Sociology
The sociology major provides an advanced understanding of the socio-cultural world that we as a society—and as individuals—live in. The major teaches students how to move beyond personal experiences to an awareness of how people are connected through shared meaning, customs, language and social structure.
Unique Features
The sociology major examines elements and relationships of society, offering a range of research techniques that can be useful to almost every aspect of social life. The program is cross-cultural in nature and purposefully informed by an anthropological perspective as well as a Christian/Anabaptist worldview.
Our Graduates
The bachelor's degree in sociology provides preparation for entry level positions in business and social services, and even careers in journalism and government. Graduates from this program have found employment in fields such as human services, social research, law enforcement, government, Christian ministry, missions and community development. Others, after advanced study, have become professors, researchers, and applied sociologists.
Program Details
Students interested in majoring in sociology should complete their prerequisite courses during their freshmen and sophomore years.
In addition to the prerequisite courses and the major core courses, students select one of three tracks: general sociology, sociology of the family or social stratification.
Courses
General Education or Other Prerequisites
- GEOG-220 Cultural Geography (3)
- SOC-120 Introduction to Sociology (3)
- SOC-160 Introduction to Anthropology (3)
Required Courses
Major Core (6 Courses, 17 Units)
- LEAD-476 Internship (1)
- SOC-300 Cultural Anthropology (3)
- SOC-461 Introduction to Social Science Research (3)
- SOC-462 Statistics (4)
- SOC-470 Introduction to Sociocultural Theory (3)
- SOC-480 Senior Thesis (3)
General Sociology Track (19-24 Units)
Select one course from each of the following categories:
Social Stratification
- SOC-310 Cultural Communities of California (3)
- SOC-360 Sociology of Religion (3)
- SOC-410 American Ethnicity and Pluralism (3)
- SOC-446 Sociology of Gender (3)
- SOC-450 Social Problems and Public Policy (4)
Society and Culture
- SOC-311 American Wilderness Literature and Philosophy (3)
- SOC-332 Modern Africa: History, Politics and Culture (3)
- SOC-334 Modern Asia: History, Politics and Culture (3)
- SOC-336 Modern Middle East: History, Politics and Culture (3)
- SOC-340 History of Political Theory and Ideas (3)
Social Institutions
- SOC-350 Marriage and Family (3)
- SOC-364 Christianity in the Non-Western World (4)
- SOC-366 Religions of the World (4)
- SOC-370 Media and Society (3)
Social Processes
- SOC-375 Organizational Behavior (3)
- SOC-400 Social Psychology (3)
- SOC-420 Intercultural Communication (3)
- SOC-430 Conflict Management and Resolution (3)
- SOC-440 Lifecourse Development (3)
- SOC-442 Social Gerontology (3)
- SOC-444 Constructions of the Self (3)
Remaining units to be selected from sociology courses of the student's choosing.
Sociology of the Family Track (19-24 Units)
- SOC-350 Marriage and Family (3)
- SOC-440 Lifecourse Development (3)
- SOC-442 Social Gerontology (3)
- SOC-446 Sociology of Gender (3)
Remaining units to be selected from sociology courses of the student's choosing.
Social Stratification Track (19-24 Units)
- SOC-310 Cultural Communities of California (3)
- or SOC-410 American Ethnicity and Pluralism (3)
- SOC-360 Sociology of Religion (3)
- SOC-446 Sociology of Gender (3)
- SOC-450 Social Problems and Public Policy (4)
Remaining units to be selected from sociology courses of the student's choosing.
Emphases
