About the Department
 The Department of Sociology at George Washington University provides students with a unique opportunity to develop sociological knowledge and skills in applying theory, data collection, methods, and analytical skills to a wide range of social phenomena. The Department offers BA and MA degrees for students interested in academic and non-academic careers in sociology. Undergraduate students can take a range of courses including Deviant Behavior, Sociology of Sex and Gender, Urban Sociology, Contemporary Sociological Theory, Criminology, Sociology of Race and Ethnic Relations, and a variety of Special Topics courses that focus on related issues. For the student wishing to pursue graduate studies in sociology, GW provides a distinctive set of experiences, skills, and opportunities. The Department has focused its graduate program on three substantive areas: criminology, social inequality, and urban sociology. Faculty members in the Department are actively engaged in several related activities with other units on campus and many organizations in Washington, D.C. and around the nation, addressing issues related to these topics. Students also receive a solid grounding in sociological theory and methods. The sound training provided by a talented and experienced faculty serves as excellent preparation for further graduate work or immediate employment in social research and related types of jobs.
The Department of Sociology occupies Suite 409 in Phillips Hall, which is at the core of the GW campus. This space includes faculty offices, administrative and student services offices, and office space for graduate students and teaching and research assistants. A large University computing center is also located in Phillips Hall and offers access to computing services, including consultation on computing problems. Sociology classes are not concentrated entirely in Phillips Hall but spread into nearby buildings. This has been necessary because of the great number of students registered in Sociology and Criminal Justice classes each year.
The Department of Sociology is directly affiliated with the Human Services Program, The School of Public Policy and Public Administration, and the Program in Forensic Sciences.
The University
Founded in 1821 and chartered by the United States Congress, George Washington University is the largest institution of higher education in the nation's capital, with seven professional schools in addition to the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of 19,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 120 countries. For further general information about GW, please go to the University's home page: www.gwu.edu.
Washington, DC, and the Surrounding Metro Area
The George Washington University is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. which is home to the famous Washington Monument. Awe-inspiring in its own right, it also offers one of Washington's most impressive views-without even going up to the top. Standing at the base of the Washington Monument, you can see some of the most famous and familiar sights in the world. Look along the National Mall to the east and you'll see the Capitol, a short 15 blocks away. Lining the Mall on both sides are many of the Smithsonian Institution's wonderful museums, as well as both buildings of the National Gallery of Art. To the north sits the White House. To the west are the Lincoln Memorial and the reflecting pool. Looking southward, you'll see the Jefferson Memorial and the cherry tree-lined Tidal Basin.
 Equally important, Washington, D.C. is an active cultural center with several theaters, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a nationally recognized symphony orchestra, an opera company, and a lively gallery and arts community. Other points of interest include the National Zoo (home to the world famous pandas), the Newseum (the museum of news), the MCI Center (where the Wizards and Michael Jordan reign), and The Wolftrap (an outdoor amphitheatre for the latest concerts and plays).
The Foggy Bottom neighborhood is home to GW-a central location only a few blocks walk from the White House, the Smithsonian Institution, the Corcoran Art Gallery, the headquarters of the World Bank, the State Department, and the Potomac River-and is easily accessible by Metro. Just minutes from the University are a number of diverse neighborhoods where GW community members go to dine out, shop and explore. Known as a hot spot to students, nearby Georgetown (ten minutes walking distance) has the perfect combination of good restaurants, bars and nightclubs, and trendy shops. Many of the best restaurants are located on the waterfront and during the warmer months Washingtonians flock there for sun, sights and good food. To the north of the University, Dupont Circle (also about ten minutes walking distance) provides a mix of nightlife, dining and shopping (including the popular Kramer's Books) yet also has a number of establishments including the Urban Institute, Brookings Institution, and several non-profit organizations. To the University's east is Capitol Hill where political junkies can get a fix at the Supreme Court, the Capitol Building, or any of the local bars where political debates are always in progress. Second to politics, Capitol Hill is known for its Eastern Market where locals go each week to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and to visit with neighbors. Finally, two neighborhoods that have become increasingly popular in the last decade include Adams-Morgan-known for its racial and ethnic diversity, excellent range of restaurants, and lively night scene-and U-Street which is home to Ben's Chili Bowl and where Duke Ellington grew up.
Day trips from Washington abound and provide a variety of unique experiences. You could visit old town Alexandria or Mount Vernon and stroll around George Washington's famous home on the Potomac. Or if you're interested in civil war history, you could travel to Manassas Battlefield Park and explore the 5,000 acres where battles such as Bull Run were fought. If you enjoy wandering around older historical cities, then visit Annapolis and you will see a city that looks remarkably similar to what our Founding Fathers saw in their day. Architecturally, Annapolis boasts some of the finest 17th and 18th century buildings in the country. And did you know that nearby Virginia is home to more than 60 wineries? Take a day trip and sample the best new wines. Finally, if natural beauty is what you're after, head out to the Shenandoah Valley for some terrific hiking. Crisscrossing the parks are hundreds of marked trails, including a 95-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
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