Sociology

Bachelor of Arts

Sociologists seek to understand how individuals interact with and are shaped by institutions, organizations, and cultures.

They investigate the underlying forces to show us the ways in which many of our personal troubles are rooted in larger social problems.

The Curriculum
Gain perspective on a personal and global scale

You will receive rigorous theoretical and methodological training, gaining meaningful insights for understanding all levels of society—from the intimate micro-interactions of everyday life to the macro-dynamics of globalization.

Produce sociological knowledge

There are two required research method courses. Your professors will provide one-on-one mentorship while you conduct research on topics of your choice. You can then expand your projects into research papers and go on to present at local, regional, and national conferences.

Experience that matters—and makes a difference

Travel seminars and local field trips expose you to cultural diversity and transnational communities. This broadens your analytical perspectives and develops cross-cultural skills. In the Applied Sociology course, you will apply your knowledge and skills to solve social issues that are relevant to your internship with a non-profit organization or government agency.

A broad range of elective courses

Explore specific interests through elective courses covering topics such as:

  • Gender
  • Race and Ethnic Relations
  • Deviance in U.S. Society
  • Religion and Culture
  • Sexuality
  • Popular Culture
  • Immigration
  • Medical Sociology
  • Families and Intimate Relationships


Programs

Offered as a major (BA) and a minor.


Recommended Minors

Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.


The Experience

A visit to a Thai Buddhist temple as part of the Immigration in a Global Age course helped students to understand how local Thai culture thrives and connects with the society around it.

I learned about many of the struggles Thai immigrants are faced with as well as how strong they maintain their ethnic identities through their annual Thai festival, which I also attended. It was a beautiful experience that I will never forget.

Raquel Wreckhurst ’16

Qualitative social science research projects encourage students to get involved in social issues by offering a tool to analyze them and forcing the students to interact with those who are directly affected by the issues. Research projects help students develop skills, values and attitudes that cannot be easily developed in conventional class settings.

Akiko Yasuike
Associate Professor
Your Future

Graduates are able to effectively evaluate social issues and understand social change. They employ the critical perspective and research skills they learned as sociology majors and feel empowered to make positive contributions in an increasingly diverse and global society.

Our alumni are well prepared for graduate study and professional work in sociology, social work, law, public health, non-profit management, teaching, and other fields that require the ability to think ethically and critically about a wide range of key issues.


Our alumni study at:
  • Boston University
  • California State University, Northridge
  • Cornell University
  • George Mason University
  • Golden Gate University Law School
  • The London School of Economics and Political Science
  • University of Barcelona
  • University of California, Davis
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of Denver
  • University of Southern California
  • Vanderbilt University

 

Our alumni work for:
  • American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
  • American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
  • Boys & Girls Club
  • Catholic Charities USA
  • Girls Incorporated
  • Human Rights Campaign
  • Lutheran Social Services
  • SAGE Publications
  • Symantec
  • University of San Diego
Career paths:
  • Counseling
  • Higher Education Administration
  • Human Resources
  • K-12 Teacher
  • Lawyer
  • Marketing
  • Non-profit Management
  • Public Health
  • Research
  • Social Work

of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months

More Career Outcomes



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