Sociology, B.A.

Sociology (B.A.) 180 units

Program Description

Cal State East Bay offers a major in Sociology that leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree.

The Sociology major is designed for students with career interests in the public sector or business or entry into law school, public administration, or graduate work in a number of fields. 

The core requirements for majors include courses in social theory and research methods. The research methods sequence includes training in applied social research and computer applications for the social sciences.  Sociology majors must also take three of six courses in the area of social diversity and seven electives. Electives can be selected from any of the upper division courses offered by the department.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a B.A. in Sociology from Cal State East Bay will:

1. read and analyze sociological data and, thus, be able to critically examine “knowledge” veracity by mastering appropriate research methods, including: 1) data collection, 2) sampling, and 3) data analysis.
2. engage (orally and in writing) in educated, open-minded discussions of diverse socio-cultural beliefs, perspectives, and norms.
3. possess knowledge of cultural differences and understand how power and privilege produce institutional inequalities and cultural constructions of socio-cultural differences. 
4. work collaboratively in diverse groups, and when appropriate to their educational path, successfully complete service in community social service practicum.
5. demonstrate knowledge of policies and practices that contribute to local, national and global forms of poverty, violence, exploitation, and environmental degradation and be able to generate sustainable alternatives.
6. critically read, interpret, integrate and synthesize abstract sociological arguments and theories.

Career Opportunities

• Correctional Officer
• Criminologist
• Employee Relations Representative
• Employment Counselor
• Human Resource Representative
• Industrial Sociologist
• Market Research Analyst
• Migration Specialist
• Occupational Analyst
• Parole Officer
• Public Health Statistician
• Public Relations Representative
• Research Assistant
• Social Service Employee
• Teacher
• Urban Planner
• Urban Sociologist
• Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Features

The department faculty includes both sociologists and social workers who have expertise in the areas of family and interpersonal relationships, social theory, drug and alcohol abuse, applied social research, demography, aging, urban sociology, sports and leisure, sexuality, social conflict and violence, crime, international development, culture, social psychology, emotions, medical sociology, and minority and immigrant groups.

Course Descriptions

Use this link to see all Course Descriptions  available throughout this catalog.

Other Undergraduate Degree Requirements

In addition to major requirements, every student must also complete the University requirements for graduation which are described in the Undergraduate Admission and Degree Information & FAQ  chapter in the front of this catalog. These include the General Education-Breadth requirements; the second composition (ENGL 1002 ) requirement; the cultural groups/women requirement; the performing arts/activities requirement; the U.S. history, U.S. Constitution, and California state and local government requirement; the University Writing Skills Requirement; and the residence, unit, and grade point average requirements.