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DEPARTMENT OFFICE
King Hall C3093
Phone: (323) 343-2200 FAX (323) 343-5155
E-mail: sociol@calstatela.edu
Website: http://www.calstatela.edu/academic/soc

Sociology is the scientific study of social behavior, social institutions, and social structure. It provides a background of understanding and research skills for students interested in a variety of occupations. The department’s programs prepare students for advanced professional study in sociology,  social work, and law as well as positions in public and private social service agencies. Sociology will  also appeal to students whose intellectual and career interests include working with people in business and other organizations.

Sociology majors study various subjects, including: race/ethnic relations, gender issues, interpersonal relationships, religion, law, health care, child development, aging, urban populations, social inequalities, crime, occupations, popular culture, social deviance, politics, social psychology, sociological theories, and sociological methods. The primary purpose of the academic program in sociology is to enhance students’ analytical abilities and understanding of social phenomena.

Students pursuing legal, educational, and governmental careers may benefit from sociological perspectives on human relations. Students who intend to follow careers in management, marketing, human resources, public relations, advertising, journalism, criminal justice, nursing, and comparable areas may find particular value in combining the study of sociology with their professional preparation.

Four Bachelor of Arts degree options in Sociology; minors in Sociology, in Law and Society, and in Social Gerontology; and the Master of Arts degree program are described below.

The Faculty

Professors: Cristina Bodinger-de Uriarte, Elaine Draper, Roseann Giarrusso, Hyojoung Kim, Gretchen Peterson (Chair), Jon Snodgrass.
Associate Professors: Bradley Campbell, Wai Kit Choi, Gabriela Fried Amilivia, Molly Talcott.
Assistant Professors:  Louis Esparza.
Emeriti: William D. Darrough, Marion V. Dearman, Steven L. Gordon, Lawrence K. Hong, Terry R. Kandal, Delos H. Kelly, Janet Lever, Eleni N. Pitsiou-Darrough, Fred J. Shanley, Ronald T. Tsukashima, Eui-Young Yu.

Minors in Sociology

The Department of Sociology offers minor programs for students majoring in other fields. The Minor in Sociology requires 28 units, the Law and Society Minor requires 28 units, and the Social Gerontology Minor requires 24-28 units.

Programs for this Department:

Undergraduate Major

• Sociology, B.A. 
Undergraduate Minor

• Minor in Law and Society 
• Minor in Social Gerontology 
• Minor in Sociology 
Graduate Major

• Sociology, M.A. 
 

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