Sociology B.A.

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. 
Core Curriculum Requirements 144
Sociology Major Requirements46
Electives30
Total Units120

Sociology Major Requirements 

Lower Division:
ANTH-102CIntro to Cultural Anthropology3
SOC-100CIntroduction to Sociology3
SOC-265CIntroduction to Behavioral Statistics3
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-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
Global Development & Society
SOC-450
Sociology Teaching Internship
SOC-455
Sociology Research Assistantship
SOC-470
Special Topic in Sociology
SOC-480
Individual Studies in Sociology
Total Units46
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.

 An exit interview and exam are required of all graduating seniors. The exit exam is designed to assess the mastery of concepts, principles and knowledge expected of students at the conclusion of the sociology major.

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.

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.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1 Term 1Units
CORE-100C Cornerstone 1
SOC-100C Introduction to Sociology 3
ENGL-120C Persuasive Writing 3
THEO-101C Foundations of Christian Life 3
KINE-148C Lifetime Fitness and Wellness Lecture 3
HIST-PLCR1History Core Req (US Hist Or Democracy) 3
 Units16
Year 1 Term 2
ANTH-102C Intro to Cultural Anthropology 3
NT-101C New Testament Survey 3
HIST-PLCR2History Core Requirement (World Civ) 3
FINA-PLCRFine Arts Core Curriculum Requirement 3
ELCT-PLHD3AGeneral Elective 3 Units 3
 Units15
Year 2 Term 1
SOC-332 Marriage & the Family 3
ENGL-220C Researched Writing 3
OT-201C Old Testament Survey 3
NSCI-PLCRScience Lec/Lab Requirement 4
SOC-PLHD3Sociology Elective 3 Units 3
 Units16
Year 2 Term 2
SOC-343 Class, Race, Ethnicity & Gender 3
ENGL-230C Literature and the Human Experience 3
COMM-201C Speech Composition and Presentation 3
SOC-265C Introduction to Behavioral Statistics 3
SOC-PLHD3Sociology Elective 3 Units 3
 Units15
Year 3 Term 1
SOC-365 Sociological Theory 3
THEO-300C Developing a Christian World View 3
SOC-PLHD6Sociology Elct 6 Units 6
ELCT-PLHD3AGeneral Elective 3 Units 3
 Units15
Year 3 Term 2
SOC-369 Research Design & Methods 3
SOC-369L Research Design & Methods Lab 1
ELCT-PLHD6Electives 6 Units 6
SOC-PLHD6Sociology Elct 6 Units 6
 Units16
Year 4 Term 1
CHIS-400C Christian Heritage 3
SOC-PLPRSociology Practicum 3
SOC-490C Senior Seminar 3
ELCT-PLHD6Electives 6 Units 6
 Units15
Year 4 Term 2
ELCT-PLHD12Electives 12 Units 12
 Units12
 Total Units120