Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

A sociology major will provide you with the necessary skills to enter the job market at national and international levels. Profit and non-profit government, business, and ministry organizations value employees that have taken sociology coursework and apply it to their interactions. You will learn foundational concepts and gain knowledge and skills in group dynamics, social inequality, and social diversity. Our program also includes coursework in theology and its relationship to human behavior.

An understanding of the concepts and skills within sociology is vital for working in today's multiethnic and multinational business environments. In addition to the many common areas in which sociologists work (social service, education, business, etc.), medical schools have recently begun requiring applicants to have a foundational knowledge of behavioral science concepts, including sociology. Students are encouraged to pursue a complimentary minor or a double major in the behavioral sciences.

Why CBU?

Our sociology major provides core coursework for graduates to enter social service careers and graduate study in sociology or social work. Our faculty provides opportunities for you to be involved in research, community service and internships as a means of preparation for the diverse work world.

Career Opportunities

1. Community and Social Services:  Social Worker, Substance Abuse Counselor, Youth Outreach Worker, Public Health Supervisor
2. Education:  Professor, Market/Consumer Researcher, Admission Counselor, Survey Research Technician
3. Justice System:  Corrections Officer, Police Officer, Parole Officer, Juvenile Court Worker, Rehabilitation Counselor
4. Business and Industry:  Market Analyzer, Advertising Staffer, Human Resources Manager, Quality Control Manager

Links

1.    American Sociological Association:  www.asanet.org/ 
2.   The SocioLog:  www.sociolog.com 
3.   A Sociological Tour through Cyberspace:  www.trinity.edu/-mkearl/index.html 
4.   SocioSite:  www.sociosite.net 
5.   Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology:  www.aacsnet.net

Sociology Major (47 units) BA

  • Student Learning Outcomes

    Content and knowledge, including theories, concepts, and terms

      • To demonstrate the sociological perspective, core classic and contemporary sociological theories consistent with ASA requirements
      • To use and apply concepts such as sociological imagination and mindfulness, terms, and basic skills consistent with ASA requirements
      • To describe the concepts of culture and social institutions and to provide and recognize examples

    Critical thinking: Skills in analysis, synthesis, and use of evidence; problem solving (reflective and analytical)

      • To use and critically analyze the cornerstone classic and contemporary sociological theories
      • To read and evaluate qualitative and quantitative research designs and methodologies used in scholarly research within the discipline
      • To critically analyze the concepts of culture and social institutions and how they shape individual lives

    Communication: speaking and writing skills; technology literacy; research skills

      • Conduct and write a review that summarizes part of the sociology literature, applying fundamental strategies such as a thesis focus, an informative middle and an effective conclusion resulting from effective drafting, revising, and editing
      • Use and define terms and concepts of the discipline and applying them appropriately, showing a strong and direct link between concepts and assigned reading

    Integrity and values: academic integrity, discipline specific ethical issues; an understanding of ethics; respect for social diversity

    Project management: team work skills; informed participation in multiple levels of community applying academic studies to the workplace and professional environments

Lower Division Requirements

SOC213 Introduction to Sociology

A general introduction to the scientific study of human behavior in social settings. It includes major theories of human behavior in terms of culture, socialization, primary groups, stratification and social class, population, family, religion, and social change. (3 units; Multicultural; Fall/Spring)

SOC213-C
Minton, Carol		 09/05/2017 TTh 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Yeager Center B252
SOC213-B
Wallace, Douglas S		 09/05/2017 MWF 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Yeager Center B251
SOC213-D
Wallace, Douglas S		 09/05/2017 TTh 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM Yeager Center B221
SOC213-A
Minton, Carol		 09/05/2017 MW 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Mission Hall ONLN
SOC213-A
Moore, Marilyn		 01/09/2018 MWF 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM TBA
SOC213-B
Wallace, Douglas S		 01/09/2018 MWF 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM TBA
SOC213-C
Wallace, Douglas S		 01/09/2018 TTh 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM TBA
SOC213-A
STAFF, STAFF		 05/07/2018 W 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM TBA

Methodology Requirements

BEH255 Found Skills in Behav Sciences I

This course is an introduction to the writing and evaluation of academic research articles. Additionally, students are taught basic logic, APA style, and grammar skills as they relate to writing and evaluating research articles. Students will select a capstone topic and submit the project introduction section. Classroom exercises will not include direct use of SPSS. Prerequisite: MAT115 or STA144. (3 Units; Fall/Spring)

