Graduate Certificate of Completion in Sociology

What Is a Sociology Grad Certificate?

Grand Canyon University’s Graduate Certificate of Completion in Sociology prepares those passionate about education and sociology to teach at two or four-year institutions. Students will complete the certificate program with the ability to teach in both ground and online modalities at the postsecondary level. This program is ideal for students seeking continuing education to build upon their sociological knowledge and pedagogical skills in order to engage undergraduate students in the world of sociology.

Throughout this five-course graduate certificate in sociology program, students will explore the following:

• Various theories (e.g. integrative, contemporary, globalization and 21st century social theories)
• The history and importance of family in sociology with a focus on theoretical perspectives, marriage, social class differences, racial and ethnic variations, current challenges and the future of the institution
• Global issues of inequality with a focus on class, access to resources, gender, ethnicity, crime, political order, religion and social change
• The evolution of social movements, goals of these movements, the demand for citizenship, social change categorization and related sociological theories
• Teaching in the university classroom, course/curriculum design and lesson planning, teaching with technology, assessment and the reflective professional

Students will gain advanced training in the fields of sociology and education, as well as satisfy requirements for professional development. Graduates will be able to fulfill graduate course requirements and the 18 credits needed to pursue opportunities to teach at a community college or university.

Earn a Graduate Level Sociology Certificate at GCU

GCU offers this 20-credit, five-course graduate sociology certificate online, so adult working professionals may benefit from the convenience of studying anywhere, anytime. Also, GCU’s faith-integrated curriculum based off a Christian worldview uniquely incorporates Christian values, ethics and morality into learning. A focus on these elements encourages future educators to teach sociological topics with an ethical perspective and socially responsible approach. Students will be able to complete this program in 44 weeks, which is in less than a year.

Further Your Foundational Knowledge in Sociology

The Graduate Certificate of Completion in Sociology mirrors GCU’s Master of Science in Sociology with an Emphasis in Education. Courses include the following:

• Social Theory: Analyze the works of great thinkers and three major schools of thought including structural functionalism, symbolic interactionism, conflict theory and Neo-Marxian theory.
• Sociology of the Family: Examine the family’s role within society and compare the institution of family around the world from a sociocultural perspective.
• Stratification from Global Perspectives: Focus on world poverty, world political order and social justice on the world stage.
• Social Change and Development: Give an in-depth look at how social movements create or resist social change from a sociohistorical perspective.
• Sociology and Pedagogy in the University: Explore the intersection of sociology and pedagogy in the university setting, while examining pedagogical theory and sociology elements.

Education is an excellent field for professionals seeking a career path where they can share their passion with others. Teachers will instill sociological knowledge, helping students analyze and fully understand human society and behavior, as well as social organization and culture.

Next Steps With a Graduate Certificate in Sociology

Potential job opportunities include college instructor, faculty member or professor. Potential workplace settings include two/four-year higher education institutions, colleges and universities, trade and technical schools and educational research/publishing companies.