Information for Prospective Sociology Students
Welcome to the Sociology Department at Western Washington University. Included here is information to assist you in deciding whether Sociology is the field you wish to study, as well as information to get you started in our department. Please explore all the links provided throughout this site. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
What is Sociology?
The topics that sociologists examine encompass the world around us--families, schools, government, prisons, the world of work, cities and neighborhoods, friendships. Some might say that the role of the sociologist is to render the familiar unfamiliar. Sociologists attempt to gain understanding of important social processes by way of a wide range of theories and methodological approaches. We utilize many different kinds of information sources in our work, including for example, census data, historical documents, transcripts from interviews, survey results, and observations of group behavior.Why Study Sociology?
The Sociology Department at Western has designed a curricular structure that will provide majors opportunities to gain both a wide range of understanding of various sub-areas within sociology as well as more in-depth knowledge of particular areas. Regardless of the particular curricular plan chosen, sociology students will develop critical thinking, oral and written communication skills, and a familiarity with technology that will significantly enhance students' future career options.
Recent sociology graduates have obtained positions in a variety of fields including criminal justice, corrections, education, social service, business management, among many others. Many graduates have found that the skills acquired in our program have prepared them for further academic studies in sociology, demography, law, social work, and education.
For more information, see Career Options.
Program Options: Majors and Minors
Please see Plans of Study for program options in the Sociology Department.
Applying for Admission to Western
For information about applying for admission to Western, contact the Admissions Office, Old Main 200, (360) 650-3440. If you're thinking about transferring to Western and you're wondering what courses will apply toward the major in Sociology, contact the Sociology Advisor. For advice about General University Requirements (GUR's), contact the Academic Advising Center.
Declaring Pre-Major Status
Pre-major status is available through Summer 2012. Pre-major status will provide registration access for SOC 210 and SOC 302. Applications for pre-major status are due well in advance of registration-Phase I, to allow enough time for the Declaration Card to be processed prior to the start of registration.
Declaring the Sociology Major
The number of students admitted to the major is limited as a result of the structure of the sociology curriculum and departmental staffing capabilities. Students wishing to major in Sociology must submit an application to our Sociology Advisor.
Select from the following for your admission paperwork:
Registering for Classes
Need help?
Please contact Sociology Advisor.