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Sociology

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Sociology

The sociology program at Sacramento City College offers a number of classes and hands on opportunities for students to develop a sociological imagination and an applied skill set. Students are exposed to the theoretical and critical thinking framework that promotes a sophisticated understanding of social interaction and provides an excellent foundation for transfer to a four-year institution or entry into the work force. The sociology program offers related degrees in community studies and intercultural studies as well as emphases in women and gender studies, crime and justice studies, and environmental studies. The department has a shared value of social justice that underscores the program and related student opportunities. Students can gain valuable tools in direct service, research, deviance and crime, and community development that support the professional proficiency needed for jobs in the growing fields of community planning and development, education, law and law enforcement, many profit and non-profit sectors, and social work.

The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):

(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements (CSU GE-Breadth).
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3) 3
SOC 301 Social Problems (3) 3
STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4) 3 - 4
   or STAT 480 Introduction to Probability and Statistics - Honors (4)
   or PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
SOC 302 Introduction to Social Research Methods (3)
SOC 310 Marriage and the Family (3)
SOC 318 Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3)
   or ADMJ 349 Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
   or SOC 482 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States - Honors (3)
SOC 341 Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)
PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
SOC 305 Critical Thinking in the Social Sciences (3)
SOC 319 Sociology of Law and Justice (3)
SOC 335 Sociology of Aging (3)
   or GERON 300 Sociology of Aging (3)
SOC 343 Women and Social Action (3)
SOC 344 Sociology of Women's Health (3)
SOC 345 Global Women's Issues (3)
   or WGS 302 Global Women's Issues (3)
SOC 347 Women, Globalization, and Human Rights (3)
   or WGS 304 Women, Globalization, and Human Rights (3)
SOC 350 Sociology of Popular Culture (3)
SOC 375 Introduction to Community Building and Change Making (3)
   or CSP 302 Introduction to Community Building and Change Making (3)
SOC 380 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services (3)
   or CSP 300 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services (3)
SOC 382 Introduction to Casework in Social Services (3)
   or CSP 301 Introduction to Casework in Social Services (3)
SOC 385 Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work (2 - 4)
   or CSP 305 Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work (2 - 4)
Total Units: 18 - 19

The Associate in Arts in Sociology for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • articulate and apply the core principles of the sociological perspective to the study of social institutions and everyday life.
  • assess, analyze, and apply sociological theories and social research methods.
  • examine and develop an understanding of the social construction of reality and social categories.
  • evaluate the processes of social inequality, stratification and agency through a social justice lens.

Career Information

Sociologists with graduate degrees may teach at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Research sociologists may manage and execute research at the local, state, and federal levels and in both private and public sector industry. Additional careers facilitated by advanced study of sociology include public policy analysis, jurisprudence, and careers in international fields. Applied sociologists work with social service agencies and community programs developing resources for various populations, i.e. at-risk-youth, the elderly or people experiencing challenges related to poverty, substance abuse, or the justice system. Sociology majors are encouraged to participate in community activities and community service internships and often attend relevant guest lectures and public events.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Intercultural Studies

