Bachelor of Science in Sociology Degree

Bachelor of Science in Sociology

Offered By: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

What it means to be human, how people interact with each other and how societies develop are matters at the heart of a sociology degree. This exciting field of study examines topics as diverse as crime, religion, social class structures and societal destabilization. Pursue your passion for cultural knowledge and societal understanding with the Bachelor of Science in Sociology at Grand Canyon University.

This BS in Sociology degree, offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, may inspire you to engage in deep thought about the common issues that affect contemporary societies. You will examine an evidence-based approach toward analyzing scientific research on topics such as human behavior, social status, family relations, race relations, income inequality, drug abuse and globalization. In developing a better understanding of the world, you may find inspiration to make a positive difference in your local, regional and global communities.

Course Topics for the Bachelor’s in Sociology Degree Program

The skills taught in this bachelor’s in sociology degree can serve you well throughout your professional life. Regardless of the career path you choose, you can benefit from studying how to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences, perform intensive research and apply theories to analyze data. Critical reasoning, collaboration and servant leadership are key qualities in the sociology program.

This sociology degree can allow you to examine multiple perspectives of societal development and human interaction. You will be taught society’s social structure, formation and influences of social forces and social change, and examine the dynamics of social hierarchies, wealth and power within society.

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This bachelor’s in sociology degree is a comprehensive survey of the foundational knowledge, skills and analytical framework that are essential to sociologists. In the sociology courses at GCU, you will examine these core competencies:

  • The analysis of religious beliefs, practices and organizations from a sociological perspective
  • The social inequality, economic, cultural, political and environmental characteristics of globalization
  • The theoretical, historical and conceptual frameworks of social stratification
  • The major sociological theorists from the 19th century to current times

The degree program culminates with the Sociology Capstone. In this course, you will complete a major research project that demonstrates your skills within sociological theories and perspectives, critical reasoning, the scientific method and the Christian worldview.

Careers for Sociology Degree Graduates

The foundational knowledge and skills you may acquire with this BS in Sociology degree can help equip you to pursue a variety of potential career paths. Some individuals with a bachelor’s in sociology may choose to pursue a master’s degree. A graduate degree may provide opportunities for sociologists in academia, such as research or teaching positions. Listed below are other career areas that may be related to the Bachelor of Science in Sociology degree program.

  • Social services: Case management, youth and elderly services, government agencies and rehabilitation
  • Law: Law enforcement, criminal justice, judicial affairs, and probation and parole administration
  • Health services: Substance abuse education, community health education, rehabilitation services, recreational therapy and family planning
  • Community services: Community development, environmental advocacy, child welfare and education advocacy, urban planning and non-profit organizations
  • Business: Public relations, human resources, corporate training, media relations, marketing and sales, consumer research and real estate

BS in Sociology Degree Program FAQs

Learn more about earning a Bachelor of Science in Sociology degree with our answers to these commonly asked questions.

Students may choose to study sociology simply because they find sociological topics and issues to be interesting and play an important role in all aspects of life. As a bachelor’s in sociology student, you will have the opportunity to study more about the world around you and work toward gaining a better understanding of your own life and actions as well. A sociology degree allows you to study a broad range of topics and pairs well with many other degrees and minors to help you find your unique career path. Some potential areas of study include social service, criminal justice, nonprofit management, community outreach, education, family planning and ministry.

A BS in Sociology can provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills to help prepare you for a variety of careers. If you have a desire to better understand complex social issues and how society influences the way we think, feel and behave, then earning a sociology degree may be worth your consideration. Additionally, community and social service occupations have a positive job outlook.1 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that 281,600 new jobs per year are estimated to open for community and social service occupations from 2022 to 2032, as of September 2022.1

Some of the careers you can pursue with a sociology degree may include child, family and school social workers, postsecondary social work teachers, mental health and substance abuse social workers, probation officers and correctional treatment specialists. Depending on your desired career path, you may need to earn a graduate degree and additional certification in order to qualify for certain positions.2

Sociologists may work in a variety of settings, depending on the fields they specialize in. Sociologists who specialize in the medical field — medicine, social work, public health and health services — may conduct their work in hospitals or clinical facilities.

