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 We utilize many different kinds of information sources in our work, including for example, census data, historical documents, transcripts from interviews, survey results, and observations of group behavior.Why Study Sociology?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
The department has programs leading to the B.A. and B.S. in Sociology and the B.A. in Education (elementary). We also offer a combined Sociology-Social Studies major, (with an option for certification in secondary education). Three different minors are also available: Sociology (general), Criminology/Sociology of Law, and Demography.For information about each of these options, see Plans of Study.
Applying To Western
For information about applying to Western, contact the Admissions Office, Old Main 200, (360) 650-3440. An Undergraduate Application for Admission is required of all freshmen, transfer and post baccalaureate applicants. 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 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 the Department on or before Friday of the 2nd week of fall, winter, spring, or summer quarter. Students will receive notification regarding their admission status during the third week of classes.
Admission to the major is contingent on space available on a quarterly basis.
Applications require the following minimum qualifications:
- Successful completion of at least 45 college-level credits
- Successful completion or current enrollment in Soc 210
- Successful completion of at least 10 credits in Sociology at Western
- A minimum (cumulative) Western gpa of 2.7 (based on at least 12 credits); OR a minimum (average) gpa of 3.0 earned in Sociology courses taken at Western.
- A student who has met the first three criteria but has not attained the minimum GPA requirements may apply for admission to the Department in any quarter. The petitioning student’s admission will be based on a combination of overall GPA, sociology GPA, and available space.
Registering For Classes
See our classes and registration page for instructions on how to register for classes.
Need Help?
If you need help or any other information, contact the Sociology Advisor.