Sociology is the study of human social behavior, groups, and how environments influence behavior. Sociologists focus on the origins, organization, institutions, and developments of society.

Students take courses to prepare for a sociology major or to fulfill general education requirements. Career options include social work, human services, law enforcement, legal professions, business, and teaching.

Academic and Career Pathway

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Contact Information

Chair: Bruce Hoskins Dean: Michael Fino https://www.miracosta.edu/academics/degree-and-certificate-programs/social-and-behavioral-sciences/sociology/index.html

Department: Sociology Office: Building OC3100, 760.795.6871

Full-Time Faculty

Sean Davis Thao Ha Bruce Hoskins Alicia Lopez

Associate Degree

Associate in Arts Degree

Sociology for Transfer 

Students completing this associate degree will have completed lower-division major preparation requirements for a sociology degree, an emphasis or option within a sociology degree, or a degree considered similar to sociology at a participating California State University (CSU) campus. 

Following transfer to a participating CSU campus, students will be required to complete no more than 60 units to obtain a bachelor’s degree; however, some CSU campuses may require additional lower-division major preparation. This degree may not be appropriate preparation for students transferring to a CSU campus not accepting this degree or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a MiraCosta counselor for further information regarding the most efficient pathway to transfer as a sociology major and to determine which CSU campuses are participating in this program.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
• Complete all courses required in the major with a “C” or "P" or better.
• Complete the CSU-GE (Plan B) or IGETC (Plan C)* general education pattern. *Students completing IGETC may be awarded the degree, but they must complete a course from Area IC: Oral Communication to meet CSU admission requirements.
• Obtain a minimum CSU-transferable GPA of 2.0.
• Complete a minimum of 12 units in residence at MiraCosta College.

Required Core: Complete 10 units
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology *, **	3
or SOC 101H	Introduction to Sociology (Honors)
SOC 102	Contemporary Social Problems *	3
SOC 125	Introduction to Statistics in Sociology *,**	4
or PSYC 104	Statistics for Behavioral Science
or PSYC 104H	Statistics for Behavioral Science (Honors)
List A: 6 units. Select two courses.		6
SOC/PSYC 103	Social Psychology *
SOC 130	Introduction to Gender Studies *
SOC/PSYC 145	Psychology/Sociology of the Family *
SOC 205	Introduction to Research Methods in Sociology
SOC/ETHN 207	Race and Ethnic Relations *
List B: 3 units. Select one course.		3
Any course from List A not already used.
BLST 100	Introduction to Black Studies
CCS 100	Introduction to Chicana/o Studies
CCS 232	Critical Issues in Chicana and Latina Studies
or SOC 232	Critical Issues in Chicana and Latina Studies
SOC 105	Introduction to Justice Studies *
SOC 120	Introduction to Women's Studies *
SOC 140	Introduction to LGBT Studies *
SOC 250	Introduction to Pacific Studies *
Total Units		19

*

Course satisfies a general education requirement on the CSU-GE or IGETC general education (GE) pattern. To ensure this degree is completed with no more than 60 units, students should select courses that will also satisfy a GE requirement. Note: All of the statistics and honors courses listed are also GE courses.

**

Course is required major preparation at CSU San Marcos (CSUSM). Students planning to transfer to CSUSM are advised to select these courses to complete this degree. For more information on this major at CSUSM, please refer to the articulation agreement at assist.org.

Note:

Students are strongly advised to select courses that meet lower-division major preparation requirements at their transfer university and to complete the History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement prior to transfer.

Associate in Arts Degree

Social Justice Studies for Transfer: African American Studies

Students completing this associate degree will have completed lower-division major preparation requirements for an African American Studies degree, an emphasis or option within a social justice/African American Studies degree, or a degree considered similar to African American Studies at a participating California State University (CSU) campus.

Following transfer to a participating CSU campus, students will be required to complete no more than 60 units to obtain a bachelor's degree; however, some CSU campuses accepting this degree may require additional lower-division major preparation. This degree may not be appropriate preparation for students transferring to a CSU campus not accepting this degree or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a MiraCosta College counselor for further information regarding the most efficient pathway to transfer as an African American Studies major and to determine which CSU campuses are participating in this program.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
• Complete all courses required in the major with a “C” or "P" or better.
• Complete the CSU-GE (Plan B) or IGETC (Plan C)* general education pattern. *Students completing IGETC may be awarded the degree, but they must complete a course from Area 1C: Oral Communication to meet CSU admission requirements.
• Obtain a minimum CSU-transferable GPA of 2.0.
• Complete a minimum of 12 units in residence at MiraCosta College.

Program Student Learning Outcome

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to assess the impact of historical and cultural African American experiences in the United States and examine how those influences shape the contemporary African American experience.

