Program Overview

Introduction to the Sociology Program

The Sociology program at Western Washington University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and social contexts. Sociologists examine a wide range of topics, including crime and punishment, family formation and dissolution, bureaucracy in organizations, conflicts between classes, and global inequalities.

Why Consider a Sociology Major?

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Sociology will develop critical thinking skills, improve their writing ability, and gain substantial experience with statistical computing, including programming and data analysis. The program is well-suited for students who wish to enter graduate school, become government data analysts, or conduct market research.

Program Requirements

The Sociology program requires 69 credits, including:

• One introductory course:
  • SOC 221 - Introduction to Population Issues
  • SOC 234 - Special Topics in Sociology
  • SOC 251 - Sociology of Deviant Behavior
  • SOC 255 - Social Organization of Criminal Justice
  • SOC 260 - The Family in Society
  • SOC 268 - Gender and Society
  • SOC 269 - Race and Ethnic Relations
  • SOC 271 - Immigration
• Core requirements:
  • SOC 302 - Classical Sociological Theory
  • SOC 304 - Statistics for Sociology
  • SOC 306 - Sociological Research Methods
• Math requirements:
  • MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
  • MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
  • MATH 204 - Elementary Linear Algebra
• Additional requirements:
  • SOC 320 - Applications of Quantitative Social Research
  • SOC 426 - Advanced Topics in Demography
  • At least 25 credits of elective courses under departmental advisement

Admission Criteria

To be admitted to the Sociology major, students must:

• Complete at least 45 college-level credits
• Complete at least 5 credits in Sociology with a grade of C- or better
• Meet one of the following paths:
  • Path 1 (Immediate Declaration): Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.85 or higher may submit their admission form at any time.
  • Path 2 (Application Review): Students with a cumulative GPA lower than 2.85 should submit their admission form by the second week of fall, winter, or spring quarter.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for all major and minor courses, as well as supporting courses.

University Graduation Requirements

In addition to the program requirements, students must also meet the university's general graduation requirements, including:

• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement

Conclusion

The Sociology program at Western Washington University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and social contexts, preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities. With its rigorous curriculum and experienced faculty, the program is an excellent choice for students who wish to pursue a career in sociology or related fields.