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Sociology, B.A.

School of Humanities, Religion and Social Sciences

Explore Sociology, B.A.

What is possible when you begin to understand human behavior?
Anything.

Sociology is the study of human society and at the core of understanding issues of race, social class, education, poverty and more. Explore these big topics as you learn to navigate faith and science in your studies.

As a sociology major at Fresno Pacific, you’ll broaden your perspective as you study social causes and effects on human behavior. You’ll explore local issues specific to the Central Valley, including immigration and human trafficking.

You’ll learn from professors who have lived and taught around the world, and your studies will come alive as you apply what you’ve learned to your surrounding communities.

Through the study of sociology, you’ll move beyond personal experience to an awareness of how people are connected through networks, hierarchies, and beliefs.

Program Highlights

  • Study abroad and choose from countries around the globe
  • Double major or include of a minor with this flexible major
  • Gain a global perspective and Christian/Anabaptist worldview
  • Present research at various national conferences
  • Intern with local organizations
  • Build strong networking connections through professors who make themselves available

Catalog

Program Director: Denis LaClare, Ph.D.

Overview

The sociology major provides students with an increased understanding of their sociocultural world. Students move beyond their personal experiences to an awareness of how people are connected to one another through groups, networks and hierarchies, as well as beliefs and practices. Sociology majors learn to analyze the influences of groups on human behavior.

The sociology program is purposefully informed by a global perspective and a Christian/Anabaptist worldview. The program builds on the foundation of the required sequence of courses at Fresno Pacific University, regarding the stories of peoples and cultures. Upon completion of the major, students will be prepared to pursue graduate study or a career for which sociology is an appropriate background. Majors typically find employment in fields such as human services, personnel, social research, law enforcement, government, Christian ministry, missions, and community development.

Students interested in majoring in sociology should complete the two prerequisite courses during their freshman and sophomore years. Sociology courses can be taken in any sequence with the exception of two courses that must be taken the final year of studies. Intro to Social Science Research should be taken the fall semester of the senior year, followed by Senior Thesis, which is only offered spring semester of the senior year.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Use sociological terms, analyze and discuss the influence of social groups, networks and hierarchies on human behavior.
  2. Articulate the social processes and group dynamics influencing human behavior, including pluralism, globalization, religious change, intercultural communication, conflict management, life course patterns, legal systems, and public policy.
  3. Perform basic and advanced sociological observations, using a range of social scientific methods, and analyze the results, orally and in writing.
  4. Identify advanced sociological concepts, principles, and theories about social problems and cases, including those specific to social institutions such as family, education, media, economics, religion, law, politics, and the criminal justice system.
  5. Explain, orally and in writing, well-formed views on sociocultural issues, in ways that both engage moral reasoning and demonstrate concrete knowledge about social change.
  6. Articulate and apply the value of Christian/Anabaptist belief and practice for the discipline of sociology, reflect on the integration of faith with society, culture, and social change.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

4 Year

Bachelor of Arts Sociology  

Transfer (ADT)

Bachelor of Arts Sociology - (Social Justice Studies AA-T) 

Bachelor of Arts Sociology (ADT) 

Lower Division Major Prerequisites (6 Units)

  • SOC 120 - Introduction to Sociology Credits 3

Select one of the following courses:

  • PS 120 - American Politics and Society Credits 3
  • PSY 120 - General Psychology Credits 3
  • GEOG 220 - Cultural Geography Credits 3

Required Courses (10 Courses, 30-31 Units)

Core Program

  • CRIM 422 - Statistics for Sociology and Criminology Credits 3 or
  • PSY 300 - Statistics Credits 4
  • SOC 205 - Culture and Society Credits 3
  • SOC 461 - Introduction to Social Science Research Credits 3
  • SOC 470 - Sociocultural Theory Credits 3
  • SOC 476 - Internship Credits 3 or
  • SOC 481 - International Internship Credits 3
  • SOC 480 - Senior Thesis Credits 3

Breadth Program

Select any four courses from the lists below. Students are encouraged to take additional courses depending upon their needs or interests.

