Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology
Enact Positive Social Change as a Sociology Major
Uncover how social institutions are built and acquire the skills to create an equitable future. The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree program at San José State University offers theoretical, methodological and substantive preparation for a career that drives positive community impact.
Designed to build your professional versatility, our sociology courses empower both your professional ambitions and public service goals. You can pursue successful roles in business, research, social work, human resources or education and become an advocate for inclusivity and systemic progress.
Why Major in Sociology at SJSU?
Located near Silicon Valley, SJSU’s sociology degree program positions you on the front lines of cultural and institutional transformation. Our BA program trains you to construct evidence-based arguments while analyzing institutional systems to address inequality in a rapidly changing world.
As a sociology major at San José State University, you benefit from:
- Collaborative and engaged learning through interactive discussions, research projects and knowledge creation.
- Support from faculty with diverse educational and geographic backgrounds who are committed to an equitable and just pedagogy.
- An intersectional curriculum that expands academic breadth with course offerings in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) and Asian American Studies (AAS).
- Professional networking through service internships and student groups, such as the International Honor Society of Sociology, Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD).
- Access to scholarships in the College of Social Sciences to finance your bachelor’s degree in sociology.
Learn why students choose the sociology program at SJSU.
What You’ll Learn
SJSU’s BA in Sociology program requires a total of 42 units within the discipline. After completing general education requirements, you move beyond introductory sociology classes and dive deep into advanced qualitative research methods, social theory and an exploration of contemporary social problems.
Our Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences (SISS) Department faculty bring broad expertise and will guide you through the course work using a multifaceted approach.
As a sociology major, you learn how to:
- Collect and analyze information about social processes that create, maintain and transform institutions and identities.
- Develop analytical and research skills to construct fact-based arguments while exploring topics that drive contemporary society.
- Examine how social institutions and structures affect individuals through in-depth research projects.
- Navigate the social, political, economic, historical and cultural issues that build and sustain effective leadership in our complex global society.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing your bachelor’s degree in sociology, you’ll be ready to:
- Think sociologically about the relationship among social structure, interaction, identities and inequalities.
- Master foundational theories in sociology and apply them to everyday life.
- Execute qualitative and quantitative research, data collection and data analysis.
- Utilize oral and written communication skills appropriate to the discipline.
- Practice sociology as educated and civically engaged persons.
Honors Program
The Department of Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences offers an Honors Program.
Students who are majoring in sociology and have maintained a 3.2 GPA in all college work and a 3.5 GPA in sociology are eligible to enroll in SOCI 199H (Sociology Honors Project) for the preparation and writing of an original research project. To graduate with departmental honors, students must maintain the required GPA and complete at least 3 units of 199H.
Careers for Sociology Majors
Pursue pathways in business, public service, social work, law enforcement, education, research and technology. No matter what field you choose to pursue, a BA in Sociology provides you with the flexibility to steer community or corporate progress in the right direction.
As an SJSU Spartan, you also help shape the future of Silicon Valley, the global epicenter for the world’s largest tech corporations. Common sociology degree job titles include:
- Non-profit director
- Community organizer
- Market research specialist
- Community education director
- User experience (UX) researcher
Careers in Sociology
Where SJSU’s Alumni Work
San José State University instills a community-first mindset to help you pursue high-impact roles in both public and private sectors. Your bachelor’s degree in sociology provides the cultural intelligence necessary to navigate the modern workforce.
Find SJSU alumni at:
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Sociology Program Admissions
Creating systemic change starts with an education. Apply to San José State University today.
Undergraduate Admissions Deadlines
Fall Semester
- The application window for first-year and transfer students runs from Aug. 1 to Dec. 1.
- The application window for international first-year and transfer students runs from Aug. 1 to April 1.
Spring Semester
- The application window for transfer students runs from July 1 to Aug. 31.
- The application window for international first-year and transfer students runs from July 1 to Sept. 30.
Application Requirements
Future SJSU Freshman and Transfer Students
Before entering the sociology undergraduate program, your first step is to apply to SJSU. The SISS Department also offers a Transfer Student page with course recommendations:
- STAR Act (SB1440)
- ENGL 002 Critical Thinking and Writing or ENGL 001B Argument and Analysis
- SOCI 001 Introduction to Sociology
- SOCI 080 Social Problems
- SOCI 015 Statistical Applications in the Social Sciences or UNVS 015 Statway: Statistics-Concepts & Methods
If you’re transferring from another institution, we recommend reviewing our articulation information to learn how your academic credits transfer to SJSU.
For more detailed information on how to apply, select your student type:
Financial Aid
Remove barriers to obtaining your degree. With practical support and resources from our Financial Aid and Scholarship Office, you can take steps toward your academic and professional goals.
Find scholarships and grants and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) with guidance from our team. We’ll help you understand your funding options so you can prepare to enroll in sociology courses.
Drive Social Progress at SJSU
Discover how you can make a difference with your Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from San José State University. Step off the graduation stage feeling prepared to examine systemic issues and advocate for equity and accessibility on your path to success.
Apply to SJSU and become a Spartan today, or schedule a pre-admission appointment with our team to learn more.
