community gather and speak out against racism and racial injustice

The study of race, justice, and inequality is at the fore for many of our faculty and graduate students.

See our research and resources on understanding and ameliorating racial inequality More
Pedestrians ride their bicycles and walk on a colorful tree-lined path
Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, along with the downtown Madison.

We are proud to be consistently ranked as a top Sociology department in the country, excelling in a wide variety of intellectual pursuits.

Mission Statement of the Department of Sociology

“Guided by the Wisconsin Idea of service to the citizens of Wisconsin and beyond, the Department of Sociology conducts world-class research on important local and global social issues and prepares students for meaningful careers and lives of engaged citizenship.”

In the News

Max Besbris Interviewed on Hurricane Ian & its Impact on Inequality, Racial Disparities

UniverCity Year a Finalist for Community Engagement Award

 More News and Updates

   Awards, Grants, & Publications

Eric Grodsky Awarded NIA Subaward for Research on Role of Education and Risk for Alzheimer's Disease

Eric Grodsky head shot

Mike Massoglia Co-authors Book on Prisons and Health

Upcoming Events

CDE 60th Celebration & Conference

Since its founding in 1962, the Center for Demography in Ecology (CDE) has served as hub for population research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. To celebrate sixty years of innovation and collaboration, CDE will host an anniversary celebration and conference on October 7-8, 2022 at the Pyle Center.

Our Department Calendar lists additional events such as seminars, workshops, meetings and events

The Department of Sociology is a well-knit community of faculty, staff, and students.  Under our umbrella, we pursue research that is leading many sociological subfields in new and different directions. We emphasize teaching and public service as well as research. Indeed, we draw no hard boundaries between our research, teaching, and service missions. We value and promote methodological, social, and cultural diversity.

Click here  for a complete calendar