The Department

The Sociology Department at Fresno State is committed to a critical engagement with social life through an emphasis on social inequities, social justice, and social change.  To achieve this goal the department provides students with the theoretical frameworks, research abilities, writing skills, public presentation capacities, and political strategies to work towards a more just and sustainability world for all.  Additionally, faculty work with local and regional organizations to utilize their expertise and knowledge to improve the quality of life for everyone living in the San Joaquin Valley.

The Department consists of nine full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty, nearly a dozen part time faculty, and one administrative support coordinator.  

We offer a baccalaureate degree and a minor degree in Sociology, a minor degree in Philanthropic and Community-Based Leadership, and certificates in Applied Sociological Research, Global Literacies in Popular Culture, and Humanics (Administration & Leadership for Community Benefit Organizations). 

We also offer linkages with certificates in Asian American Community Development and Advocate (Asian American Studies), Social Justice and Social Change (Philosophy), Cross Cultural Competency (Social Work), and Serving At-Risk Youth (Recreation Administration).

No matter which pathway you choose, sociological thinking will be key. 

Check out the video below to learn a bit more about how sociologists study society.