Prospective Students
Welcome to GVSU Sociology!
The Reverend Martin Luther King was a sociology major. So was former First Lady, philanthropist, and lawyer, Michelle Obama. Sociology welcomes critical thinkers of all varieties and we are proud to say that our student body is one of the most diverse on campus. If you want to change the world, and you don’t think it is cliché to say so, sociology may very well be the major for you. By developing a “sociological imagination” you will be better able to actively engage the world around you and to do something constructive and useful in it. Sociology students learn about the dynamics of race, class, and gender and about the powerful institutions that we live in and work in everyday. Our graduates have found success in government and non-profit agencies, in large and small private business, and as university professors and researchers. Students choose the sociology major because they are genuinely interested in the concepts and ideas that we teach and because sociology helps them to understand their lives. The world is constantly changing. Why not learn to affect that change?
Other notable Sociology Majors include:
- Political Activist, Minister, and Politician, Reverend Jesse Jackson
- Politician, Activist, and Educator, Shirly Chisolm
- Politician Maxine Waters
- Politician Cory Booker
- Actress Nina Dobrev
- Actress Gabrielle Union
- Actor Kal Penn
- Author Mitch Albom
- Actor Dan Ackroyd
- Former Head of NAACP Roy Wilkins
- Workers' Rights Activist Francis Perkins
- The Sex Doctor, aka Dr. Ruth Westheimer,
- Father of Community Organizing, Saul Alinsky
- Athlete Alonzo Morning
- Actress Yara Shahidi (in school now for Sociology)
- NFL Coach Mike Tomlin
Events
Tabling at Holland Pride!
June 27, 2026 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Stop by GVSU's booth at Holland Pride this summer! Our booth number will be confirmed soon. Holland Pride WebsiteSponsored by the Division of People, Equity, and Culture and our Rainbow Resource...
Tabling at Hudsonville Area Pride
July 11, 2026 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Stop by GVSU's booth at Hudsonville Area Pride! Specific booth number will be shared soon. Sponsored by the Division of People, Equity, and Culture and our Rainbow Resource Center!
Rainbow Social
August 26, 2026 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The Rainbow Social is a free event for GVSU students, faculty, and staff to gather, enjoy food, and explore campus and community resources. Brought to you by the Rainbow Resource Center, Rainbow...
Campus Life Night
August 30, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
**What is Campus Life Night?** The best spot on campus to... get involved and learning something new about GVSU! **Why should you go to Campus Life Night?** MAKE CONNECTIONS Meet your new community...