Society and Culture

  • SOC 301 - Culture and Community Engagement Credits 3
  • SOC 332 - Modern Africa: History, Politics and Culture Credits 3
  • SOC 334 - Modern Asia: History, Politics and Culture Credits 3
  • SOC 336 - Modern Middle East: History, Politics And Culture Credits 3
  • SOC 364 - World Christianity Credits 3
  • SOC 410 - American Ethnicity and Pluralism Credits 3
  • COM 400 - Intercultural Communication Credits 3

Social Institutions

  • SOC 350 - Marriage and Family Credits 3
  • SOC 360 - Sociology of Religion Credits 3
  • SOC 375 - Organizational Behavior Credits 3
  • SOC 450 - Social Problems and Public Policy Credits 3
  • COM 410 - Media and Society Credits 3

Social Groups and Processes

  • SOC 345 - Contemporary Issues in Immigration Credits 3
  • SOC 346 - Human Trafficking: Perspectives and Interventions Credits 3
  • SOC 400 - Social Psychology Credits 3
  • COM 420 - Conflict Management and Resolution Credits 3
  • COM 430 - Group Dynamics and Leadership Credits 3
  • SOC 440 - Lifecourse Development Credits 3
  • SOC 442 - Social Gerontology Credits 3
  • SOC 446 - Sociology of Gender Credits 3

Crime and Justice

  • CRIM 355 - Victimology Credits 3
  • CRIM 372 - Diversity and Crime Credits 3
  • CRIM 382 - Juvenile Delinquency and Justice Credits 3

Semester Study Abroad Option

  • SOC 338 - People and Cultures of Costa Rica Credits 3
  • History/Politics of Modern Vietnam 3 Units
  • Religion/Culture of Vietnam 3 Units
  • History/Politics of Modern India 3 Units
  • Religion/Culture of India 3 Units
  • HIST 408 - History and Politics of China and Vietnam Credits 3

Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education

Whether you're a high school student, transfer student or parent, you'll find all the resources you need including application steps, tuition & financial aid, transfer and orientation information.

First Steps to Admission

  • Submit an application for admission (online or printable mail-in)
    * Admission applications are free, no discount codes required.
  • Send official copies of your transcripts to FPU.
  • Complete the FAFSA. It can be completed starting October 1st. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
Recommended High School Courses for Admission
  • 4 years of college preparatory English
  • 3 years of college preparatory mathematics
  • 2 years of social studies
  • 1 year of laboratory science
  • 1 year of performing art
  • 3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better
Things to Keep in Mind

Fresno Pacific University’s accepted students have average GPAs of 3.2-3.6. Please speak with an admission counselor to discuss your eligibility.

All application materials should be submitted online or mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admission
Fresno Pacific University
1717 S. Chestnut Ave. #2005
Fresno, CA 93702
ugadmis@fresno.edu

Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Information

1. Anthropology (AA-T) to Sociology, B.A.

BA courses fulfilled through ADT:

  • All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
  • BA co-requisites and major courses fulfilled through ADT:
    • SOC 120      Introduction to Sociology (3)
  • This program is offered as daytime traditional

ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.

2. Social Justice Studies (AA-T) to Sociology, B.A.

BA courses fulfilled through ADT:

  • All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
  • BA major has no lower-division major or co-requisite courses that could be fulfilled by the ADT.
  • This program is offered as daytime traditional

ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.

3. Social Work and Human Services (AS-T) to Sociology, B.A.

BA courses fulfilled through ADT:

  • All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
  • BA co-requisites and major courses fulfilled through ADT:
    • SOC 120      Introduction to Sociology (3)
  • This program is offered as daytime traditional

ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.

4. Sociology (AA-T) to Sociology, B.A.

BA courses fulfilled through ADT:

  • All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
  • BA co-requisites and major courses fulfilled through ADT:
    • SOC 120      Introduction to Sociology (3)
  • This program is offered as daytime traditional

ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.

Non-traditional Admission

Steps for Re-application

For those students who have applied to FPU’s traditional undergraduate program within the past 2 years and did not attend. Students who applied more than 2 years ago will need to resubmit a full application for admission:

  1. Fill out the re-application form
  2. Submit any missing documents or updated transcripts
Steps for Re-admission

Former FPU students who have not been enrolled in and/or have not submitted a leave of absence form for the previous semester are required to re-apply for admission to FPU:

  1. Fill out the re-admission form
  2. Submit official transcripts from other educational institutions attended during absence from FPU
Steps for Non-matriculated Admission

Students interested in taking classes, usually for personal or professional development, or to transfer to another institution, and is not interested in a degree from FPU. Non-degree students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional aid. Other requirements, class limits and pre-requisites may apply. See the academic catalog for more information:

  1. Fill out the Application for Admission indicating Non Matriculating/Non-Degree status non-matriculation application
  2. Submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent
  3. Some classes may require a pre-requisite course. If required, a college transcript will need to be provided
  4. Personal essays are not required
Auditing a class

Students wishing to audit a class at FPU may apply for audit status. Audit classes are not eligible for financial aid and students will not receive course credit.

