Sociology is the study of society and social life, and as such, looks at a diverse range of topics concerning the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists examine the structure of groups, organizations and societies as a whole, as well as how people act and interact within those social contexts. Sociology is a rapidly evolving and ever expanding discipline that is particularly well suited to addressing issues and problems in a fast-paced and complex contemporary world. Sociology provides many distinctive perspectives on the social world that can help students to gain a better understanding of themselves and the society of which they are a part. The field features a range of theoretical approaches that can generate new ideas, stimulate debate and challenge taken-for-granted notions about the nature of social reality and the status quo. The field also offers a range of research methodologies that allow for systematic and scientific investigation of social phenomena, rather than using common sense, propaganda, opinion or other such subjective explanations for human behavior. Sociological theories and methods can be applied to studying virtually any aspect of social life: culture and technology; crime and deviance; politics and economics; the self and socialization; family and group dynamics; class, race and gender; social movements and social change.

The Associate in Arts for Transfer degree in Sociology provides students with the foundational knowledge necessary to make a successful transition into a Baccalaureate Degree at any of the CSU campuses.  The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system in a similar major, although not necessarily to a specific campus. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors. Students who are planning to pursue an AA-T or AS-T are strongly advised to meet with a counselor for additional information about this transfer program. Visit https://adegreewithaguarantee.com/ for more information about these degrees. 

Associate Degree for Transfer Graduation Requirements

Complete all of the following:

1. All Department Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or "P" in each course.
2. IGETC-CSU or the CSU GE Breadth pattern.
3. A total of 60 CSU transferable semester units.
4. Maintain a minimum cumulative CSU transferable GPA of 2.0.
5. A minimum of 12 units through SBCC. 

Students are advised to meet with an academic counselor to discuss the best combination of courses to take for the AA-T and to meet the requirements of the transfer institution to which they are intending to transfer. 

1. Explain the major theoretical perspectives in sociology and apply them to the analysis of social phenomena.
2. Describe the key concepts associated with one or more substantive areas of the discipline, and apply them to an analysis of social phenomena.
3. Analyze the role of social forces in shaping the individual.
4. Explain how individuals create and sustain society through collective action.
5. Define the role of social institutions in society.
6. Explain how structures and processes of social inequality across such dimensions as class, race and gender influence the life experiences of individuals.
7. Utilize a variety of research methods to collect data and to produce original written work, according to social scientific standards.
8. Discuss the ethical standards that guide research in the social sciences.

Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.

How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.