Welcome to the Yale Sociology Department

Sociology – the systematic study of social life and social transformation – is flourishing at Yale. In 1875, Yale professor William Graham Sumner (1840-1910) offered the first American course titled "Sociology." Today’s department spans a wide array of areas and specialties, balanced with an emphasis on the core concepts, theory and methods of the discipline. Much is new since Sumner’s day, but the Yale department still offers an overarching vision of the field, its future, and its relationship to knowledge of our changing world.

The American Society of Criminology recognizes Yale sociologist Elijah Anderson

August Rios Named 2026 Rhodes Scholar

Kai T. Erikson, a beloved teacher and prominent figure on Yale’s campus for 45 years, died on Nov. 10.

Prof. Alka Menon’s Research Featured in Podcasts

Professor Rene Almeling Co-edits New Book on Sperm, Health, and Politics