  1. Fill out the Application for Admission indicating audit status
  2. Personal essays are not required

Four-Year Graduation Guarantee

Four-year graduation guarantee graphic

Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. FPU guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.

Incoming requirements

This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements of 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major with no minor.

  • Where options between courses are available, students are not guaranteed their first choice.
  • This guarantee does not apply to “fifth-year” programs (teacher education credential requirements) or minimum units beyond graduation requirements (CPA qualifications, etc.) beyond the basic four-year bachelor’s degree.
  • The guarantee does not apply to transfer students or to FPU's degree completion programs.
  • Students not able to register for the courses needed within four years must complete the free course(s) within two terms of the end of four years (e.g. a summer and fall for those completing four years in the spring; or spring and summer for those completing four years in the fall).
  • The four-year period may be extended for students required to leave the university for up to one year (see the Leave of Absence section) for medical, military or personal reasons.
Student responsibilities
To qualify for the guarantee students must:
  • Meet with your mentor during the fall semester of the freshman year.
  • Finalize a major and begin prerequisite or lower-division major courses by the second semester of the freshman year and keep that major until graduation.
  • Complete at least 32 units per year (average 16 per semester) with passing grades in each course.
  • Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing behaviorally with the university.
  • Meet with the mentor each semester for advising before registration opens and take the courses approved by the adviser/mentor that complete general-education and major requirements, in the appropriate sequence and as they become available.
  • Register within the first week of registration every semester to gain a spot in the classes needed.
  • Notify mentor if unable to register for an approved course so that an alternative plan can be made.
  • Apply for financial aid and submit required documents by appropriate deadlines.
  • Keep student account up-to-date. (Accounts not up-to-date may be placed on hold, preventing registration for courses.)
  • Complete required courses successfully (see Academic Policies section for minimum acceptable grades) without dropping required or approved courses during a semester.

Two-Year Transfer Guarantee for ADT Pathways

FPU guarantees a student with an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) from the California Community College system, can complete their degree in just two years. If a student meets the qualification requirements, fulfills the responsibilities under the program, and are unable to complete their major in a 2-year period, FPU will assume all additional tuition costs needed to complete their undergraduate degree at FPU.

Incoming requirements
  • 60 transferable units [grades of C- or better] from the California Community College system with a completed ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer)
  • Selected an ADT matched (similar) pathway from FPU’s undergraduate degree programs
  • Have completed the necessary pre-requisites in the discipline specific to intended major
  • Have at least a 2.4 transfer GPA
Student responsibilities
To qualify for the guarantee students must:
  • Enroll in an average of 15- 18 units per semester; not including repeated courses.
  • Remain in good academic standing by maintaining an institutional grade point average of 2.0 or higher
  • Enroll in the required number of consecutive semesters: 3-4 semesters depending on number of units transferred in
  • Make up units for any failed or withdrawn courses during the guarantee period, which may require you to take more than 15-18 units per semester
    • For TUG you may have to enroll in a summer semester.
  • Fulfill all graduation requirements, including core curriculum, major requirements, and upper division course work requirements.
    • Two Year Guarantee: complete enough upper division courses to have at least 40 upper division units by the end of the 4-semester time frame.
  • Take all required courses during the semester recommended by your Academic Advisor.
  • Register for all upcoming courses during the registration period.
  • Any courses from a Community College with “D+” or lower are non-transferable and require additional courses and semesters to graduate.
  • This guarantee may not apply to students starting in a spring or summer semester start (TUG only).
  • This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements: 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

2023-2024
Total Cost Item Amount
12-18 units (full time) per year $34,960
Student body fee $598
Total Tuition and Fees $35,548
Room $5,018
Board $5,130
Total Tuition, Fees & Board $45,696
Per-Unit Costs Amount
Per unit / Overload $1,248
Summer Session $500
Private Music Instruction $400
2022-2023
Total Cost Item Amount
12-18 units (full time) per year $33,614
Student body fee $574
Total Tuition and Fees $34,188
Room and Board $8,884
Total Tuition, Fees & Board $43,072
Per-Unit Costs Amount
Per unit / Overload $1,218
Summer Session $400
Private Music Instruction $400
2021-2022
Total Cost Item Amount
12-18 units (full time) per year $32,954
Student body fee $498
Total Tuition and Fees $33,452
Room and Board $8,710
Total Tuition, Fees & Board $42,162
Per-Unit Costs Amount
Per unit / Overload $1,177
Summer Session $300
Private Music Instruction $400