The Intercultural Studies Associate in Arts degree prepares students for careers in which they will interact with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds. The Intercultural Studies major is an interdisciplinary major drawing from coursework in sociology, history, humanities, geography, anthropology, and a foreign language.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3) 3
   or ANTH 481 Honors Cultural Anthropology (3)
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication 3
ETHNS 300 Introduction to Ethnic Studies 3
GEOG 310 Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes 3
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
HIST 307 History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3)
HIST 308 History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
HIST 360 History of African Civilizations (3)
HIST 364 Asian Civilization (3)
HIST 365 Asian Civilization (3)
HIST 373 History of Mexico (3)
HIST 380 History of the Middle East (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ARTH 320 Multicultural Art in America (3)
ARTH 324 Art of the Americas (3)
ARTH 328 Survey of African Art (3)
ARTH 332 Asian Art (3)
ENGLT 345 Mythologies of the World (3)
ENGLT 480 World Literature: Antiquity to the Early Modern World - Honors (3)
ENGLT 481 World Literature: Seventeenth Century to Present - Honors (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
   or SOC 482 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States - Honors (3)
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 81
ARABIC 401 Elementary Arabic (5)
and ARABIC 402 Elementary Arabic (5)
CANT 401 Elementary Cantonese (4)
   or CANT 402 Elementary Cantonese (4)
   or CANT 411 Intermediate Cantonese (4)
   or CANT 412 Intermediate Cantonese (4)
DEAF 310 American Sign Language I (4)
   or DEAF 312 American Sign Language II (4)
   or DEAF 314 American Sign Language III (4)
   or DEAF 316 American Sign Language IV (4)
FREN 401 Elementary French (4)
   or FREN 402 Elementary French (4)
   or FREN 411 Intermediate French (4)
   or FREN 412 Intermediate French (4)
GREEK 401 Elementary Modern Standard Greek (4)
and GREEK 402 Elementary Modern Standard Greek (4)
ITAL 401 Elementary Italian (4)
and ITAL 402 Elementary Italian (4)
JAPAN 401 Elementary Japanese (4)
   or JAPAN 402 Elementary Japanese (4)
   or JAPAN 411 Intermediate Japanese (4)
   or JAPAN 412 Intermediate Japanese (4)
KOREAN 401 Elementary Korean (4)
and KOREAN 402 Elementary Korean (4)
MAND 401 Elementary Mandarin (4)
   or MAND 402 Elementary Mandarin (4)
   or MAND 411 Intermediate Mandarin (4)
   or MAND 412 Intermediate Mandarin (4)
PRSIAN 401 Elementary Persian (4)
and PRSIAN 402 Elementary Persian (4)
PNJABI 401 Elementary Punjabi (4)
and PNJABI 402 Elementary Punjabi (4)
RUSS 401 Elementary Russian (4)
   or RUSS 402 Elementary Russian (4)
   or RUSS 411 Intermediate Russian (4)
   or RUSS 412 Intermediate Russian (4)
SPAN 401 Elementary Spanish I (4)
   or SPAN 402 Elementary Spanish II (4)
   or SPAN 411 Intermediate Spanish (4)
   or SPAN 412 Intermediate Spanish (4)
   or SPAN 413 Spanish for Native Speakers I (4)
   or SPAN 415 Spanish for Native Speakers II (4)
TGLG 401 Elementary Tagalog (4)
and TGLG 402 Elementary Tagalog (4)
VIET 401 Elementary Vietnamese (4)
and VIET 402 Elementary Vietnamese (4)
Total Units: 26

1Students must choose only one language to fulfill the 8 unit requirement.

The Intercultural Studies Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local SCC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • explain the ways in which culture and knowledge interconnect with the past, present, and future of human society.
  • integrate content knowledge into critical thinking skills around issues of culture, cultural variation, and intercultural interactions, conflicts and collaborations.
  • demonstrate competence in intercultural communication skills essential to success in a globalized and multicultural workplace.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the role of culture, geography, and history in diverse human societies and social contexts, both international and domestic.
  • communicate with at least basic proficiency in a foreign language, including American Sign Language.
  • demonstrate the ability to apply social science principles, humanities content knowledge, and intercultural communication skills in the workplace.

Career Information

The degree in Intercultural Studies is designed to prepare students to work in international business, international marketing, international affairs, import-export trade, teaching, social work, public relations, international law, law enforcement, and lobbying.


