Sociology

Sociology provides students with the ability to see their lives - and the lives of others - as part of the vast sea of cultures and connections that we call society.

Also known as "the science of society," sociology studies the ways that people both shape and are shaped by social processes. The hope of sociology is that when people understand society, they will be empowered to make better decisions about their own lives and will be motivated to and capable of working to improve society as a whole.

Degree pathways

SociologySociology is valuable for all careers that involve working with people, including social work, nursing, K-12 teaching, community organizing, urban planning, criminology, employment counseling, and many other fields. Most career options require more than two years of college study. Diablo Valley College offers students an Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) degree. The degree transfers to CSUs and UCs.

 

Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T)

Sociology is a valuable liberal arts major for students planning careers in a wide variety of fields. Students will learn to define and apply sociological concepts; identify possible solutions to social problems; apply theoretical paradigms and methodology; and use critical thinking to analyze complex social issues.

Courses and class schedule

We offer a wide variety of courses in Sociology, including Introduction to Sociology, Social Problems, Critical Thinking with Sociology, Urban Sociology, the Sociology of Race and Ethnicity, the Sociology of Gender, Marriage and the Family, and Research Methods. Classes are offered during the day, evening and online.

To see a complete list of the required courses, view our catalog.

Career options

Given the breadth, adaptability, and utility of studying Sociology, employment opportunities abound for Sociology Majors. The following list of possibilities is only illustrative. Many other paths may be open to you with additional education or training required.

  • International Relations
  • Health Care
  • Business Consultation
  • Urban Social Work
  • Politics and Government
  • Criminal Justice
  • Education
  • City Management
  • Evaluation Research
  • Child Welfare
  • Gerontology
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Business
  • Public Health Educator
  • Urban Planning
  • Community Organizing
  • Social Research
  • Market Analyst
  • Advertising
  • Personnel Coordinator
  • Market Research
  • Environmental Impact Worker
  • Caseworker

Sociology Associate in Arts for Transfer brochure

Contact Sociology

Coordinator Lisa Smiley-Ratchford
Telephone 925-969-2448
Email lsmiley-ratchford@dvc.edu
Office location FO-209