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The Bachelor of Science in Sociology degree encourages students to think deeply and seriously, using both the Christian and scientific perspectives, about the consequences of social structures upon human social behavior in its many diverse contexts.
A sociology degree can prepare students for a wide variety of careers including those in social services, social research, data analysis and human resources. Examples of the types of jobs an individual with a sociology degree may wish to pursue include: a worker‛s advocate, youth services provider, probation/parole officer, police officer, FBI agent, recreational therapist, grass roots/human rights organizer, community relations, community health education, data analyst for local and state government, employment specialist, and human resources generalist.
Sociology students will explore the various issues and problems faced by contemporary American society including crime, drug abuse, sexual variance, poverty, overpopulation and family relations.
This sociology degree also examines the variety of cultures that have developed in human society including preliterate peoples in comparison with contemporary as well as other cultures. Students will learn how to apply sociological research on marriage and family life to students‛ past and future lives. Minority groups in the United States and their sociological significance in the history of the nation and current culture are studied. Students will also investigate the dynamics of hierarchies of power, wealth and prestige within and among human social systems, with particular attention given to the causes and effects of marked inequity.
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.
| Competency | Requirements | GCU Course Options | Total Credits |
| University Foundations | 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. Students with fewer than 24 credits will fulfill the University Foundations requirement with a specified lower-division course. An upper-division selection will be made available to students that enter the university with more than 24 credits. | UNV-103/303, University Success: 4 credits UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4 credits |
4 credits |
| Effective Communication | 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. | UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits |
9-12 credits |
| Christian Worldview | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV 101. | CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4 credits | 4 credits |
| Critical Thinking | 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. | PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4 credits MAT-134, Applications of Algebra: 4 credits BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4 credits |
11-12 credits |
| Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics | 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, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). | HIS-221, Themes in U. S. History: 4 credits PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course. |
6-8 credits |
| Course # | Course Title | Course Description | Credits |
| SOC-102 | Principles of Sociology | 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. | 4 |
| SOC-220 | Social Problems | 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. | 4 |
| PSY-225 | Human Sexuality | This course focuses on the topic of human sexuality from a Christian perspective. Themes center on the biological, contextual, and socio-emotional aspects of sexuality. Topics include biological development, sexual communication, sexual morality, sexual behavior, cultural differences in sexual expression, sexual problems, sexually transmitted infections, contraception, conception and childbirth, research on sexuality, dating and mate selection, sexual coercion, sexuality in childhood/adolescence, and sexuality in the later years. By the end of this course, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge about the major themes, theories, and influences in the study of sexuality, and be able to apply course theory to real-world situations. Also SOC 225. | 4 |
| PHI-305 | Ethical Thinking in the Liberal Arts | This course considers the role that ethical thinking plays in the liberal arts. Topics are set in historic, literary, artistic, political, philosophical, religious, social, and scientific perspectives. The impact and contributions of leaders in these fields are also considered. | 4 |
| SOC-315 | Cultural Anthropology | This course provides a study of the variety of cultures that have developed in human society. Attention is given to preliterate peoples in comparison with contemporary and other cultures. The origin and development of the cultures, their technologies, economies, social organizations, and beliefs are surveyed. | 4 |
| SOC-320 | Marriage and Family | This course is designed as a practical look at the subject with emphasis on understanding and applying sociological research on marriage and family life to students‛ present and future lives. Cross-cultural and historical information is also presented. | 4 |
| SOC-415 | American Minority Peoples | This course provides a study of the various minority groups in the United States and their sociological significance in the history of the nation and current culture. The history and status of American immigration policy are also considered. | 4 |
| SOC-400 | Social Research and Statistics | 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. | 4 |
| PSY-369 | Social Psychology | This course provides a study of social and group factors affecting individual behavior. Attention is given to the development of attitudes, leadership roles, group thinking, sources of conflict, effects of competition and cooperation, analysis and evaluation of propaganda techniques, and the influence of mass communication on social awareness and control. Also SOC 369. Prerequisite: PSY 102 or SOC 102. | 4 |
| SOC-417 | Sociological Theory | This course is a survey of the major theorists whose works and thoughts have influenced and guided the academic discipline of sociology. The emphasis is placed on the founders of sociological theory from the 19th century but attention is also given to those who followed in their footsteps in the 20th and 21st centuries. | 4 |
| SOC-410 | Social Inequality and Stratification | This course provides an inquiry into the dynamics of hierarchies of power, wealth, and prestige within and among human social systems, with particular attention given to the causes and effects of marked inequality, especially with regard to the foundations and consequences of concentration of political and economic power | 4 |
| Required Course Total Credit: | 44 | ||
| General Education Requirements: | 34 - 40 credits |
| Courses: | 44 credits |
| Open Elective Credits: | 36 - 42 credits |
| Total Degree Requirements: | 120 credits |
This program is offered in the following formats or locations:
Enjoy Grand Canyon University's traditional campus experience. Nestled on over 90 acres in the heart of Phoenix, over 6,500 students live and attend class on the GCU campus. New modern classrooms, suite style dorms and a focus on creating a rich student life make GCU a top choice for high school graduates.
An online education allows you the flexibility to fulfill your educational goals without distracting you from your career. Full-time faculty members support our online students while our dynamic tools allow for engaging and challenging discussions with classmates. Classes start every month.
Program Disclosure
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* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.
Grand Canyon University © 2012 - All Rights Reserved. GCU is an accredited university founded in 1949. We are a Christian university and offer online degree programs and campus based classes. As a private university in Arizona, GCU has six colleges offering business degree programs including an Executive MBA, health science degrees, liberal arts degrees, doctorate degrees, nursing programs, and teaching programs. Our Performing Arts College offers fine arts and production degree programs. GCU is a military friendly school and offers military tuition rates.
