Sociology Major

Students who major in sociology will gain in-depth knowledge of sociological concepts, theories and methods. They will examine social issues from different perspectives, investigate the causes and consequences of social phenomenon, and refine their communication and problem-solving skills.

Sociology majors have flexibility to choose courses that cover a variety of substantive areas in sociology, including social inequality, population dynamics, employment, deviance, immigration, gender, health, families, religion, social media, race and more.

Declaring or Changing your Major

 If you are currently in the Bachelor of Arts (BA) program, and would like to officially declare or change your major to Sociology, submit an on-line Google Form titled Declaration or Change of Major/Minor. The Arts Undergraduate Student Services office will process your request. Please allow 10 business days for your record to be updated.

We strongly suggest you declare your major, minor or double major by the end of your second year. However, you are free to change these as often as you wish as long as you submit another form each time. There is no fee.

Program Requirements:

The Major in Sociology requires successful completion of a minimum of 33 units as follows (see Calendar).

Application:

Appy here.  

Program Requirements:

The Major in Sociology requires successful completion of a minimum of 30 units to a maximum of 48 units in Sociology (see Calendar).

Course Requirements:

• SOC 100 - Introductory Sociology
• SOC 210 - Introduction to Social Statistics
• SOC 212 - Classical Social Theory
• SOC 315 - Introduction to Social Methodology
• SOC 335 - Themes in Contemporary Social Theory
• SOC 407 - Honors Thesis I
• SOC 408 - Honors Thesis II
• 6 units at the 300- or 400-level
• 6 units at the 400-level

Two of:

• SOC 241 - Social Psychology
• SOC 251 - Population and Society
• SOC 260 - Inequality and Social Stratification
• SOC 269 - Sociological Perspectives on Global Crises

Notes:

• Sociology majors may take additional Sociology courses, up to a maximum of 48 units senior level Sociology courses (above requirements, plus 18 units optional senior level Sociology courses). Senior level coursework is considered 200-level, 300-level and 400-level.
• Theory and statistics/methodology coursework should be completed as soon as possible.
• Students who have taken PSYCO 241 cannot also take SOC 241 for credit. PSYCO 241 may be used to meet this requirement, however, 3 Units from SOC 251, SOC 260, and SOC 269 must be completed. An additional 3 units optional Senior SOC course is also required, to meet the 30 units senior-level SOC required for the major.
• Faculty of Arts students who have already taken Stat 141 or 151 must still take SOC 210, since it is a requirement for the SOC major.
• R SOC 355 and R SOC 450 have been approved for cross-listing as applicable to a major or minor in Sociology (see Cross-Listed Courses)

Example Course Sequence for a Major in Sociology (*33 units)

 

First Year:                   SOC 100

Second Year:             SOC 210; SOC 212; 6 Units from SOC 241, 251, 260 or 269

Third Year:                 SOC 315; SOC 335; SOC 3XX or SOC 4XX

Fourth Year:              SOC 4XX; SOC 4XX; SOC 3XX or 4XX

Design Your Degree!

In addition to your major area of study, students can enhance their academic experience by developing research based skills in real-world community setting (e.g., Certificate in Applied Social Science Research).

Students also have the chance to engage in Community Service-Learning (CSL) courses and pursue certificates in Arts (e.g., Certificate in Community Engagement and Service-Learning).

Furthermore, students can gain work experience through the Arts Work Experience (AWE) program.

To learn more about these unique opportunities, students are encouraged to attend information sessions offered by CSL and AWE. These sessions will provide details on qualifications, application process, deadlines, and how to integrate these experiences into your undergraduate degree.

Program Questions