Sociology, BA

As a Sociology major, you will study everything from the social dynamics of two people in conversation to the social dynamics of political revolutions. Our devoted faculty will equip you with the tools to investigate the social world we live in, situating human behavior in context and informed by data. You will learn to systematically analyze the most pressing social issues and seek out answers.

In our program, you will develop your abilities as a critical thinker, researcher, and communicator. Students leave our program well-suited for a career in teaching, public and mental health, law, counseling, social work, the criminal justice system, public policy, marketing, journalism, and the non-profit sector.

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Curriculum

Sociology Degree Requirements

Learning Outcomes

PLO 1: Understand sociological theory and methods and be able to apply theoretical explanations to empirical examples.
PLO 2: Research and analyze a sociological topic using the appropriate library resources.
PLO 3: Write research papers with a clear thesis statement, sufficient support for that thesis, and in accordance with the standards of the American Sociological Association.
PLO 4: Exercise their sociological imagination in order to reflect upon questions of personal and social responsibility in a complex and changing society.
PLO 5: Apply sociological knowledge as they engage with the community beyond the academy.
PLO 6: Employ critical reading, thinking, and writing skills as they research, analyze, and report on a social issue in a way that incorporates what they have learned on a topic of their own choosing.

Requirements

Lower Division

The following lower-division courses are required for the major.

Intro Probability & Statistics (3 units)
Introduction to Sociology (4 units)
Social Problems (3 units)

Upper Division

The following courses are required for the major

Sociological Theory (4 units)
Sociological Research Methods (4 units)

Upper Division Electives

Take at least 22 units from this category:

The Sociological Imagination (4 units)
Whiteness (4 units)
Sociology of Families (4 units)
Race and Ethnicity (4 units)
Urban Studies (4 units)
Wealth and Poverty in the US (4 units)
Global Migration (4 units)
Health and Illness (3 units)
Global Sociology (4 units)
Social Movements (4 units)
Education and Society (4 units)
Ethnic Groups in the U.S. (4 units)
Justice and Community (4 units)
Gender and Society (4 units)
Crime and Delinquency (4 units)
Sociology of Film (4 units)
Special Topics (1-4 units)
Field Experience (1-3 units)
Senior Thesis (3 units)
Special Study: Internship (1-3 units)
Senior Research Seminar (3 units)
Independent Study (1-3 units)

Sociology, BA + Single Subject Teaching Credential

Earn an Sociology, BA and a Single-Subject Teaching Credential at Saint Mary's in just four years through our Single Subject Teaching Credential Integrated Pathway!

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All Sociology Courses

Introduction to Sociology (4 units)
Introduction to Criminology (3 units)
Social Problems (3 units)
Transfer Course (1-5 units)
The Sociological Imagination (4 units)
Whiteness (4 units)
Sociology of Families (4 units)
Race and Ethnicity (4 units)
Urban Studies (4 units)
Wealth and Poverty in the US (4 units)
Global Migration (4 units)
Health and Illness (3 units)
Global Sociology (4 units)
Social Movements (4 units)
Education and Society (4 units)
Ethnic Groups in the U.S. (4 units)
Justice and Community (4 units)
Gender and Society (4 units)
Crime and Delinquency (4 units)
Global Change-Makers (4 units)
Sociology of Film (4 units)
Special Topics (1-4 units)
Transfer Course (1-5 units)
Field Experience (1-3 units)
Sociological Theory (4 units)
Sociological Research Methods (4 units)
Senior Thesis (3 units)
Special Study: Internship (1-3 units)
Senior Research Seminar (3 units)
Independent Study (1-3 units)

What can you do with a degree in Sociology?

A Sociology degree develops your ability to analyze social systems, think critically about inequality, and understand people in context.
(*Some careers may require graduate school or additional study)

Female MA in Communications student speaking

Social services & nonprofits
Program coordination, community development, advocacy, and policy work

Business & marketing
Market research, diversity and inclusion, and corporate social responsibility

Government & law
Public policy, urban planning, criminal justice, and human rights

Education & advocacy
Teaching, student support, outreach, and community organizing

Research & data analysis
Roles in think tanks, consulting, user experience research, and public health

Testimonials

“The faculty at Saint Mary's definitely changed my life. There was a lot of support that I don't think I would have found in a larger college setting. They grew to know me and what I was capable of and I felt like there was a definite kinship that developed where however much effort I gave in my classes, my teachers were also supporting my goals.”

Amanda Benson, '06