Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Our students become keen observers of human social behavior who know how to live in a changing world, how to change that world and how to find satisfying careers in public administration, health, public-policy consulting, advocacy nonprofits and law enforcement.

Sociologists study human social behavior. As a sociology major, you will study social life, social change, and diverse communities and their interactions, all while learning how to interpret this information to help shape social programs and public policy. Our sociology students not only learn how to live in a changing world, but how to change the world in which they live.

  • Explore all aspects of social behavior—from race relations to gender roles to criminology
  • Understand fundamental concepts, theories and modes of explanation appropriate to the understanding of human societies
  • Gain strong research, data analysis, writing and reading skills

In the top 50 sociology programs

(U.S. News & World Report, 2017)

Learn from our renowned faculty, a large concentration of qualitative sociologists who can provide a strong base for sociology training

Our department is nationally recognized for research in our five main areas of specialization

Be successful.

A BA in sociology will equip you with the tools needed to make sense of the shifting social world and contribute solutions to difficult societal problems.

 
$56,500

Median salary of CU Boulder sociology students 1–5 years after graduation

 

Program manager, marketing coordinator, personnel manager, recruiter, urban planner and community development officer are common opportunities for graduates

 

Work in public administration, health, public-policy consulting, advocacy nonprofits or law enforcement

Academic Plan & Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours in sociology, with 21 of those credit hours in upper-division courses.

Students can explore topics across our five areas of specialization:

  • Environment, hazards and disasters
  • Gender and sexuality
  • Criminology
  • Qualitative and interpretive sociology
  • Population sociology 

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, and to get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The Department of Sociology has an extensive alumni network in a variety of fields across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

(PhD'01)
Associate professor of sociology, University of Vermont

Melissa D. Kanack

(BA'11)
A plastic surgeon practicing in La Jolla, California

Boroka Bo

(BA'12)
PhD candidate in sociology/demography at the University of California, Berkeley, recipient of a Soros fellowship and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research fellowship

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover