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Sociology

Why Sociology

Are you curious about how your personal experiences and issues are connected to broader social processes, groups, and institutions? Do you wonder why people behave the way they do? Do you want to know how the world became the way it is today and where it is going?

Then a degree in sociology at Fresno State is for you.

Are you interested in improving the quality of life for formerly-incarcerated peoples, those struggling with addiction, and people facing mental-health issues?  Do you want to work on policies to address hunger and poverty? Do you want to acquire the skills to strengthen social justice movements? Are you invested in empowering those facing racial, gender, religious, class, and sex-based inequities?

Then a degree in sociology at Fresno State is for you.

 

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, several 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 and Humanics (Administration & Leadership for Community Benefit Organizations) as well as linkages with certificates in Social Justice and Social Change (Philosophy), Cross Cultural Competency (Social Work), and Serving At-Risk Youth (Recreation Administration).

Still unsure if sociology is for you?  See "What Makes Our Department Unique" and check out these two videos below, one from Crash Course on “What is Sociology” and one from the American Sociological Association (ASA) on "Sociologists on Sociology."