Course Requirements

Required courses:
SOC 207	Race and Ethnic Relations *	3
or BLST 100	Introduction to Black Studies
SOC 120	Introduction to Women's Studies *	3
or SOC 130	Introduction to Gender Studies
or SOC 140	Introduction to LGBT Studies
SOC 105	Introduction to Justice Studies *	3
List A:		16
DRAM 222	Introduction to Black Theater *
HIST 145	African American History to 1877 *
or HIST 145H	African American History to 1877 (Honors)
HIST 146	African American History Since 1877 *
or HIST 146H	African American History Since 1877 (Honors)
LIT 122	Introduction to African American Literature *
SOC 125	Introduction to Statistics in Sociology *
Total Units		25

*

Course satisfies a general education requirement on the CSU-GE or IGETC general education (GE) pattern. To ensure this degree is completed with no more than 60 units, students should select courses that will also satisfy a GE requirement. Note: All of the courses listed are GE courses.

Note:

Students are strongly advised to select courses that meet lower-division major preparation requirements at their transfer university and to complete the History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement prior to transfer.

Associate in Arts Degree

Social Justice Studies for Transfer: Chicano Studies

Students completing this associate degree will have completed lower-division major preparation requirements for a Chicano/a studies degree, an emphasis or option within a social justice/Chicano/a studies degree, or a degree considered similar to Chicano/a studies at a participating California State University (CSU) campus.

Following transfer to a participating CSU campus, students will be required to complete no more than 60 units to obtain a bachelor's degree; however, some CSU campuses accepting this degree may require additional lower-division major preparation. This degree may not be appropriate preparation for students transferring to a CSU campus not accepting this degree or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a MiraCosta counselor for further information regarding the most efficient pathway to transfer as a Chicano Studies studies major and to determine which CSU campuses are participating in this program.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units. 
• Complete all courses required in the major with a “C” or "P" or better.
• Complete the CSU-GE (Plan B) or IGETC (Plan C)* general education pattern. *Students completing IGETC may be awarded the degree, but they must complete a course from Area 1C: Oral Communication to meet CSU admission requirements.
• Obtain a minimum CSU-transferable GPA of 2.0.
• Complete a minimum of 12 units in residence at MiraCosta College.

Program Student Learning Outcome

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to assess the impact of historical and cultural Chicano/x and Latinx experiences in the United States and examine how those influences shape the contemporary Chicano/x and Latinx experience.

Course Requirements

Required courses:
CCS 100	Introduction to Chicana/o Studies	3
CCS 232	Critical Issues in Chicana and Latina Studies	3
or SOC 232	Critical Issues in Chicana and Latina Studies
ETHN 207	Race and Ethnic Relations	3
or SOC 207	Race and Ethnic Relations
List A: Select 3 courses.		9
HIST 141	Mexican American History Through 1877 *
or HIST 141H	Mexican American History Through 1877 (Honors)
HIST 142	Mexican American History Since 1877 *
or HIST 142H	Mexican American History Since 1877 (Honors)
LIT 100	Introduction to Chicano Chicana Literature *
Total Hours		18

*

Course satisfies a general education requirement on the CSU-GE or IGETC general education (GE) pattern. To ensure this degree is completed with no more than 60 units, students should select courses that will also satisfy a GE requirement. Note: All of the honors courses listed are also GE courses.

Note:

Students are strongly advised to select courses that meet lower-division major preparation requirements at their transfer university and to complete the History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement prior to transfer.

Associate in Arts Degree

Social Justice Studies for Transfer: Gender Studies

Students completing this associate degree will have completed lower-division major preparation requirements for a gender studies degree, an emphasis or option within a social justice/gender studies degree, or a degree considered similar to gender studies at a participating California State University (CSU) campus.

Following transfer to a participating CSU campus, students will be required to complete no more than 60 units to obtain a bachelor's degree; however, some CSU campuses accepting this degree may require additional lower-division major preparation. This degree may not be appropriate preparation for students transferring to a CSU campus not accepting this degree or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a MiraCosta counselor for further information regarding the most efficient pathway to transfer as a social justice/gender studies major and to determine which CSU campuses are participating in this program.

Graduation Requirements

•  Complete a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
•  Complete all courses required in the major with a “C” or "P" or better.
•  Complete the CSU-GE (Plan B) or IGETC (Plan C)* general education pattern. *Students completing IGETC may be awarded the degree, but they must complete a course from Area 1C: Oral Communication to meet CSU admission requirements. 
•  Obtain a minimum CSU-transferable GPA of 2.0.
•  Complete a minimum of 12 units in residence at MiraCosta College.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to do the following:

• Articulate gender dynamics in face-to-face interaction, group settings, and large-scale social institutions. 
• Describe the ways in which gender interacts and intersects with race. class, sexualities, ethnicity, age, ability, and other identities to help shape a person's experiences in society. 
• Articulate the historical and contemporary issues pertaining to the social status of LGBTQA + identified people. 

Course Requirements

Required courses:
SOC 130	Introduction to Gender Studies *	3
SOC 140	Introduction to LGBT Studies *	3
SOC 207	Race and Ethnic Relations *	3
List A:
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology *	3
or SOC 101H	Introduction to Sociology (Honors)
SOC 105	Introduction to Justice Studies *	3
PSYC 104	Statistics for Behavioral Science *	4
or PSYC 104H	Statistics for Behavioral Science (Honors)
or SOC 125	Introduction to Statistics in Sociology
Total Units		19

*

Course satisfies a general education requirement on the CSU-GE or IGETC general education (GE) pattern. To ensure this degree is completed with no more than 60 units, students should select courses that will also satisfy a GE requirement. Note: All of the courses listed are GE courses.

