Sociology, BA
Understand current social issues and be empowered to seek solutions through scientific research and critical thinking in CBU's Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program.
Program Intro
Sociology majors study human behavior within the context of groups and structures in society.
CBU's sociology program empowers students to engage critically and constructively both inside and outside of the classroom. Students learn how to analyze social and structural dynamics in their daily lives, workplace and communities using both theory and research.
Courses cover a broad range of sociological topics including media and culture, medical sociology, group dynamics and social problems.
Why Study Sociology at CBU?
Think Critically About Today's Social World
Get Hands-On Experience Locally
Our faculty provide opportunities for students to be involved in research, community service and internships as a means of preparation for the diverse work world. Many of our students have served at local soup kitchens, homeless shelters and youth transitional homes, and have interned at such places as Operation Safe House, Women Wonder Writers and Jill’s House.
Experience Cultural Differences Abroad
Our international practicum course adds a global opportunity for students to experience cultural differences and apply academic concepts. A number of service teams have traveled abroad to countries like Greece, Malawi, Jordan, France and the Philippines.
What You'll Learn
Students in CBU's sociology program will learn to:
- Explain the classical, contemporary, gender and postmodern theoretical frameworks
and core concepts of sociology.
- Demonstrate knowledge of multiple key substantive areas within the field of sociology including marriage and family, social problems, deviant behavior, and group dynamics.
- Demonstrate intercultural knowledge and competence including cultural self-awareness,
cultural difference, and respectful communication in cross-cultural settings.
- Express the concepts and theories in sociology using excellent written and editing
skills following style and guideline requirements; combining and synthesizing thoughts
and ideas with clarity and fluency.
- Express the concepts and theories in sociology using oral presentation skills with
clarity, professional demeanor and dress, combining and synthesizing existing ideas
to formulate convincing ideas and/or arguments.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical issues in a variety of social contexts including
a biblical worldview.
- Evaluate several research methodologies including both qualitative and quantitative research designs, the different types of data collection and analysis.
Program Details
SOC 335: Social Problems
A study of the nature and meaning of social problems and deviant behavior in American society. The incidence and characteristics of selected social problems of major public interest will be explored.
SOC 352: Sociology of Health and Illness
This course applies sociological principles to medicine, health, illness and health care. Topics include: medical and sociological models of illness, epidemiology, the social stratification of illness and individual's experience of illness.
SOC 300: Media, Culture and Society
The study of the nature and transformation of media, culture and technology using various sociological perspectives. This course focuses on the critical analysis of media and examines the role of media and popular culture in society, how media shapes the social world, the power of the mass media industry and the cultural consumption of media.
- Cultural Sociology Concentration
- Forensic Psychology Concentration (Additional, Optional)
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology Concentration (Additional, Optional)
- Life Span Development Concentration (Additional, Optional)
- Medical Anthropology Concentration (Additional, Optional)
- Sports Psychology Concentration (Additional, Optional)
Carol A. Minton-Ryan, PhD
Professor of Sociology
Academic Advisor for the International Sociology Honor Society AKD
Office Phone: 951-343-5072
E-mail: cminton-ryan@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: W.E. James Building, Room 136 A
Deogratius Mshigeni, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology
Program Coordinator, BA in Human Services (Online)
Office Phone: 951-343-2454
E-mail: dmshigeni@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James Bldg #364
Yvonne Thai, Ph.D.
Professor of Sociology
Program Coordinator for Sociology
Director of Online Education for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Office Phone: 951-343-3984
E-mail: ythai@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Cottage 21
Douglas Wallace, PhD
Professor of Sociology
Associate Dean, Division of Family and Culture, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Office Phone: 951-552-8722
E-mail: dwallace@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: W.E. James Building, Room 117
Each professor that I have had for my sociology classes was interested in not only my academic success, but my personal and spiritual life. They challenged my perspective of the world and the many people groups in it.
Cherisse Grow '16
I chose sociology to fulfill my desire to learn more about social human behaviors. I hope to counsel and work with youth in some capacity in the future.
Crystal Castro '18
I chose sociology because I have a passion for foster children and I love studying interactions and behaviors of people. I plan to get my master's in social work and pursue a career in child services.
Mikayla Bowers '19
Career Possibilities
Sociology graduates work in all employment sectors — nonprofit, private and public. Upon completing CBU’s undergraduate sociology program, students will be well prepared for careers in a variety of fields. Some careers listed below may require further education.
- School or Family Counselor
- Social Worker
- Human Services Manager
- Market Research Analyst
- Learning and Development Specialist
- Behavioral Therapist
- Community Health Worker
- Medical Services Administrator
- Ministry Worker
- Urban Planner
Related Programs
Next Steps
Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.