Economics, Education, and Sociology: Understanding Human Behavior, Institutions, and Society

The Department of Economics, Education, and Sociology at The Catholic University of America brings together three disciplines dedicated to understanding the complex forces that shape human behavior, learning, social systems, and public policy. Our programs are designed to foster critical thinking, empirical analysis, and ethical reflection within the framework of a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Students in the department gain the tools to think systematically about economic structures, educational practices, and social interactions, while also developing strong analytical, research, and communication skills applicable to a wide range of careers and advanced studies.

Undergraduate students benefit from a flexible and interdisciplinary curriculum. In Sociology, students can tailor their coursework around key focus areas such as crime and justice studies, global and comparative processes, and public policy analysis. In Economics, students explore topics like market behavior, development, and public finance. Education students examine learning theories, policy frameworks, and teaching strategies that prepare them for diverse educational settings. Certificate programs and minors in related areas further enrich the undergraduate experience.

Graduate students receive rigorous, research-oriented training that prepares them for academic, public, and private sector careers. Many work closely with faculty and affiliated research centers such as the Institute for Policy Research and Catholic Studies.

Students from other disciplines are encouraged to pursue minors in sociology, education, or economics, gaining valuable insight into social structures, learning systems, and economic behavior through evidence-based analysis and real-world application.