Note:

Students are strongly advised to select courses that meet lower-division major preparation requirements at their transfer university and to complete the History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement prior to transfer.

Associate in Arts Degree

Social Justice Studies for Transfer: LGBTQ Studies

Students completing this associate degree will have completed lower-division major preparation requirements for a LGBTQ studies degree, an emphasis or option within a social justice/LGBTQ studies degree, or a degree considered similar to LGBTQ studies at a participating California State University (CSU) campus.

Following transfer to a participating CSU campus, students will be required to complete no more than 60 units to obtain a bachelor's degree; however, some CSU campuses accepting this degree may require additional lower-division major preparation. This degree may not be appropriate preparation for students transferring to a CSU campus not accepting this degree or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a MiraCosta counselor for further information regarding the most efficient pathway to transfer as a social justice/LGBTQ studies major and to determine which CSU campuses are participating in this program.

Graduation Requirements

•  Complete a minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
•  Complete all courses required in the major with a “C” or "P" or better.
•  Complete the CSU-GE (Plan B) or IGETC (Plan C)* general education pattern. *Students completing IGETC may be awarded the degree, but they must complete a course from Area 1C: Oral Communication to meet CSU admission requirements.
•  Obtain a minimum CSU-transferable GPA of 2.0.
•  Complete a minimum of 12 units in residence at MiraCosta College.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to do the following:

• Articulate gender dynamics in face-to-face interaction, group settings, and large-scale social institutions.
• Describe the ways in which gender interacts and intersects with race, class, sexualities, ethnicity, age, ability, and other identities to help shape a person's experiences in society.

Course Requirements

Required courses:
SOC 130	Introduction to Gender Studies *	3
SOC 140	Introduction to LGBT Studies *	3
SOC 207	Race and Ethnic Relations *	3
List A:
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology *	3
or SOC 101H	Introduction to Sociology (Honors)
SOC 105	Introduction to Justice Studies *	3
PSYC 104	Statistics for Behavioral Science *	4
or PSYC 104H	Statistics for Behavioral Science (Honors)
or SOC 125	Introduction to Statistics in Sociology
Total Units		19

*

Course satisfies a general education requirement on the CSU-GE or IGETC general education (GE) pattern. To ensure this degree is completed with no more than 60 units, students should select courses that will also satisfy a GE requirement. Note: All of the courses listed are GE courses.

Note:

Students are strongly advised to select courses that meet lower-division major preparation requirements at their transfer university and to complete the History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement prior to transfer.

Certificates

Certificate of Proficiency

Research Fundamentals

The certificate in Research Fundamentals emphasizes the skills needed to interpret research data and conduct basic research in accordance with the procedures and methods of behavioral science.

The certificate is designed for individuals interested in learning research skills and for those who need assistance in improving these skills for their work.

Required courses:
PSYC 104	Statistics for Behavioral Science	4
or PSYC 104H	Statistics for Behavioral Science (Honors)
or SOC 125	Introduction to Statistics in Sociology
LIBR 101	Introduction to Library Research	1
Select at least three elective units from the following:		3
PSYC 101	General Psychology
or PSYC 101H	General Psychology (Honors)
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology
or SOC 101H	Introduction to Sociology (Honors)
ADM 100	Introduction to the Administration of Justice
Select one course from the following electives:		3
PSYC 205	Research Methods in Psychology
SOC 205	Introduction to Research Methods in Sociology
LIBR 201	Media & Information Literacy
or LIBR 201H	Media & Information Literacy (Honors)
Total Units		11

Certificate of Proficiency

Volunteer Services

This certificate offers students core courses in behavioral science combined with at least one behavioral science course that offers service learning. The academic courses provide a fundamental understanding of human behavior. A course that includes service learning requires volunteering in the community combined with written reflection on the volunteer experience. This certificate emphasizes working directly with people in need within the service-learning tradition, and it integrates academics with practice.

This certificate can enrich the service of experienced volunteers, guide those interested in volunteering for the first time and transfer students interested in teaching and social service agency work, and provide early experience in public service.

Students need to contact the Service Learning Office for information about instructors in behavioral science who offer service learning. In addition, students must provide verification of their volunteer participation through the Service Learning Office to earn the certificate.

Required courses:
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology	3
or SOC 101H	Introduction to Sociology (Honors)
SOC 102	Contemporary Social Problems	3
Select at least 5 elective units from the following:		5
CHLD 210	Child, Family, and Community
PSYC/SOC 103	Social Psychology
PSYC/SOC 145	Psychology/Sociology of the Family
Total Units		11

How to Read Course Descriptions

For more detailed information about a course, such as its content, objectives, and fulfillment of a degree, certificate, or general education requirement, please see the official course outline of record, available on the Courses and Programs webpage.