Welcome to Sociology

At the University of Connecticut

Thank you for visiting the Department of Sociology!

Every year, our department strives to continue its legacy of excellence in the field of Sociology through outstanding scholarly research, teaching, and public engagement. Our faculty are internationally and nationally prominent; we have a history of leadership in professional organizations. Our faculty and graduate students are engaged in exciting, socially meaningful research; many of them have been featured in the media this year.

By the Numbers

225
Undergraduate Majors

100+
Minors

100+
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Bandana Purkayastha and Andrew Moiseff, CLAS associate deans, hand out diplomas at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Commencement ceremony one at Gampel Pavilion on May 7, 2023.

Undergraduate Advising

The Sociology Department offers in-person and virtual advising for majors and minors.

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Students in class.

Graduate Programs

Learn more about our graduate programs, graduate students, and how to apply.

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Bhoomi Thakore, a professor in the Department of Sociology, teaches SOCI 2830. Class, Power, and Inequality in the Austin Building on Feb. 26, 2024. (Bri Diaz/UConn Photo)

Department Directory

Meet our award-winning faculty and learn more about their teaching and research.

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News and Events

Department News

Upcoming Events

    https://events.uconn.edu/live/json/v2/events/response_fields/location,summary/date_format/%25F%20%25j,%20%25Y/group/Sociology Department/max/4/start_date/today/end_date/6 months/
  • Jul
    31
    Master’s Thesis Defense of Kayleigh Morse
    4:00 PM

    Master’s Thesis Defense of Kayleigh Morse
    The Other Side: An Ethnographic Content Analysis of Reality Television-Style Professional Paranormal Investigations

    Kayleigh Morse
    Department of Sociology, University of Connecticut

    Committee
    Dr. Ruth Braunstein (Chair)
    Dr. Bhoomi Thakore
    Dr. Phoebe Godfrey

    Thursday, July 31, 2025 | 4:00pm EST
    Virtual

    Abstract: Modern ghost hunting practices can be traced back to famed paranormal “experts” Ed
    and Lorraine Warren. Claiming to be a demonologist and medium (respectively), the pair
    founded the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) in 1952. Over the following
    50 years, the Warrens investigated various paranormal hotspots, including Amityville and
    Enfield (both investigations were later turned into blockbuster movies). However, there are
    multiple claims that the Warrens were fraudsters. Today, professional ghost hunting is still
    considered to be a niche field with limited credibility. My research focuses on the behaviors and
    practices of ghost hunters and/or organized ghost hunting teams as they pursue the creation of
    paranormal knowledge and make efforts to legitimize their work. This ethnographic content
    analysis focuses on A&E Network’s Ghost Hunters, produced from 2004 to 2016. Focusing
    specifically on episodes taking place in New England, this research encompassed 6 seasons
    consisting of 39 episodes meeting the sampling criteria, each covering a unique location.

  • Nov
    12
    Sociology Graduate Student Lunch: Timothy Recuber
    Manchester Hall
    12:15 PM

    Sociology graduate students are invited to chat with our colloquium speaker, Dr. Timothy Recuber, prior to his lecture. Lunch will be served.

  • Nov
    12
    Sociology Colloquium: Timothy Recuber (Smith College)
    McHugh Hall
    2:00 PM

    The Department of Sociology is excited to welcome Dr. Timothy Recuber (Smith College) to participate in our colloquium series. The talk will be followed by a Q&A.

  • Nov
    12
    Sociology Reception: Timothy Recuber
    TBD
    4:00 PM

    Join us after Dr. Timothy Recuber’s colloquium lecture for appetizers and lively conversation!

Sociology in the News

A temporary labyrinth that offers opportunities for quiet reflection and contemplation may become a permanent campus feature