Bachelor’s in Sociology Degree
Dive Into Social Behavior and Human Interactions
What it means to be human, how people interact with each other and how societies develop are concepts at the heart of a sociology degree. This field of study examines topics as diverse as crime, religion, social class structures and societal destabilization. Pursue your passion for cultural knowledge and societal understanding with the Bachelor of Science in Sociology at Grand Canyon University.
This degree, offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, is designed to engage you in deep thought about the common issues that affect contemporary societies. You will examine an evidence-based approach toward analyzing scientific research on topics such as human behavior, social status, family relations, race relations, income inequality, drug abuse and globalization. By developing a better understanding of the world, you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in your local, regional and global communities.
Earn Your BS in Sociology From GCU
This bachelor’s degree is a comprehensive survey of the foundational knowledge, skills and analytical framework that are essential to sociologists. In the sociology courses, you will examine these core competencies:
- The analysis of religious beliefs, practices and organizations from a sociological perspective
- The social inequality, economic, cultural, political and environmental characteristics of globalization
- The theoretical, historical and conceptual frameworks of social stratification
- Research methods such as surveys, experiments and field research as well data analysis
The degree program culminates with a capstone course. In this course, you will complete a major research project that demonstrates your skills within sociological theories and perspectives, critical reasoning, the scientific method and the Christian worldview.
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Sociology Coursework: Building a Strong Foundation
The skills taught in this undergraduate degree program are intended to serve you well throughout your professional life. Regardless of the career path you choose, you may benefit from:
- Reflecting upon how to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences
- Performing thorough research
- Applying theories for the purpose of analyzing data
- Developing key skills in critical reasoning, collaboration and servant leadership
This sociology degree offers a comprehensive curriculum that can allow you to examine multiple perspectives of societal development and human interaction. In addition, you will be taught concepts such as:
- Social structures
- Social formation
- Influences of social forces and societal change
- Dynamics of social hierarchies, wealth and power
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]
Online: $485 per credit
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]
Cost of Attendance
Career Paths for Sociology Graduates
The foundational knowledge and skills you will be taught during this degree program may help equip you to pursue a variety of potential career paths. Some individuals with a bachelor’s in sociology may choose to pursue a master’s degree. A graduate degree may provide opportunities for sociologists in academia, such as research or teaching positions. Listed below are other career areas that may be related to this program:
- Social services: Case management, youth and elderly services, government agencies and rehabilitation
- Law: Law enforcement, criminal justice, judicial affairs and probation and parole administration
- Health services: Substance abuse education, community health education, rehabilitation services, recreational therapy and family planning
- Community services: Community development, environmental advocacy, child welfare and education advocacy, urban planning and nonprofit organizations
- Business: Public relations, human resources, corporate training, media relations, marketing and sales, consumer research and real estate
Explore Sociology at an Institutionally Accredited University
At GCU, our dedication to academic excellence is reflected in our designation as an institutionally accredited university. The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Sociology Major Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about earning a sociology degree by reviewing some commonly asked questions and answers.
Students may choose to major in sociology simply because they find sociological topics and issues to be fascinating, given that they play an important role in all aspects of life. Throughout this program, you will have the opportunity to reflect upon the world around you and work toward gaining a better understanding of your own life and actions as well. You will have the opportunity to examine a broad range of topics, and it pairs well with many other minors and graduate degree programs to help you find your unique career path. Some potential professional paths include social services, criminal justice, nonprofit management, community development, education advocacy, family planning and rehabilitation services.
A BS in Sociology can teach you the foundational knowledge and skills to prepare for a variety of careers. If you have a desire to better understand complex social issues and how society influences the way we think, feel and behave, then earning a sociology degree may be worth your consideration.
Some of the careers you might decide to pursue with a sociology degree may include:
- Child, family and school social worker
- Postsecondary social work teacher
- Mental health and substance abuse social worker
- Probation officer
- Correctional treatment specialist
Depending on your desired career path, you may need to earn a graduate degree and additional certification in order to qualify for certain positions.1
An undergraduate degree in sociology teaches a diverse skill set that may be applicable to a wide range of careers in different fields, including criminal justice, social services and community health. Some may choose to apply their knowledge to other fields, such as social work, psychology or counseling. This undergraduate degree may also lead to further coursework at the graduate level, such as an MS in Sociology with an Emphasis in Education. With a graduate degree in sociology, you may decide to pursue opportunities in academia.