Room & Board Rates

Freshman / Sophmore Housing
Module* Fall Spring
Modules $4,313 $4,313
Jost Modules $4,619 $4,619 

* Full Access Meal Plan Included in Cost (Full Access Required)

Junior / Senior Housing
Suites & Houses Fall Spring
Room only $2,068 $2,068
Room-70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $2,719 $2,719
Room - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,276 $3,276
Room - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $4,400 $4,400
Jost Hall (4 person), Willow Gardens (4 person) & Kriegbaum Apartments (3 person) Fall Spring
Apartment - Room only $2,694 $2,694
Apartment - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,345 $3,345
Apartment - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,902 $3,902
Apartment - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $5,026 $5,026
Willow Gardens & Jost Hall  Apartments: 3 Person Fall Spring
Apartments - Room only $3,306 $3,306
Apartments - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,958 $3,958
Apartments - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $4,514 $4,514
Apartments - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $5,639 $5,639
Stand-Alone Meal Plans Fall Spring
70 Block $651 $651
140 Block $1,208 $1,208
Full Access Meal Plan $2,332 $2,332

* Residents living in the Houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.

Notes about housing
  • For housing placement purposes only, class standing for the fall semester will carry throughout the entire year (both fall and spring semesters).
  • Residents living in the houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
  • Meal plan contract dates will follow the traditional semester.

If you have questions that pertain specifically to housing or what housing you qualify for, please contact Residence Life at (559) 453-5696. Or visit our website at studentlife.fresno.edu/living-campus.

Financial Aid

Freshman Scholarships

Based on a student’s academic GPA. Academic GPA’s are calculated by FPU on a weighted, 4.0 scaled and based on core academic classes in grades 10-12. Renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained.

Name GPA Amount
Paragon   Full Tuition
President's 4.00 GPA and above $18,000
Dean's 3.75-3.99 GPA $15,000
Heritage 3.50-3.75 GPA $14,000
Faculty 3.25-3.49 GPA $12,000
Founder's Below a 3.0 GPA $8,000

Transfer Scholarships 

To be considered for a Transfer Academic Scholarship, you must have 12 or more transferable, post-high school units. GPA’s are based on transferable units and calculated by FPU.

Name GPA Amount
Transfer Scholar 3.50 GPA and above $14,000
Transfer Achievement 3.0-3.49 GPA $10,000
Transfer Academic 2.40-2.99 GPA $7,500
Transfer Partnership Below a 2.4 GPA $6,000

Performance-based Scholarships

Name Amount
Athletic $500 to Full Tuition
Music $400 to $10,000
Theatre Arts $500 to $4,000
Art/Design $500 to $4,000

Other FPU Grants and Scholarships

Name Amount
FPU Possibilities Scholarship Full Tuition
Church Match $500 to $1,500
International Scholarship up to $6,000
Mennonite Brethren Award $4,000
Out of State Student Scholarship $4,000
Other Awards $100 to $10,000

Federal and State Grants

Name Amount
Cal Grant A $9,358
Cal Grant B $1,648
Pell Grants $750 to $7,395
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant $1,000

Federal Loans and Work Study

Name Amount
Federal Direct $3,500 to $7,500
PLUS Loan Up to remaining cost
Workstudy Contingent on employment

Private Scholarships

Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending Fresno Pacific.

View Private Scholarships

Photo of Alexandra Green

Alexandra Green

Mathematics

The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.

Net Price Calculator

Now that you’ve seen the financial aid opportunities available to FPU students, we can estimate what your true cost may be to attend Fresno Pacific. Please keep in mind that this is just a computer generated, general estimate and may not capture all aid available, please work with your FPU Student Financial Services advisor to discover your true net price.

Calculate for First-Time FreshmanCalculate for Transfer

Career Opportunities

With this degree, you’ll have the opportunity to shape an internship relevant to your interest, preparing to graduate with work experience. You will also be prepared for graduate studies to pursue a career as a college professor or applied sociologist.

Career Possibilities

  • Human services provider
  • Human resources specialist
  • Social researcher/Data analyst
  • Community developer
  • Missionary
  • Law enforcement officer

Career Development Happens Here

The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.

  • Resume writing classes
  • Career assessments, exploration & planning
  • Job search and networking opportunities
  • and much more

Visit the Career Development Center