About Sociology
Prepare for exciting career opportunities in the sociology field.
The study of sociology examines human group behavior, interaction and organization. Sociologists observe the activity of social, religious, political and economic groups, organizations and institutions. They examine the effect of social influences, including organizations and institutions, on different individuals and groups. Sociologists also trace the origin and growth of these groups and interactions. For example, they may research the impact of a new law or policy on a specific demographic of people.
You can prepare for these exciting career opportunities with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology at PennWest California. As a sociology major, you’ll study the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods when conducting research, and how to use statistical analysis programs during the research process.
Research in sociology may help administrators, educators, lawmakers and social workers solve social problems and formulate public policy. Sociologists may specialize in a wide range of social topics, including education and health; crime and poverty; families and population; and gender, racial and ethnic relations.
Sociologists who specialize in crime may be called criminologists or penologists. These workers apply their sociological knowledge to conduct research, analyze penal systems and populations, and study the causes and effects of crime. Many people with a sociology background become postsecondary teachers and high school teachers. Most others find work in related jobs outside the sociology profession as policy analysts, demographers, survey researchers and statisticians.
Gain a career advantage with PennWest California’s undergraduate program.
PennWest California students may choose to major only in sociology or may select a second academic discipline to complete a highly marketable dual major that includes sociology and another discipline. The sociology program also offers a popular concentration in social deviance.
PennWest California students may also add a 12-credit certificate in violence and incidence collaborative evaluation (VICES) to their degree as a stackable credential for those anticipating a career in education. The African American Studies minor, like the VICES certificate, overlaps significantly with sociology coursework, making it easy to pursue simultaneously with the sociology major.
Students typically complete the sociology major in four years of full-time study; this time can be expanded for students pursuing their bachelor’s degree part-time.