Mission: The sociology major seeks to equip student scholars with the theoretical, methodological, substantive and practical tools necessary to investigate, understand and engage contemporary and future social life.

1. Identify how sociological concepts and theories relate to everyday life
2. Understand and evaluate theoretical explanations of human behavior and social phenomenon
3. Utilize diverse quantitative and qualitative research methods
4. Communicate sociological knowledge to diverse audiences
5. Appreciate the role of research in solving human problems and strengthening human well-being.
6. Learn how to live and work as a Christ-following sociologist. 

Course List

Code	Title	Units
Core Curriculum Requirements 1		41
Sociology Major Requirements		46
Electives		33
Total Units		120

Sociology Major Requirements 

Course List

Code	Title	Units
Lower Division:
ANTH-102C	Intro to Cultural Anthropology	3
SOC-100C	Introduction to Sociology	3
SOC-265C	Introduction to Behavioral Statistics	3
Upper Division:
Select 19 units from the following:		19
SOC-332	Marriage & the Family
SOC-343	Class, Race, Ethnicity & Gender
SOC-365	Sociological Theory
SOC-369	Research Design & Methods
SOC-369L	Research Design & Methods Lab
SOC-460	Field Practicum 2
SOC-462	Research Practicum 2
SOC-464	Practicum 2
SOC-490C	Senior Seminar
Electives
Select 18 units of the following:		18
SOC-230	Social Problems
SOC-258	Sociology of Sport & Human Movement
SOC-305	Criminology/Criminal Justice System
SOC-310	Introduction to Social Work
SOC-312	Death, Grief, and Loss
SOC-316	Health Education for Flourishing
SOC-317	Community Development
SOC-320	Social & Cultural Change
SOC-324	Social Psychology
SOC-334	Gender, Culture, and Society
SOC-336	Managing Crisis
SOC-337	Public Health
SOC-338	Child Welfare
SOC-345	Family Violence
SOC-346	Human Sexuality
SOC-349	Religion & Society
SOC-357	Inside-Out-Jail Class
SOC-362	Juvenile Delinquency & Justice
SOC-371	Urban Studies
SOC-373	Deviant Behavior
SOC-375	Social Issues of Health & Wellness
SOC-376	Immigration and Diversity
SOC-377	Migrants and Refugees
SOC-378	Prisons and Jails
SOC-382	Mental Illness in Society
SOC-442	Globalization & Development
SOC-450	Sociology Teaching Internship
SOC-455	Sociology Research Assistantship
SOC-470	Special Topic in Sociology
SOC-480	Individual Studies in Sociology
Total Units		46

¹

Number of units required from the Core Curriculum not included in the major requirements below. 

²

Students in Sociology undertake a senior project either through Research Practicums or Field Practicums.  Students in Research Practicum will conduct empirical studies and will present the findings in professional or student conference contexts.  Students in Field Practicum will have guided exposure to networking and hands-on internship experience.  Students completing Field Practicum are encouraged to participate in poster sessions at the Department’s annual Undergraduate Colloquium.

Disclaimer: This sample Four Year Plan is provided as a guide for the recommended sequencing of courses. Vanguard University requires that students complete a minimum of 120 units of required course work as outlined on the Requirements tab in order to receive a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. It is the student's responsibility to confirm with the department the course rotation before enrolling in courses. If applicable, please note the footnotes at the bottom of the page for additional information related to courses listed in a particular year and term. Questions, contact the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice.

Study Abroad Participation: Students interested in participating in the university's Study Abroad programs are encouraged to reach out to the Global Education and Outreach Office for more information and collaboration in their academic course planning. Students using Education and Training Benefits through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs are encouraged to also reach out to the School Certifying Official for more information regarding how benefits can be applied.

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Plan of Study Grid

Year 1 Term 1		Units
SOC-100C	Introduction to Sociology	3
CORE-ARHU1	History/Political Science Requirement	3
CORE-CSTN	Cornerstone	1
CORE-ENGL1	Composition Requirement	3
CORE-SCI2	Science Fitness and Wellness Requirement	3
CORE-THEO1	Theology Intro Requirement	3
	Units	16
Year 1 Term 2
ANTH-102C	Intro to Cultural Anthropology	3
CORE-ARHU3	Fine Arts/Philosophy Requirement	3
CORE-ENGL2	Researched Writing Requirement	3
CORE-THEO2	NT Survey Requirement	3
ELCT-ANY3	Any General Elective 3 Units	3
	Units	15
Year 2 Term 1
SOC-332	Marriage & the Family	3
SOC-SOCEL3	SOC Elective 3 Units	3
CORE-SCI1	Science and Lab Requirement	4
CORE-THEO3	OT Survey Requirement	3
ELCT-ANY3	Any General Elective 3 Units	3
	Units	16
Year 2 Term 2
SOC-265C	Introduction to Behavioral Statistics	3
SOC-343	Class, Race, Ethnicity & Gender	3
SOC-SOCEL3	SOC Elective 3 Units	3
CORE-ARHU2	Literature Requirement	3
CORE-ENGL3	Speech Composition and Presentation Requirement	3
	Units	15
Year 3 Term 1
SOC-365	Sociological Theory	3
SOC-SOCEL6	SOC Elective 6 Units	6
CORE-THEO4	Christian Worldview Requirement	3
ELCT-ANY3	Any General Elective 3 Units	3
	Units	15
Year 3 Term 2
SOC-369	Research Design & Methods	3
SOC-369L	Research Design & Methods Lab	1
SOC-SOCEL6	SOC Elective 6 Units	6
ELCT-ANY6	Any General Elective 6 units	6
	Units	16
Year 4 Term 1
SOC-490C	Senior Seminar	3
SOC-PLPR	Sociology Practicum	3
ELCT-ANY9	Any General Elective 9 units	9
	Units	15
Year 4 Term 2
CORE-THEO5	Christian Heritage Requirement	3
ELCT-ANY9	Any General Elective 9 units	9
	Units	12
	Total Units	120