College of the Sciences
Sociology
Bachelor of Arts | Major
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Our Sociology, BA program equips you with advanced research methods and analytical skills to address pressing social issues in real-world contexts.
Through a blend of social theory and hands-on research tools, you’ll gain a deep, empirical understanding of social inequality, behavioral patterns, social change catalysts, and the dynamics of various social systems. This applied approach prepares you for diverse career opportunities across industries, including government organizations, non-profits, business, and the private sector. Our program fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that are highly valued in a wide range of professional fields.
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Department of Sociology
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What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Sociology Department Website
Core Courses
- SOC 107 - Principles of Sociology
- SOC 200 - Introduction to the Major
- SOC 350 - Social Theory I
- SOC 363 - Methods of Social Research
- SOC 364 - Data Analysis in Sociology
- SOC 489 - Senior Seminar
Additional Course Offerings
Deviance, Law and Social Control
- SOC 343 - Child Abuse
- SOC 344 - Juvenile Delinquency
- SOC 345 - Deviance
- SOC 346 - Criminology
- SOC 348 - Women and Crime
- SOC 349 - Law and Society
- SOC 352 - Punishment and Corrections
- SOC 447 - White-collar and Organization Crime
Inequality and Social Change
- SOC 325 - Aging
- SOC 326 - Social Demography
- SOC 354 - Minority Experience
- OR ETS 354 - Minority Experiece
- SOC 356 - Sociology of Gender
- SOC 358 - Sociology of Sexualities
- SOC 359 - U.S. Feminist Movements
- SOC 362 - Social Movements
- SOC 365 - Minority Groups
- SOC 370 - Social Change
- SOC 371 - Globalization
- SOC 375 - Sociology of Conflict
- SOC 383 - Sociology of Leadership
- SOC 386 - Seminar on Racism
- SOC 415 - Urban Sociology
- SOC 442 - Social Welfare Policy
- SOC 445 - Social Inequality
- SOC 446 - Sociology of Immigration
Social Structure and Institutions
- SOC 307 - Individual and Society
- SOC 320 - Death and Dying
- SOC 327 - Health and Society
- SOC 331 - Sociology of Sport
- SOC 338 - Political Sociology
- SOC 351 - Sociology of Work
- SOC 357 - Sociology of Families
- SOC 380 - Environmental Sociology
- SOC 425 - Sociology of Education
- SOC 459 - Organizations
SOC 327 - Health and Society
Discover how social and cultural factors shape the distribution of health and illness across different groups and individuals in society, and the critical connection between health care disparities and the principles of social justice and equality.
Career Options
Sociology majors benefit from diverse career opportunities that span multiple sectors, all centered around understanding and improving human relationships, organizations, and societal structures.
Hands-On Learning
Your learning extends beyond the classroom at CWU. You will have access to work on research projects, internships, and community outreach initiatives, enabling you to apply your knowledge and skills in practical contexts.
Small or Large Plans
The Sociology, BA has two options, a 45-credit small plan and a 60-credit large plan. The small plan is designed to complement another major or minor, such as Law and Justice or Psychology. The large plan does not require a minor or secondary major.
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Community
Appreciating another person’s reality can cultivate empathy by making you more willing to seek out information about why someone acts or believes as they do.
Behavior is Social
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Because all human behavior is social, the field of sociology encompasses a wide range of topics.
Scholarships Available
Apply for the Jack R. Dugan Sociology Award scholarship, designated for Sociology students who have shown exceptional aptitude in research and/or service to the department
Why Study Sociology at Central?
- Study diverse topics like social inequalities, crime, health, gender, and education through CWU’s Sociology and Social Services programs.
- As a CWU Sociology graduate, you'll be ready to thrive in sectors like business, government, education, justice, and social services.
- Engage with courses and projects that help you understand privilege, prejudice, and discrimination while building cross-cultural and interpersonal skills to create meaningful change in diverse communities.
Career Pathways
Many students who join our program are passionate about making a difference in their communities and pursue careers such as:
- Social Workers
- Community-Based Non-Profit Leaders
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
- Child Protective Services Professionals
- Policy Analysts
- Community Health Professionals
Commitment to a Sustainable World
Central Washington University is committed to integrating sustainability across academics, operations, and campus life. The Sociology Department embeds sustainability-related concepts, skills, and applied learning that prepares students to think critically about their impact on the world around them.
CWU is nationally recognized for this work through the AASHE STARS Gold rating, reflecting our dedication to transparency, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.
Learn more about CWU’s sustainability efforts through the Office of Sustainability, explore CWU’s national sustainability recognition, or view the full AASHE STARS report.