The Department of Sociology has been moved across campus to merge with the Communication Department.

In a move that has been in the works for about two years, the Department of Sociology moved from the Administration building to its new home with the Communication Department.

Students are not expected to see any other major changes alongside the change in location.

“Students will see no change in their curriculum, and really only will see a change in the physical location of their department and some classes,” said Joe Cardot, chair of the Department of Sociology and Communication.

Cardot said the department’s move has been in the works for about two years and was initially looked into because of the strong connection and existing relationship between the two departments.

“Quite a bit of combined research has taken place between the two departments, which was really the initial reason the merge was being looked into,” Cardot said.

Dr. Suzie Macaluso, assistant professor of Sociology, felt that the merge was great for both departments and is excited about continuing to grow the future of the program.

“Sociology and communication have a lot of similarities in terms of research methods and theories. The move strengthens both programs and is a natural fit,” Macaluso said.

Cardot said sociology was previously connected to the school of social work, but administration deemed the department fit better with communication from a discipline standpoint.

“I’m excited to continue working with communication faculty and students and building up our sociology major, minor and the role of sociology in the department,” said Macaluso.