Few fields have as broad a scope as sociology, the study of human groups and social life. The sociology major's interests range from the nuclear family to the many types of societies, from crime to religion, from the divisions of race and class to the integrating symbols of culture, from the sociology of occupations to politics. At Florida State University, the Department of Sociology examines all of these matters and others. Current research is ongoing in such diverse areas as gender, sexuality, race and ethnicity, social movements, health and aging, and population. There are several reasons for pursuing a sociology degree. First, sociology addresses circumstances and events that affect students' lives today and in the future. Second, a sociology major provides a broad-based, liberal arts education that promotes understanding and sharpens analytical skills. Third, a sociology major is excellent preparation for a career in professions that require an ability to think and write analytically. Sociology graduates have found employment in academia, business, law, medicine, politics, and government. Fourth, sociology prepares students for advanced graduate work in anticipation of careers in research and teaching.Sociology majors learn how to analyze the hiring, termination, and promotional practices of organizations, anticipate the changes humans will undergo in their life, practice market research, detect social trends, analyze statistical data, evaluate public policies, assess the impact of technological innovations, interpret political and social change in the world system, conduct surveys and interpret their results, project fertility and mortality patterns, and appreciate classic theories of social order and change. The facilities and resources available to sociology majors include access to the microcomputer lab in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy and opportunities to work closely with faculty on research projects. The department provides a wide range of courses on important aspects of social life, leading to greater understanding of human society and a variety of skills that are increasingly essential for citizens in a postindustrial, information-based, and rapidly changing global society.