A.A. in Social Work and Community Studies

Social Work and Community Studies is an applied sociology program that provides a foundation for students to explore the social services, community development practices, and social justice efforts needed to address social inequities. Sociological theory and research principles will guide critical academic exploration and development, which will be applied to hands-on practicum field experience(s) under the supervision of faculty and professionals in the community. The A.A. degree and certificate in Social Work and Community Studies will offer additional broader employment options and career advancement opportunities. This program was formerly known as Community Studies.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
CSP 300 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services (3) 3
   or SOC 380 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services (3)
CSP 301 Introduction to Casework in Social Services (3) 3
   or SOC 382 Introduction to Casework in Social Services (3)
CSP 302 Introduction to Community Building and Change Making (3) 3
   or SOC 375 Introduction to Community Building and Change Making (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3) 3
   or SOC 482 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States - Honors (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
CSP 305 Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work (2 - 4)
   or SOC 385 Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work (2 - 4)
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
ADMJ 304 Juvenile Delinquency (3)
ADMJ 340 Introduction to Correctional Services (3)
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
   or EDUC 300 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
PSYC 390 Psychology of Death and Dying (3)
PSYC 405 Substance Abuse: Effects on Body and Behavior (3)
   or ADMJ 303 Substance Abuse: Effects on Body and Behavior (3)
SOC 301 Social Problems (3)
SOC 310 Marriage and the Family (3)
SOC 318 Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3)
   or ADMJ 349 Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3)
SOC 335 Sociology of Aging (3)
   or GERON 300 Sociology of Aging (3)
SOC 343 Women and Social Action (3)
Total Units: 21

The Social Work and Community Studies Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local SCC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of the social services, community development practice, and related public policy.
  • identify, analyze, and help to construct strategies for social change through participation in the social justice work of an organization.
  • analyze how communities attempt to overcome problems associated with inequality, cultural stigma, prejudice, and discrimination.
  • analyze social service and community development organizational structures and their functions.
  • identify and evaluate the various roles of a community worker.
  • assess, compare, and develop core interventions and community resources.
  • integrate personal sensitivity and awareness of the cultural diversity of clients, professionals, and communities.
  • assess and apply knowledge of existing professional codes of ethics and laws related to the social services and community development.

Career Information

The degree and certificate in Social Work and Community Studies are designed to prepare students to work in public, private, and nonprofit community service organizations such as social service, educational, correctional, mental health, community development and community health agencies, and programs. The A.A. degree may also serve as the first level of education in a career ladder leading to a BA in social work, community development, or sociology and then on to advanced study in a variety of graduate programs leading to masters and doctoral degrees.


A.A. in Sociology

The sociology program at Sacramento City College offers a number of classes and hands on opportunities for students to develop a sociological imagination and an applied skill set. Students are exposed to the theoretical and critical thinking framework that promotes a sophisticated understanding of social interaction and provides an excellent foundation for transfer to a four-year institution or entry into the work force. The sociology program offers related degrees in community studies and intercultural studies as well as emphases in women and gender studies, crime and justice studies, and environmental studies. The department has a shared value of social justice that underscores the program and related student opportunities. Students can gain valuable tools in direct service, research, deviance and crime, and community development that support the professional proficiency needed for jobs in the growing fields of community planning and development, education, law and law enforcement, many profit and non-profit sectors, and social work.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3) 3
SOC 301 Social Problems (3) 3
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3) 3
   or SOC 482 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States - Honors (3)
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
SOC 302 Introduction to Social Research Methods (3)
SOC 305 Critical Thinking in the Social Sciences (3)
SOC 310 Marriage and the Family (3)
SOC 318 Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3)
   or ADMJ 349 Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3)
SOC 341 Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
Any course not used from previous list or any course from the following list.
PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)
SOC 319 Sociology of Law and Justice (3)
SOC 335 Sociology of Aging (3)
   or GERON 300 Sociology of Aging (3)
SOC 343 Women and Social Action (3)
SOC 344 Sociology of Women's Health (3)
SOC 345 Global Women's Issues (3)
   or WGS 302 Global Women's Issues (3)
SOC 347 Women, Globalization, and Human Rights (3)
   or WGS 304 Women, Globalization, and Human Rights (3)
SOC 350 Sociology of Popular Culture (3)
SOC 375 Introduction to Community Building and Change Making (3)
   or CSP 302 Introduction to Community Building and Change Making (3)
SOC 380 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services (3)
   or CSP 300 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services (3)
SOC 382 Introduction to Casework in Social Services (3)
   or CSP 301 Introduction to Casework in Social Services (3)
SOC 385 Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work (2 - 4)
   or CSP 305 Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work (2 - 4)
Total Units: 18

