Sociology Major

Degree Requirements

A major in sociology requires a minimum of 11 units, including:

• SOCI 101 Introduction to Sociology
• SOCI 251 Research Methods
• SOCI 252 Data Analysis
• SOCI 353 Social Theory
• SOCI 454 Seminar

Six additional units in sociology, at least 3 of which must be at or above the 300 level. At least one of these three upper level units must be at the 400 level. Honors project (SOCI 495, 496, 497) and Independent Study and Research (SOCI 405, 406, 407) may count for the 400 level elective.

Sociology 416 (Community Internship) may not be used to satisfy the 300/400 level requirement as it is graded on a pass/fail basis.

Sociology 101 or permission of the instructor is the minimal prerequisite to all other sociology courses, with the exception of Sociology 102. Sociology 101 and one 200-level sociology course are the minimal prerequisites to Sociology 251, which begins the core sequence in the major. Sociology 251 (or permission) is prerequisite to Sociology 252 and Sociology 252 (or permission) is the prerequisite to Sociology 353. The completion of all required core courses and senior status are prerequisites to Sociology 454. Students majoring in sociology are encouraged to take Sociology 251 and 252 in the sophomore year. Sociology 353 is strongly recommended for the junior year, prior to enrolling in Sociology 454 in the senior year. The prerequisite for all 300-level courses will be SOCI 101 and one 200-level sociology course, or permission of the instructor. The prerequisite for all 400-level courses is SOCI 353 or permission of the instructor.

Double Majors
To obtain a double major, all requirements for each major must be completed, with a maximum of 5 units that are applicable to both majors. Recent sociology majors have earned a second major in psychology, criminal justice, political science, biology, art, religion, philosophy, urban studies, Spanish, and business administration.

Sociology Writing Guide

Glossary of Key Sociological Concepts

View the Sociology Major Checksheet.