Sociology

Undergraduate Program

Introduction to the Major

The Sociology major is the study of the social—social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human thinking and behavior. It is an exciting degree that allows students to pursue a multiplicity of careers and interests. With access to world-renowned faculty and one of the best graduate programs in sociology, undergraduates have a unique opportunity to engage in a lively academic environment.

Build Your Skills

  • Understand and apply key sociological concepts and social theories.

  • Understand and be able to employ key research methods and data used by social scientists.

  • Be prepared to use a sociological lens and skills in future endeavors, in the workplace or community.

  • Formulate a well-organized argument supported by evidence.

  • Develop effective oral and written communication skills.

  • Achieve an understanding of professional, civic, and ethical responsibility

Amplify Your Major

I have internalized a very distinct set of skills that I will take with me into any occupational field I decide to enter. [Sociology] has offered me an invaluable way to see the world.
2018 Sociology Graduate

Four-Year Student Timeline

First Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Second Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

  • Consider Berkeley Study Abroad programs and see how it may fit into your plan.

  • Look for opportunities to volunteer on campus and in the Berkeley community. 

  • Join student government to represent your peers and develop leadership skills.

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Third Year

Explore Your Major

  • Check in with your advisor on how to balance your schedule, fulfill your requirements, and the optional Sociology Honors Program

  • Enroll in elective courses to gain depth of knowledge in a topic or subject.

  • Consult with a major advisor and review your Academic Progress Report.

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

  • Apply for internships locally or globally through Global Internships

  • Study, intern, and do research at Washington D.C. through UCDC and CITC

  • Consider the Alternative Breaks program to go on service trips during the spring or winter breaks.

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Fourth Year

Explore Your Major

  • Complete any remaining major requirements, and enroll in your bucket list classes.

  • Check in with a L&S advisor to make sure you are on track to graduate.

  • Enroll in a SOC 190 capstone seminar course.

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

  • Learn how to facilitate a DeCal course on a topic of your interest.

  • Apply to the Institute for the Study of Societal Issues (ISSI) to conduct interdisciplinary research on societal issues.

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

What Can I Do With My Major?

Jobs and Employers

  • Admin. Assist., De Vera Immigration
  • Paralegal, Fed. Public Defender, D.C.
  • Build./Planning Tech., City of Davis
  • Business Dev. Assoc., Oracle Corp.
  • Case Admin., US Court of Appeals
  • Comms. Assist., Save the Redwoods
  • College Advisor, UC Berkeley
  • Fellow-English Teaching Assistant,
  • US Dept of State-Fulbright Scholarship 
  • Fellow-Program Coord., AmeriCorps
  • Human Resources, Cisco Systems Inc
  • Paralegal, Lieff, Lieff Cabraser, LLP 
  • Product Designer, Lyft
  • Philan. Manager, Mission Asset Fund
  • Park Ranger, National Park Service 
  • Research Assoc., Real Capital Analytics

Graduate Programs

  • Business Administration
  • Education
  • Law
  • Public Policy Analysis 
  • Sociology

Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.

Learn More

Connect With Us

Golden Bear Orientation

Join other students in the major for new student orientation before the start of your Berkeley studies.

Getting Your Bearings

Contact a Sociology advisor at socadv@berkeley.edu for information about events for new transfer admits.

Events

Attend department events with students, faculty, and staff. Visit sociology.berkeley.edu for news and updates.

Advising

Sociology Advisors guide and support students by providing helpful and timely advising services, clarifying policies and procedures, and encouraging students to achieve their educational goals.

Advising drop-in sessions with advisors and peer advisors are available in 424 & 426 Social Sciences Building. You may also email socadv@berkeley.edu with general advising questions.

Advising Drop-In Hours

Visit sociology.berkeley.edu/undergraduate-program for advising schedules.

How to Use this Map

Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.