A major in Sociology may be certified upon completion of 24 semester credits and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology requires a minimum of 31 credit hours of sociology coursework.  Also, 24 credit hours of related field courses are required. All students must maintain at least a C average in their sociology courses. Related field courses include but are not limited to courses in anthropology, comparative ethnic studies, criminal justice, human development, political science, psychology, and women’s studies.

Note: See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

A minor in sociology may be certified upon completing 60 credit hours. The minor requires a minimum of 18 credit hours of sociology course work, which must include Soc 101, Soc 320, and at least nine additional graded credit hours of 300-400 level courses.                             

The Department of Sociology is proud to offer courses that help make the University's motto, "World Class, Face to Face," a reality and exemplify our faculty's commitment to teaching and learning. Members of the sociology faculty have selected signature courses and developed them specifically to bring their scholarly expertise into the classroom.

The sociology department schedules signature courses on a regular basis so that they can be a valuable part of your studies—and so that all our students have the opportunity to enroll in courses that are taught by world-class scholars and researchers.

Signature courses in sociology

For more about the courses, click on the links.

Soc. 101 - Introduction to Sociology

Soc. 310 - Development of Social Theory

Soc. 331 - Population, Resources, and the Future

Soc. 340 - Social Inequality

Soc. 345 - Sociology of Sport

Soc. 346 - Sociology of Education

Soc. 351 - The Family

Soc. 361 - Criminology

Soc. 372 - Sociology of Film

Soc. 390 - Gender and Work

Soc. 430 - Society and Technology

Soc. 433 - Urbanization and Community Organization

Soc. 474 - Social Movements

For sociology majors

The department offers several scholarships for undergraduate sociology majors, including the Paul and Bessie Landis, Roberta Cline Frasier Anderson, Susan and Sarah Dolan Memorial, Ruth Magnuson Roberts, and alumni awards. There is also an award given to an exceptional senior who has earned the highest grade point average among all eligible sociology undergraduates. Sociology majors may also be eligible for general scholarships from the College of Liberal Arts.

For all students

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.

For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.

• All sociology majors automatically become members of the Sociology Club upon certifying in the major. The Sociology Club is a registered student organization that provides undergraduate students with opportunities in leadership, academic, career, and social activities both on and off campus.
• The department’s chapter of the Alpha Kappa Delta national honor society recognizes students’ academic achievements and provides a valuable national and international network with students and scholars.

Careers abound for graduates with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology. Employment options include:

• Business and the computer industry, as a personnel and human relations manager, business administrator, or marketing specialist
• Community work, as a community organizer, child-care worker, or social justice advocate
• Criminal or juvenile justice, as a probation officer, corrections officer, or criminal justice advocate
• Local, state, and federal government positions in housing, planning, substance use, and environmental justice
• Health and human services, as a social worker, case manager, health educator, or hospital administrator
• Higher education, as a professional in admissions or student services
• Teaching at elementary, secondary and post-secondary levels

A bachelor of arts in sociology also offers preparation for graduate or professional school toward becoming a professor, researcher, lawyer, or other professional.