BEH255-C
Machado, Reba Joyce		 09/05/2017 WF 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM Building 36 ONLN
BEH255-A
Edge, Cianna Renae		 09/05/2017 MWF 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Mission Hall 127
BEH255-B
Travis, Erika J.		 09/05/2017 MWF 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Health Science Campus L243
BEH255-A
Travis, Erika J.		 01/09/2018 MWF 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM TBA
BEH255-B
Edge, Cianna Renae		 01/09/2018 TTh 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM TBA
BEH255-A
STAFF, STAFF		 05/07/2018 W 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM TBA

BEH256 Found Skill in Behav Sciences II

This course is a continuation in the study of writing and evaluation of academic research articles. Students will use basic logic, APA style and grammar skills to write a literature review for a capstone research project. Additionally, students will evaluate and choose survey instruments for this project and formalize project methodology. Classroom exercises will not include direct use of SPSS. Prerequisite: BEH255. (3 Units; Fall/Spring)

BEH256-B
Spezzaferri, Mitchell Rae		 09/05/2017 TTh 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Mission Hall 127
BEH256-A
Travis, Erika J.		 09/05/2017 MWF 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Health Science Campus L240
BEH256-A
Travis, Erika J.		 01/09/2018 MWF 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM TBA
BEH256-B
Spezzaferri, Mitchell Rae		 01/09/2018 TTh 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM TBA
BEH256-C
Spezzaferri, Mitchell Rae		 01/09/2018 TTh 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM TBA
BEH256-A
STAFF, STAFF		 07/02/2018 W 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM TBA

BEH333 Epistemology & Worldview

This course examines the basic models of integrating the Christian faith and modern behavioral sciences, including the development of Biblical examples of worldview and epistemology. Emphasis is placed upon the student's development of a personal theory of integration. (3 units; Interdisciplinary; Fall/Spring)

BEH333-A
Lewis, Nathaniel P		 09/05/2017 TTh 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM BUS 125
BEH333-A
Stokes, H. Bruce		 01/09/2018 TTh 12:00 AM - 1:45 PM Mission Hall 124

BEH383 Statistics & Rsrch Methodology I

This course introduces the various quantitative and qualitative methodologies utilized in behavioral science research. Also included are the collection, treatment, and interpretation of data in research and testing using a statistical analysis application. Prerequisite: BEH 256. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. (4 units; Fall/Spring)

BEH383-A
Spezzaferri, Mitchell Rae		 09/05/2017 MWF 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM BUS 209
BEH383-C
Fuller, Joshua Auren_K		 09/05/2017 MWF 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM Yeager Center B113
BEH383-B
Mauldin, Kristin N.		 09/05/2017 TTh 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Yeager Center B113
BEH383-A
Fuller, Joshua Auren_K		 01/09/2018 MWF 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM TBA
BEH383-B
Gamez, Ana		 01/09/2018 TTh 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM TBA

BEH385 Statistics & Rsrch MethodologyII

This course presents some of the more complex quantitative and qualitative methodologies utilized in behavioral science research. It builds on the various concepts of quantitative research, qualitative research, data collection, analysis, and interpretation introduced in previous courses. This course continues the development of student proficiency with basic and intermediate functions of a statistical analysis application. Prerequisite: BEH 383. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. (4 units; Fall/Spring)

BEH385-A
Iverson, Nathan David		 09/05/2017 MWF 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM Yeager Center B113
BEH385-B
Mauldin, Kristin N.		 09/05/2017 TTh 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM Yeager Center B113
BEH385-A
Mauldin, Kristin N.		 01/09/2018 MW 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM TBA ONLN
BEH385-B
Mauldin, Kristin N.		 01/09/2018 MW 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM TBA ONLN
BEH385-C
Mauldin, Kristin N.		 01/09/2018 TTh 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM BUS
BEH385-A
STAFF, STAFF		 05/07/2018 TTh 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM TBA

Upper Division Requirements

SOC323 Marriage and the Family

This course addresses the social institutions of marriage and family using a theoretical and research-based approach to examine the social, behavioral, and psychological aspects as they are practiced in American culture. The course discusses dating, mate selection, the experience of marriage, marital challenges, and diversity in family forms. The course defines and evaluates marriage and the family from sociological, psychological, and biblical perspectives. (3 units; Interdisciplinary; Multicultural; Fall/Spring)

SOC323-B
Moore, Marilyn		 09/05/2017 TTh 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM BUS 253
SOC323-A
Moore, Marilyn		 09/05/2017 MWF 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM BUS 106
SOC323-A
Moore, Marilyn		 01/09/2018 MWF 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM TBA
SOC323-B
Moore, Marilyn		 01/09/2018 TTh 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM TBA

SOC335 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. Prerequisite: BEH 100 or SOC 213. (3 units; Spring)

SOC335-A
Wallace, Douglas S		 01/09/2018 MWF 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM TBA

SOC337 Deviant Behavior

This course primarily examines the definition and social construction of deviant behavior. Major sociological perspectives and theories will be applied. Specific topics of exploration include various forms of interpersonal violence, suicide, mental disorder, sexuality, substance use and abuse, and internet deviance. Prerequisite: BEH 100 or SOC 213. (3 units; Fall)

SOC337-A
Wallace, Douglas S		 09/05/2017 TTh 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Yeager Center B221

SOC338 Group Dynamics & Social Movement

The course addresses the sociological and social psychology dimensions of group behavior, the influences on the socialization of the individual, social interaction and impacts on patterned roles and authority structures. Theories will be applied in group experiences, observations, writing, and problem solving. Prerequisite: SOC 213. (3 units; Spring)

SOC338-A
Moore, Marilyn		 01/09/2018 TTh 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM TBA

SOC345 Race and Ethnicity

This course will focus on the sociological approach to the ascribed statuses of race, class, and gender in American Society. Also explores how these social concepts are perceived, reinforced, and altered through social institutions, social interaction, media influence, and the dynamics of social change. Prerequisites BEH 100 or SOC 213. (3 units; Spring)

SOC345-A
Wallace, Douglas S		 01/09/2018 TTh 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM TBA

SOC347 Sociology of Gender

An examination of the way in which macro institutions and micro institutions structure gender relations in society, and how gender in turn structures and stratifies the social order. From the perspective of personal identity, we will ask how it is that we experience ourselves as male and female. The social consequences of gender stratification are considered including such substantive topic areas as the sexual division of labor, sexual politics, and sexual violence. (3 units; Spring)

SOC347-A
Minton, Carol		 01/09/2018 MW 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM TBA ONLN

SOC348 Sociology of Aging

This course will critically look at aging as a social process in addition to its biological and psychological components. Additionally, it will identify the aging population in our present society, the various social experiences associated with aging as well as the socioeconomic issues related to aging. (3 units; Spring)

SOC348-A
Minton, Carol		 01/09/2018 TTh 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM TBA

SOC355 Social Stratification

This course explores the development, patterns, structures, and consequences of social inequality, with emphasis on social progress, how American institutions are affected, and how social interactions react to institutionalized inequality. Dynamics of resistance and social change are also discussed. Prerequisites BEH 100 or SOC 213. (3 units; Fall)

SOC355-A
Wallace, Douglas S		 09/05/2017 MWF 8:15 AM - 9:15 AM Yeager Center B251

SOC381 Social Theory

This course introduces classical and contemporary sociological theories to examine the fundamental forces that influence human interactions in daily living. Specific emphasis is given to the relationships between social institutions, social and economic power, socially constructed reality, and cultural effects on individual identity, expression, and opportunities in society. Recognition of the differences between the secular patterns of norms and behaviors are paralleled with faith integration on constructs of beliefs and behaviors. Prerequisite: BEH100 or SOC213. (3 units; Fall)

SOC381-A
Moore, Marilyn		 09/05/2017 MWF 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM BUS 202

SOC440 Internship in Sociology

A practical application of basic sociological principles in community or campus responsibilities under professional supervision. Open to department majors. Prerequisites: SOC 213 and permission of the Dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

SOC440-IN
Gustafson, Jacqueline N.		 09/05/2017 - Instructor OFFC
SOC440-A
Gustafson, Jacqueline N.		 01/09/2018 - TBA

Optional Concentrations* (12-15 units)

Students can earn an optional concentration in one of the following areas:  Forensic Psychology, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Lifespan Development, Medical Anthropology, Social Work or Sports Psychology. 

*Each optional concentration requires the completion of a minimum of twelve (12) distinct units beyond the major.