The Department of Sociology aims to cultivate outstanding specialized professionals in sociology and social sciences. Its curriculum is designed to expect students to have the ability to integrate sociological theory, practical applications, and specialized skills into a comprehensive understanding of diverse societies and promoting social innovations and reforms. This approach aims to develop students’ critical thinking about social development and public issues while enhancing their practical ability to address these challenges in the context of globalization.

The curriculum in the department addresses a wide range of issues related to social change, practice, and innovation, discussing these topics from individual to global perspectives. It comprises the foundational program of the College of Social Sciences, the core sociology program, and specialized elective courses. Together, these courses provide students with a solid foundation in social sciences and advanced professional training in sociology. In addition, the specialized elective courses are designed to equip students with the professional skills necessary for their future careers. The flexible course structure enables students to tailor their learning and develop expertise in specific areas of sociology.

The graduate program emphasizes professional academic training in sociology, equipping students with the knowledge and skills of the social sciences to study social issues and changes from a comprehensive perspective. The program is designed for students with a strong interest in sociology, public issues, and a passion for social innovation and reform. Through professional academic training, students can have a thorough understanding of social issues and changes within specific areas of sociology, along with the ability to address these challenges in globalized contexts.

A brief history of our department

1987

The establishment of the Department of Social Studies Education at the National Hualien Teachers College.

2003

The establishment of the Master Program for Social Development at the National Hualien Teachers College.

2005

The combination of the two aforementioned programs into the Department of Social Development at the National Hualien University of Education, offering both undergraduate and masters training.

2008

The relocation of the Department of Social Development into National Dong-Hwa University.

2010

The renaming of the Department of Social Development into the Department of Social and Public Affairs, offering a master’s program in Sociology.

2013

The renaming of the Department of Social and Public Affairs into the Department of Sociology, offering both undergraduate and masters programs.

2015

Separate concentrations in Sociology and Social Enterprise offered at the master’s program.

The priority of the Department of Sociology is to cultivate students with diverse specialized knowledge and skills, equipping them with social practice capabilities that transcend disciplines. The undergraduate program emphasizes comprehensive training in the social sciences, offering core courses such as Introduction to Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Social Statistics, and Philosophy.

In addition, the Department of Sociology collaborates with other departments to provide interdisciplinary minor programs, such as ‘The Program of Law and Sociology, Crime Prevention, and Probation’ (offered jointly with the Department of Law and the Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology), ‘The Program of Public and Labor Affairs’ (covering courses across business administration, labor studies, and law), specialized courses for social workers, advanced statistical analysis, and teacher education. These interdisciplinary programs help students acquire professional certifications and enhance their future employment prospects. NDHU also provides substantial resources and opportunities for scholarship and fellowship, overseas teaching, and student exchange programs. Students are encouraged to pursue dual-degree programs at partner universities in Europe, the United States, and Japan.

Further, the core ideology of the Department of Sociology is to foster a supportive and collaborative relationship between students and faculty through a comprehensive dual-mentor system. This approach ensures a warm, engaging, and mutually enriching learning environment.

Students graduating from this department can mostly choose from the following employment and career planning opportunities:

1. Professional work: Career advancement either in academia or the business world in relevant areas of expertise related to sociology, such as working in research institutions as researchers, as experts conducting opinion polls and social surveys, as human resources administrators, or being engaged in social policy planning.

2. Civil service: Taking part in the examinations for various types of government public officials, such as the civil service examination in social administration, the national examination for social workers or entering the political sector as a parliamentary assistant.

3. Business sector: Working as a product developer, market researcher, public relations professional, personnel administrator or holding a managerial position either in one’s own business start-up or in a private sector organization.

4. Non-profit organizations: Serving as the CEO or activity planning staff in various social service associations and foundations.

5. Teaching: After going through a selection process, one can attend an education program in this university, and after further screening can work as a teacher.