Sociology

Part of: Behavioral & Social Sciences Department

Offered as: Major, Minor

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Part of: Behavioral & Social Sciences Department

Offered as: Major, Minor

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Sociology is a systematic approach to the behavior of societies or groups—what defines them, what holds them together and what destroys them. You’ll learn how inequality, health care, housing, religion and education impact individuals and entire social groups. Once you adopt a sociological perspective, you will begin to challenge ordinary assumptions of how the world works. Sociology’s subject matter is wonderfully broad, but you can customize your experience based on your personal interests and professional aspirations. In the program, you’ll gain the necessary research skills to pursue an advanced degree or begin your career as a teacher, counselor, social worker, criminal justice advocate and more.

Sociology Requirements

A major is your primary field of study, focusing on a specific subject like biology or business. This differs from a degree, which is the overall qualification you earn (for example, a bachelor’s degree). Your major determines the specialized courses you will take in college. To complete your degree, a major must be paired with a minor.

Program Requirements Degree Plan

A minor complements your major by allowing you to explore a secondary field of interest. It requires fewer courses than a major, making it a flexible way to broaden your knowledge, diversify your skills, or pursue a personal passion alongside your primary area of study.

Program Requirements

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

Explore Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

Analytical Thinking
Communication
Critical Thinking
Data Analysis
Empathy
Research

Community Outreach Coordinator
Data Analyst
Policy Analyst
Public Relations Specialist
Research Assistant
Social Worker

Department News

Western Students Tackle the World’s Biggest Challenges at Model United Nations

War, corruption, hunger, climate change, the struggle for human rights. The next generation of leaders has their work cut out for them. Professor Maria Struble…
Read More
Western Psychology Program Gives Students the Opportunity of a Lifetime

Since the summer of 2018, Western Colorado University’s Behavioral and Social Sciences Department has offered psychology students the opportunity to study for seven weeks in…
Read More
Internships Set Psychology Students Up for Success

Opportunities Both On and Off Campus As part of Western Colorado University’s dynamic Psychology program, students are given opportunities both on and off campus to…
Read More
Western History Through an Expert’s Eyes

A University’s History What better way to know the history of Western Colorado University than from an institutional legend? History Professor Duane Vandenbusche, PhD.—who has…
Read More
Leadership and Experiential Learning Projects at Western

Leadership and experiential learning projects are one of the core components of the Western Colorado University experience. With program-specific clubs, on-campus events, off-campus trips, and…
Read More
Western Adjunct to Discuss Urban Living with International Panel

As cities grow and change, urban studies researchers must answer a difficult question: How can we make urban life more sustainable? Western Colorado University’s Jim…
Read More
Lunchtime Charla Features African Advocate, Alumnus

It was his interest in basketball that brought alumnus Melvin Foote to Western Colorado University. Little did he know that the connections made on campus…
Read More
Model UN Provides Global Experience for Western Students

You never know when a class at Western Colorado University and the involvement in a club can result in the launching of a career. Such…
Read More
Western Alumni Uses Books, Mindfulness to Counsel Young Clients

Jamie Frank-O’Connell ‘91 is the Director of Counseling at Palmetto Scholars Academy, a school for gifted students in South Carolina. Many of the students she…
Read More
School of Graduate Studies announces recipients of Dean’s Award for Inclusive Excellence

Western’s School of Graduate Studies (SGS) is fully committed to fostering and creating a welcoming and rigorous academic and professional environment for all. In its…
Read More