Sociology

Program description

Sociology is a discipline focused on understanding and critically examining relationships in society from multiple perspectives. From the individual level, for example, students in the program will investigate the social causes and consequences of identity and deviant behavior. At the societal level, the discipline explores matters including the growing wealth gap, social inequality, institutions, and social change. From a global level, sociology students can expect to analyze phenomena including population growth, migration, global conflict, and climate change. Sociology is an exciting degree that allows students to pursue a multiplicity of careers and interests including, but not limited to education, social work, politics, law, public administration, international development, marketing, urban and environmental planning, medicine, criminal justice, counseling, and other social service professions. Students in sociology develop and grow skills essential to today's dynamic workplace including critical thinking, data analysis, social/diversity awareness, strong oral and written communication skills, and professional, civic, and ethical responsibility. This degree prepares students for a CSU Baccalaureate Degree in Sociology.

This degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.

Program learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this degree, the student should be able to:

1. Analyze and interpret the diversity of social experience using a sociological perspective.
2. Assess competing theoretical approaches to societal problems of publics with differing and multiple interests; specify structural or institutional sources of these social problems; and, propose and assess policies, interventions and/or modes of advocacy that will enact positive change.
3. Locate, analyze, assess, and communicate sociological scholarship.
4. Articulate the applicability of and demonstrate ability to employ a range of research strategies - quantitative and qualitative - to particular research questions, theoretical orientations, and social contexts.
5. Demonstrate critical thinking skills by analyzing and evaluating social, political, and/or cultural arguments, across a variety of social phenomenon, through an intersectional lens.
6. Articulate the ethical and social justice implications of sociological inquiry.

In addition to the 34-unit general education pattern for Cal-GETC, students must complete the core courses listed below for the Associate in Arts in Sociology for Transfer Degree. Students must also obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and a C or better in each major course, or a “P" if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Requirements

Associate in Arts in Sociology for Transfer Degree Requirements