Associate of Arts - Sociology

The Sociology Program is part of the Social Sciences Department and is committed to the highest possible standards in teaching and facilitating learning in a student-centered environment. Sociology is the scientific study of human societies and human behavior in the many groups that make up a society. As a social science, sociology has a body of theory which includes its three major perspectives, fountainheads, and peripheral fountainheads. Likewise, sociology has a body of methodology which includes research methods and research techniques. Sociology is concerned with the social lives of people, groups, and societies with special emphasis on social interaction, social relationships, and social structures. Sociology is also concerned with the study of social conditions with special emphasis on the three levels of analysis, namely the micro, middle, and macro. Specified areas of study in sociology include the sociology of race and ethnicity; sociology of sports; sociology of the life course; sociology of social movements; sociology of education; sociology of marriage and family; sociology of gender; etc. The Associate in Arts in Sociology for Transfer (AA-T) degree creates a transfer pathway for students who plan to complete a bachelor of arts in sociology or similar major at a California State University (CSU). With the completion of this program, students will possess foundational knowledge and skills that comprise the core content of the lower division requirements of many baccalaureate programs in sociology. The AA-T degree in sociology will help prepare students to have a sociology bachelor’s major.