The Sociology major, with options in Criminology, Social Work and General Sociology, is housed in the Department of Psychology and Sociology. The Sociology major is designed to provide a substantial foundation in theoretical, methodological, and content areas of sociology, leading to the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.
Sociology is concerned with the study of human societies and as such touches on most spheres of human behavior. At Cal Poly, Sociology majors study a variety of subject areas including criminology and juvenile delinquency, the family and religious and political institutions, ethnic relations and minority communities, social organization and stratification, population dynamics and gerontology..
The Sociology major is designed to provide a substantial foundation in theoretical and methodological applications to the above content areas. In addition to a solid introduction to these areas, students receive specific training in survey research and statistical analysis, and in the many practical applications of sociological theory. Student participation in faculty research is encouraged.
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The Sociology program at Cal Poly is intended to meet several goals. It is designed to provide a solid foundation for those who wish to pursue graduate training in Sociology or related fields such as Criminal Justice and Public Administration and professional programs in Social Work and law. In addition, it also provides an excellent background for entry level positions in management, in both public an private sectors. In the world of business, industry, and government, the Sociology major provides a strng base for careers in personnel, management, training, sales, and related occupational fields. Many graduates work in government positions at the city, county, state, or federal level. In addition, many of our Sociology graduates are pursuing careers in the helping professions including health and medical services. Finally, some of our students, after completing their graduate education, pursue careers in Sociology in both academic and non-academic settings.
The department also offers minors in Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice . The Psychology and Sociology minors are not open to students with majors in Behavioral Sciences, Psychology, or Sociology, but the Criminal Justice minor may be taken by students in any of these majors, except students in the Criminology option. This program is a multidisciplinary grouping of courses which have been specifically selected to fulfill the needs of students presently working in or planning for careers in law enforcement or corrections. Courses required in the minor and certificate program are listed under the Behavioral Sciences major. Special advisement for students in any major who are interested in Criminal Justice may be obtained from the department's Criminal Justice coordinator. Detailed information is available from the department office.
Since Behavioral Sciences is multi-disciplinary major consisting of Psychology and Sociology, students may not double major in Sociology and Behavioral Sciences.
The department has a chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, the National Honor Society in Sociology.
Please contact the department office if you have any questions regarding Sociology (909) 869-3890.
