Sociology studies human social relationships and institutions. The discipline deals with a diverse array of topics, from the family to the many aspects of human society. Humans have developed beyond the instincts that guide animal behavior. Thus, humans rely on social institutions and organizations to base their actions.
Sociology deals with other fields of the social sciences to better understand and study the various aspects of human sociology. Many universities focused on enriching sociology as a discipline for a better society. Several institutions visibly went above and beyond the mere understanding of the societal concepts. Here are some of the best sociology schools worldwide.
Top Sociology Schools in the World
1. University of Oxford
Teaching at the University of Oxford started in 1096 and developed centuries later. Oxford was recognized as a university in its incorporation in 1231. The University of Oxford’s academics and training continued to evolve until today.
Oxford University’s Department of Sociology prides itself in its analytical, empirical, and comparative orientation. The scholarship is always grounded in real-world issues for the benefit of society.
Sociology at Oxford has an international reputation due to its academic and research endeavors. Many of its alumni are considered experts in the discipline for their top-notch commitment to excellence. Oxford is currently the ranked number one university in global sociology academics and research.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology incorporated itself in 1861. The university was initially in Boston, then moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, the USA, in 1916. MIT prides itself in merging academic knowledge with theories and concepts application.
Staying true to the discipline of sociology, Sociology at MIT encourages scholarship for its students. The department promotes the application of sociological concepts to real-world situations. Sociology at MIT successfully placed the university at the top of world rankings for sociology educational institutions.
3. Stanford University
Stanford University opened its doors in 1891, years after it was founded in 1885 by Senator Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane Lathrop Stanford. Stanford established the university to educate the people of California. Stanford continuously developed its disciplines above expectations, as proven by the leadership of its academics and researchers in their fields.
Sociology at Stanford University was initially under the Department of Economics and Sociology. The discipline relocated to the Department of Anthropology and Sociology in 1948, then gained independence as part of the School of Humanities and Sciences in 1957.
The Sociology Department’s history shows an influx of talented professors and mentors of sociology which developed the scholarship and training even further. Stanford is currently one of the top sociology universities in the world rankings today.
4. Harvard University
The Great and General Court of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in New England established the first college in the American colonies in 1636. The college was later renamed Harvard in 1639 to recognize John Harvard’s sizable donation, and the Charter of 1650 called for the corporation of Harvard.
Harvard University’s Department of Sociology has a rich history of immeasurable contributions to the social sciences since the 1930s. The department has no shortage of sociology titans who changed the shape of social inquiry on an international scale.
The Sociology Department supports the intellectual growth of its students and mentees through various programs and training that will elevate their scholarship and research. The success of such efforts proves that Harvard University is definitely one of the best sociology schools.
5. Princeton University
The Presbyterian Synod created the College of New Jersey in 1746. The college received its charter in 1748 and was renamed Princeton University in 1896. The establishment of succeeding departments and institutions in the university shows continuous intellectual advancements in a wide range of disciplines.
Princeton University’s Department of Sociology offers a vast array of choices for specializations for its students and researchers. The department’s administration put a multitude of systems and processes in place to maximize the learning opportunity for the sociological community of Princeton.
The Sociology Department’s alumni are usually in prestigious positions in university administrations and academia resulting from the department’s commitment to excellence. It is no wonder that Princeton University is one of the most outstanding schools in the world when it comes to sociology.
6. University of California, Berkeley
In 1868, the University of California, Berkeley started by merging two institutions: the private College of California in Oakland and the land-grant Agricultural, Mining, and Mechanical Arts College. The university aims to enrich the lives of Californian settlers through education, following the gold rush into the state.
The University of California, Berkeley’s Sociology Department is committed to striving for excellence in research and teaching. Berkeley Sociology is fully capable of effectively training students in many sociological specializations.
UCB’s Sociology Department consistently produced experts that rose to prestigious positions in universities worldwide. The department’s focus on field excellence placed the University of California, Berkeley, as on of the best schools for sociology.
7. London School of Economics and Political Science
The London School of Economics and Political Science started itself in 1895 and affiliated itself with the University of London in 1900. The LSE constantly formulates new plans to ensure a high level of scholarship and research in the university.
LSE’s Department of Sociology established itself in 1904, intending to adhere to knowledge-based, socially relevant teaching and studies. The Sociology Department pushes for the development of the social sciences to deal with new areas, issues, and paradigms while staying anchored to the fundamentals of the discipline.
LSE’s Sociology Department is a center for academic excellence and social science innovation judging by its alumni and researchers who help shape the world through policymakers. LSE graduates also find themselves in tenured positions in the university academies in various countries. All of these are exactly why LSE is a top sociology school worldwide.
We hope this article on some of the best sociology schools in the world was helpful. If you’re looking to study abroad, make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students.
