Sociology

Course Offerings, Majors, and Minors

The Department of Sociology offers a number of lower- and upper division courses focused on theory, methods, and a variety of substantive areas (e.g., race, gender, family, immigration, colonialism, crime, media studies).

To see the course offerings, click on the Cal Poly Pomona University Catalog and scroll down to “Sociology” and click on “Display Courses for this Department.”

Each of the courses offered by the department will be listed, along with a course description and required prerequisites (or corequisites) for enrollment.

Majors

The Department of Sociology offers two majors: Sociology and Criminology. Sociology majors can select one of two options: General Sociology or Social Work.

Please click the corresponding links to see the required courses for each major (and option).

Programs

Criminology, B.A.

The Criminology major is a program that focuses on the systematic study of crime as a socio-pathological phenomenon, the behavior of criminals, and the social institutions involved to respond to crime. The Criminology major includes instruction in the theory of crime, social bases of criminal behavior, social value systems and the theory of punishment, criminal law and criminal justice systems, penology, rehabilitation and recidivism, studies of specific types of crime, social attitudes and policy, and applications to specific issues in law enforcement administration and policy. 

*** While Criminology provides a solid foundation in understanding crime and its societal impact, it does not typically cover the specialized scientific and technical skills required for a career in forensics. Forensics involves applying scientific methods to investigate crimes, which requires a strong background in fields like biology, chemistry, or forensic science, as well as hands-on lab experience. Students interested in pursuing a forensics career are encouraged to supplement their criminology studies with additional coursework in these sciences or consider a double major or minor in biology, chemistry, or a related field to acquire the necessary scientific expertise.

Sociology, B.A. - General Sociology

The Sociology major, which is housed in the Department of Sociology, is designed to provide a substantial foundation in theoretical, methodological, and content areas of sociology, leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree. In addition to a solid introduction in these content areas, students receive specific training in research methods and statistical analysis, and in the many practical applications of sociological theory. The Sociology major has two subplans: Social Work and General Sociology. The major is an excellent preparation for graduate study in Sociology, or Public Administration, and for professional studies in law or social work. It also provides a very good background for entry level positions in management, in both public and private sectors.

Sociology, B.A. - Social Work

The Sociology major, which is housed in the Department of Sociology, is designed to provide a substantial foundation in theoretical, methodological, and content areas of sociology, leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree. In addition to a solid introduction in these content areas, students receive specific training in research methods and statistical analysis, and in the many practical applications of sociological theory. The Sociology major has two subplans: Social Work and General Sociology. The major is an excellent preparation for graduate study in Sociology, or Public Administration, and for professional studies in law or social work. It also provides a very good background for entry level positions in management, in both public and private sectors.

Minors

The Department of Sociology offers three minors: Sociology, Criminology, and Social Work. Please click the corresponding links to see the required courses for each minor.

Programs

Criminology Minor

The Criminology minor is a multidisciplinary grouping of courses that have been specifically selected to fulfill the needs of students presently working in or planning for careers in law enforcement or related fields. Special advisement for students in any major who are interested in criminology may be obtained from the department’s Criminology coordinator. Detailed information is available from the department office. *** The minor does not prepare students for a career in forensics. Students interested in forensic roles are advised to have a solid foundation in biology and/or chemistry to prepare for such a career. 

Social Work Minor

The Social Work minor provides students an introduction to the field of social work and social welfare. It is designed to offer students a basic understanding of the skills you will need to begin a career in professional social work. The minor is especially useful for students in majors that interface with Social Work such as Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Education, etc. who want an introductory understanding of the field. It will also be beneficial for students who plan to earn an MSW, become medical/public health professionals, and/or pursue public policy and advocacy work. Special advisement for students in any major who are interested in social work may be obtained from the department’s Social Work coordinator. Detailed information is available from the department office.

Declaring a Minor

In order to declare the minor, students must reach out to a Sociology faculty member, who will process your declaration on BroncoDirect: