| Job Title | Typical Education | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers | Bachelor Degree | $82,240 |
| Labor Relations Specialists | Bachelor Degree | $83,547 |
| Climate Change Analysts | Master's or Professional Degree | $82,039 |
| Historians | Master's or Professional Degree | $69,065 |
About the Sociology Program
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and human behavior. It seeks to understand all aspects of human social behavior, including the behavior of individuals, as well as the social dynamics of small groups, large organizations, communities, institutions, and entire societies. Students of Sociology study a broad array of topics, including social networks, gender roles and relationships, family structure and behavior, interpersonal relationships and processes, urban development, historical societies and economies, rural social trends, social movements, gang violence, current immigration issues, race and ethnic relations, and crime and incarceration. Sociology looks for what is universal, as well as what varies across societies and groups, and Sociology courses explore social change and provide a lens into the complexity of the causes and consequences of human behavior. The results of sociological investigations help develop new theories and inform social policy, programs, and laws.
Sociology intersects with many other disciplines. Economics and politics, for example, are common concerns of sociologists; but the difference is that Sociology tends to approach these issues as part of a complex system, rather than independent features of society. Sociology is concerned foremost with interrogating how social institutions and social structure shape individuals’ and groups’ experiences, identities, social locations, and life chances. Sociology’s breadth is particularly valuable in our increasingly global, interdependent world.
Students who major in Sociology learn to deal creatively with new and challenging problems, and are typically motivated both by the desire to better understand the fundamental principles of social life, as well as by the conviction that an understanding of these principles may aid in the formulation of more enlightened, effective, equity-minded social policy.
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Program Paths
Sociology
Associate in Arts for Transfer
This program involves the scientific study of society, social institutions, and social relationships. The course of study provides students the opportunity to acquire skills in research, information gathering, analytical and critical thinking, problem-solving, and written and verbal communication.
Transfer Preparation
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university. Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
Potential Career Options
Sociology provides a strong intellectual foundation for students to enter a wide range of occupational areas, including social research, policy analysis, government agencies, social and human services, counseling, community planning, health services, market research, public relations, journalism, teaching, law and criminal justice, and nonprofit organizations.
Sociologists
Salary: $101,425
Typical Education Doctoral Degree
What We Offer
Sociology
Social Science Research Assistants
Salary: $82,240
Typical Education Bachelor Degree
What We Offer
Sociology
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Salary: $82,451
Typical Education Doctoral Degree
What We Offer
Sociology
Resources and Transfer
Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should meet with a counselor to discuss which courses need to be taken at SMC before applying to your designer colleges/universities.
Student Resources
We know college isn't always easy. We are here to help as you navigate through your SMC journey. This resource connects to information about Financial Aid, Tutoring Services, the Center for Wellness and Wellbeing and much more!
Transfers
Political Science is a career education program that does not directly lead to transfer. Students planning to transfer should talk immediately with an Academic Counselor to discuss what SMC courses will help you transfer.
Career Opportunities
Consider scheduling an appointment with a career advisor with knowledge of the political science profession to discuss internship and jobs as well as steps you can take to become job ready.