Degree Programs

Minor in Sociology

The Program

Sociology students find an active and supportive departmental culture that surrounds course work in sociological theory, methods and current social issues. Department faculty members have a strong commitment to social justice that shapes course offerings and content. Students prepare themselves for sociology-related careers as well as graduate studies. Service learning is integrated into the curriculum through the social problems course that includes volunteering with local community-based organizations.

The Sociology Student Association creates additional opportunities for students to connect with each other, faculty and local community organizations. Because of the breadth, adaptability and practical applications of Sociology, students with a BA in Sociology choose to work in many different sectors: non-profit, private business, social services, education, health services, public relations, criminal justice and government.

Requirements
SOC 201 Social Problems SOC 382 Introduction to Social Research

Plus twelve units of upper division sociology course work. No more than one elective for your minor may be a sociology course with general education designation (*).

Students must earn a "C" or better in all sociology courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the minor. To best meet student interests, minor electives should be selected in consultation with a sociology faculty member. Total minor unit requirement: 20

Criminal Justice

A certificate of study in criminal justice is available also. For information contact the dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

Coordinator
Judith Little, Ph.D.
Department of Sociology
BSS 518
(707) 826-4561

The Program

This is an interdisciplinary program for students interested in the criminal justice system in the United States. Students may select courses to examine specific emphases in the broad area of criminal justice such as environmental crime and justice, dynamics of criminality and substance abuse, law and the administration of justice. Students planning to work within the criminal justice system, as advocates for environmental issues, as substance abuse counselors, as counselors for troubled youth, with native peoples, or interested in pursuing a law degree should benefit from this minor.

Requirements for the Minor

A minimum of 20 units from the following:

Introduction (required)

  • SOC 430 Criminology

Breadth (min of 13 units distributed among at least 3 groupings)
At least one course from each of the three departments:

  • ANTH 339 Forensic Anthropology
  • NAS 332 Environmental Justice
  • NAS 360 Tribal Justice System
  • PSYC 406 Forensic Psychology
  • PSYC 438 Dynamics of Abnormal Behavior
  • PSYC 473 Substance Use & Abuse
  • PSCI 313 The Politics of Criminal Justice
  • PSCI 316 Public Administration
  • PSCI 410 American Constitutional Law: Civil Rights & Liberties
  • PSCI/ENVS/NRPI 412 Legal Research
  • REC 310 Recreation for Special Groups
  • SOC 330 Social Deviance
  • SOC 363 Environmental Crime
  • SOC 473 Prisons: Thinking Through a Societal Issue
  • SOC/WS 319 Ecology of Family Violence
  • SW 431 / SOC 431 Juvenile Delinquency
  • SW 442 Drugs, People & Society

Capstone (choose one)

  • PSYCH 483 Community Psychology Experience
  • PSCI 470 California Studies Internship
  • REC 495 Directed Field Experience
  • SOC 482 Applied Sociology