1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Community and Social Service Occupations, retrieved on Jan. 5, 2024.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Community and Social Service Occupations. Retrieved on Jan. 5, 2024.

TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 120
Campus: 15 weeks
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Online: 7 weeks
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TRANSFER CREDITS:
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
TUITION RATE:
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Online: $485 per credit [More Info]

Course List

General Education Requirements:
34-40 credits
Major:
48 credits
Open Elective Credits:
32-38 credits
Degree Requirements:
120 credits

General Education Requirements

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.

Requirements

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.

Course Options

  • UNV-103, University Success: 4
  • UNV-303, University Success: 4
  • UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4

Requirements

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.

Course Options

  • UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
  • ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
  • ENG-106, English Composition II: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.

Course Options

  • CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
  • CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4

Requirements

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.

Course Options

  • MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
  • MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
  • PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
  • BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4

Requirements

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, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Course Options

  • HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
  • PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
  • SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4

Core Courses

Course Description

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.

Course Description

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.

Course Description

This course provides a study of social and group factors affecting individual behavior. Attention is given to the development of attitudes, roles, norms, group processes, aggression and cooperation, persuasion, stereotypes and prejudices, and social awareness. The role of culture in social processes is emphasized.

Course Description

This course provides the foundation for students to explain the profession of social work within the social context of the United States. The course explores how society influenced the development of social work as a profession in the United States. Students examine cultural values, social work values, history of social work, and selected theoretical models of social work to demonstrate how these factors influenced the adoption of the general practice framework. In a broad overview, students examine the process to help individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities evaluate and solve problems in using the micro, mezzo and macro system levels to assess the problem and make recommendations for interventions.

Course Description

This course is designed as a practical look at marriage and family life with emphasis on understanding social science research on marriage and family life and its present and future applications to the lives of students.

Course Description

This course integrates globalization concepts and theory with the social reality of the global world. The course leads the students to understand globalization’s economic, cultural, political, environmental, and social inequality characteristics. Upon completion of the course students gain a definitional and conceptual framework of globalization and its mechanisms. The course places emphasis on the student as a global citizen. Students develop a beginning framework of analysis to engage their global world.

Course Description

This course is a study of elementary theories of probability, distribution, and testing of statistical hypotheses. Practical experience is provided in the application of statistical methods. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144 or MAT-154.

Course Description

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.

Course Description

This course provides students with a framework to examine religious organizations as a part of a larger social order. It introduces basic concepts in the sociology of religion and briefly surveys the historical and social landscape of religion. The goal of the course is to analyze religious beliefs, practices, and organizations from a sociological perspective, with a primary focus on religion in the contemporary United States.

Course Description

This writing-intensive course is a survey of major sociological theories and theorists influencing the discipline of sociology. Immersion in both classical as well as contemporary theoretical perspectives provides a solid foundation to analyze and apply social patterns and forces that influence and shape society.

Course Description

This writing intensive course examines the theoretical, historical, and conceptual frameworks of social stratification and social inequality within the context of class, race and ethnicity, and gender. Students analyze the effect of historical events upon social inequality and the impact of those events on current trends within social institutions. Students examine strategies for change relative to social inequality and marginalization of diverse groups. Upon course completion, students are able to explain and evaluate the effects of social stratification and inequality on class, race and ethnicity, and gender in the United States. Prerequisite: SOC-400.

Course Description

This course culminates in the application of program knowledge and skill acquisition of sociological perspectives and analysis as they relate to the various content areas. Students apply theory and practical application strategies as they complete a research project that demonstrates critical thinking, using both Christian worldview, the scientific method, and sociological theory/perspectives about the effects of society upon human social behavior and human social behavior’s impact upon society. Upon course completion, students possess basic skills to engage the social world through a well-developed sociological toolkit. This capstone course needs to be completed at the end of program. Prerequisite: SOC-400.

Locations

GCU Campus Student


Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.

GCU Online Student


Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.

* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.

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