Department of Sociology

What is Sociology?

According to the American Sociological Association, Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts. The Cal Poly Pomona program in Sociology offers courses in race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, immigration and migration, urban sociology, Latinx sociology, Asian American sociology, Black sociology, contemporary and classical sociological theory, and quantitative and qualitative methodology.

The Sociology major includes two options: General Sociology and Social Work.

Why study Sociology?

A sociology degree provides a strong foundation for thriving in today’s increasingly diverse and complex world. You’ll develop valuable skills in research, theory, data analysis, and applied knowledge related to social institutions, interactions, cultures, inequality, and organizations. These experiences will enhance your social interactions, equip you for success in both non-profit and business sectors, and deepen your understanding of others' experiences while cultivating a greater appreciation for your own.

For more information please visit our Majors and Minor page.

What is Criminology?

Criminology examines the social and institutional mechanisms that amplify societal understandings of crime and the criminal justice system. The Cal Poly Pomona program in Criminology offers courses in juvenile delinquency, criminological theory and methods, crime analysis, drug policy, sociology of terrorism, and crime and media.

Why study Criminology?

Earning a degree in criminology will provide you with a strong foundation for participating in and shaping crime prevention efforts, law enforcement, and the judicial system. You’ll acquire valuable skills in research, theory, and data analysis that extend beyond an understanding of criminal law, procedures, and evidence. These educational experiences will deepen your understanding of criminal behavior, public safety, and the processes of the justice system, as well as the causes and effects of crime and victimization.

Students interested in a forensics career are encouraged to pursue a second major or minor in Biology or Chemistry, and gain lab experience in these areas, as the criminology degree at CPP does not directly prepare you for a career in forensics.

For more information please visit our Majors and Minor page.