The Sociology Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local SCC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • articulate and apply the core principles of the sociological perspective to the study of social institutions and everyday life.
  • assess, analyze, and apply sociological theories and social research methods.
  • examine and develop an understanding of the social construction of reality and social categories.
  • evaluate the processes of social inequality, stratification and agency through a social justice lens.

Career Information

Sociologists may teach at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Research sociologists may manage and execute research at the local, state, and federal levels and in both private and public sector industry. Additional careers facilitated by advanced study of sociology include public policy analysis, jurisprudence, and careers in international fields. Applied sociologists work with social service agencies and community programs in developing resources for various populations, e.g. at-risk-youth, the elderly, or people experiencing challenges related to poverty, substance abuse, or the justice system.

Certificate of Achievement

Social Work and Community Studies Certificate

Social Work and Community Studies is an applied sociology program that provides a foundation for students to explore the social services, community development practices, and social justice efforts needed to address social inequities. Sociological theory and research principles will guide critical academic exploration and development, which will be applied to hands-on practicum field experience(s) under the supervision of faculty and professionals in the community. The A.A. degree and certificate in Social Work and Community Studies will offer additional broader employment options and career advancement opportunities. This program was formerly known as Community Studies.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
CSP 300 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services (3) 3
   or SOC 380 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services (3)
CSP 301 Introduction to Casework in Social Services (3) 3
   or SOC 382 Introduction to Casework in Social Services (3)
CSP 302 Introduction to Community Building and Change Making (3) 3
   or SOC 375 Introduction to Community Building and Change Making (3)
SOC 321 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3) 3
   or SOC 482 Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States - Honors (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
CSP 305 Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work (2 - 4)
   or SOC 385 Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work (2 - 4)
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
ADMJ 304 Juvenile Delinquency (3)
ADMJ 340 Introduction to Correctional Services (3)
COMM 325 Intercultural Communication (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
   or EDUC 300 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
PSYC 390 Psychology of Death and Dying (3)
PSYC 405 Substance Abuse: Effects on Body and Behavior (3)
   or ADMJ 303 Substance Abuse: Effects on Body and Behavior (3)
SOC 301 Social Problems (3)
SOC 310 Marriage and the Family (3)
SOC 318 Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3)
   or ADMJ 349 Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3)
SOC 335 Sociology of Aging (3)
   or GERON 300 Sociology of Aging (3)
SOC 343 Women and Social Action (3)
Total Units: 21

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of the social services, community development practice, and related public policy.
  • identify, analyze, and help to construct strategies for social change through participation in the social justice work of an organization.
  • analyze how communities attempt to overcome problems associated with inequality, cultural stigma, prejudice, and discrimination.
  • analyze social service and community development organizational structures and their functions.
  • identify and evaluate the various roles of a community worker.
  • assess, compare, and develop core interventions and community resources.
  • integrate personal sensitivity and awareness of the cultural diversity of clients, professionals, and communities.
  • assess and apply knowledge of existing professional codes of ethics and laws related to the social services and community development.

Career Information

The degree and certificate in Social Work and Community Studies are designed to prepare students to work in public, private, and nonprofit community service organizations such as social service, educational, correctional, mental health, community development and community health agencies, and programs. The A.A. degree may also serve as the first level of education in a career ladder leading to a BA in social work, community development, or sociology and then on to advanced study in a variety of graduate programs leading to masters and doctoral degrees.