Sociology

Undergraduate Program

Introduction to the Major

The Sociology(link is external) 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

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(link is external) of recent Berkeley graduates.

Learn More

Connect With Us

Golden Bear Orientation

Join other students in the major for new student orientation(link is external) before the start of your Berkeley studies.

Getting Your Bearings

Contact a Sociology advisor at socadv@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail) for information about events for new transfer admits.

Events

Attend department events with students, faculty, and staff. Visit sociology.berkeley.edu(link is external) 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(link sends e-mail) with general advising questions.

Advising Drop-In Hours

Visit sociology.berkeley.edu/undergraduate-program(link is external) 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.