The Sociology Program
Department of Justice, Law & Society

Program Philosophy or Mission

It is the mission of the Sociology Program at California University of Pennsylvania to teach students to think critically about the structure and processes characteristic of all human groups and social systems.  The program encourages exploration of the interrelationships among the individual, social institutions, and the cultural context.  Majors in sociology learn to use sociological theories and methodologies to challenge ethnocentric assumptions, conduct research, test hypotheses and understand structured patterns in social behavior.  Given that sociology is the study of society itself, which is constantly changing, the graduate will be aware of the need to adapt and continue the process of life long learning.  Moreover, being aware of cultural contingencies in the form of morality, values, ethics and law will help the student make 'right' decisions and hence build character.  Good character includes integrity, civility and responsibility.

Program Objectives

The sociology program's objectives are to teach students:

• Skills in thinking abstractly, formulating problems, and analyzing situations and data pertaining to the social world.
• Awareness of how much of daily life is shaped by interpersonal relationships, group activities, and cultural norms and values.

Degree Benefits:

The sociology graduate has developed skills in thinking abstractly, formulating problems,and analyzing situations and data. Graduates with the bachelor of arts have learned a perspective that demonstrates inter-connectedness with the individual's life course involving all levels of social organization, from the local to the global, historical, global economic, and political contexts.

Career Objectives

The bachelor of arts in sociology prepares students for a range of career opportunities including, but not limited to:

• Administrative and research positions in profit and nonprofit organizations, such as social service agencies, public interest groups, trade associations, labor unions plus local state and federal government.
• Advanced training in the social sciences, especially sociology, history, law, women's studies, and the ministry. 

Sociology Minor

The College of Liberal Arts offers the opportunity to minor in numerous academic programs. If interested, liberal arts students from other disciplines may minor in sociology.

Sociology is a minor that enhances any major, and it fosters personal growth and understanding of life. What do writers write about? On what do movies and television thrive? What is sociology all about? All three questions have the same answer: people's interaction in society. The size of the groups may vary, and their purpose and intent may differ. Still, every day is anticipated or dreaded in terms of interaction with others. Most people must and want to interact with one another whether for personal pleasure or for pursuit of power and fame.  Individuals do not live in isolation.  Sociology talks about what everyone does when together. Join the conversation.

 Applied Sociology Concentration
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California University offers the only accredited  program in applied sociology in the State System of Higher Education.  Students electing this concentration take additional applied sociology courses in research methods and organizational analysis.  At the completion of the program, students receive a certificate in applied sociology.