Sociologists may work in a variety of settings, depending on the fields they specialize in. Sociologists who specialize in the medical field — medicine, social work, public health and health services — may conduct their work in hospitals or in other clinical facilities, such as mental healthcare facilities.2
Earn your sociology degree and shape mental health in your community. Work toward a career serving others.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Community and Social Service Occupations. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
2 BestValueSchools.com Staff. (2022, Nov. 16). What is medical sociology? Retrieved June 17, 2024.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course presents a survey of the concepts, theories, and methods used by sociologists to describe and explain the effects of social structure on human behavior. It emphasizes the understanding and use of the sociological perspective in everyday life.
Course Description
This course provides a survey of the various issues and problems faced by contemporary American society, including crime, drug abuse, sexual variance, poverty, overpopulation, and family relations. Emphasis is placed upon how these problems arise from and are perpetuated by modern social structure.
Course Description
This course provides a study of social and group factors affecting individual behavior. Attention is given to the development of attitudes, roles, norms, group processes, aggression and cooperation, persuasion, stereotypes and prejudices, and social awareness. The role of culture in social processes is emphasized.
Course Description
This course provides the foundation for students to explain the profession of social work within the social context of the United States. The course explores how society influenced the development of social work as a profession in the United States. Students examine cultural values, social work values, history of social work, and selected theoretical models of social work to demonstrate how these factors influenced the adoption of the general practice framework. In a broad overview, students examine the process to help individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities evaluate and solve problems in using the micro, mezzo and macro system levels to assess the problem and make recommendations for interventions.
Course Description
This course is designed as a practical look at marriage and family life with emphasis on understanding social science research on marriage and family life and its present and future applications to the lives of students.
Course Description
This course integrates globalization concepts and theory with the social reality of the global world. The course leads the students to understand globalization’s economic, cultural, political, environmental, and social inequality characteristics. Upon completion of the course students gain a definitional and conceptual framework of globalization and its mechanisms. The course places emphasis on the student as a global citizen. Students develop a beginning framework of analysis to engage their global world.
Course Description
This course is a study of elementary theories of probability, distribution, and testing of statistical hypotheses. Practical experience is provided in the application of statistical methods. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144 or MAT-154.
Course Description
This course provides an explanation of the various methods used by social scientists to find answers to the questions posed by their subject matter, including basic terminology and concepts and practice using methods such as surveys, experiments, field research, and evaluation research, as well as some unobtrusive methods. An introduction to analysis of data obtained from research is also included.
Course Description
This course provides students with a framework to examine religious organizations as a part of a larger social order. It introduces basic concepts in the sociology of religion and briefly surveys the historical and social landscape of religion. The goal of the course is to analyze religious beliefs, practices, and organizations from a sociological perspective, with a primary focus on religion in the contemporary United States.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course is a survey of major sociological theories and theorists influencing the discipline of sociology. Immersion in both classical as well as contemporary theoretical perspectives provides a solid foundation to analyze and apply social patterns and forces that influence and shape society.
Course Description
This writing intensive course examines the theoretical, historical, and conceptual frameworks of social stratification and social inequality within the context of class, race and ethnicity, and gender. Students analyze the effect of historical events upon social inequality and the impact of those events on current trends within social institutions. Students examine strategies for change relative to social inequality and marginalization of diverse groups. Upon course completion, students are able to explain and evaluate the effects of social stratification and inequality on class, race and ethnicity, and gender in the United States. Prerequisite: SOC-400.
Course Description
This course culminates in the application of program knowledge and skill acquisition of sociological perspectives and analysis as they relate to the various content areas. Students apply theory and practical application strategies as they complete a research project that demonstrates critical thinking, using both Christian worldview, the scientific method, and sociological theory/perspectives about the effects of society upon human social behavior and human social behavior’s impact upon society. Upon course completion, students possess basic skills to engage the social world through a well-developed sociological toolkit. This capstone course needs to be completed at the end of program. Prerequisite: SOC-400.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.