The study of sociology helps you understand our society and your place in the world. In the Sociology program, students will gain an understanding of the social world through human behavior as you learn the skills of of observation, organization, writing and data analysis. Faculty with years of experience will help you connect classroom theories to real-life scenarios.
Sociologists use scientific methods like surveys, field work, focus groups, content analysis and more to discover how social media affects the way people interact, how ideas of gender have changed overtime and how globalization affects our society.
Take a sociology course at COD or follow the Sociology Transfer Pathway to earn your Associate in Arts and transfer to a four-year university.
Determine Your Path
Sociologists often find employment in a variety of fields including human services, criminal justice, business and commerce, education, research, community relations, computer and information science and communications.
You want to attend a credible college that stands out from the rest. At COD, you'll discover:
- Small class sizes that ensure students receive personalized attention.
- Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
- Affordable programs to help students achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining a savings account.
- Instruction utilizing top-notch facilities.
Sociology Transfer Pathway
The Sociology Transfer Pathway, Associate in Arts will prepare you to transfer to a four-year institution.
Foundations of Data Science
Learn the fundamental skills of research and data analysis through the Foundations of Data Science certificate. The importance of the understanding of data is crucial to a variety of social science fields.
COD Stories
“Every learning experience is valuable and becomes a part of our greater picture. I continue to reflect on how my time at COD was the foundation for the professional I have become today. I am still so grateful for the opportunity I had to grow as a student and as a person.” - Jennifer Rodriguez
Jennifer's COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in Sociology is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Sociology Transfer Pathway
Students who complete courses in Sociology will:
- Be able to compare and contrast major sociological theories.
- Demonstrate an ability to analyze sociological data and identify methods of sociological research.
- Develop and utilize a sociological imagination.
- Understand the different forms of social inequality in the United States and other societies, including social class, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and age.
- Understand various social institutions in the United States and other societies, including the family, education, work and the economy, and religion.
Foundations of Data Science Certificate
Students taking data science certificate courses will:
- Describe the different steps in the data analysis process.
- Use the tools of data analysis.
- Compare and contrast different research methods.
- Apply statistical techniques appropriately.
College of DuPage has several sociology transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.
Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.
Career Information
Explore careers based on your interest, location and salary range or view top occupations by income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your frequently asked questions regarding the Sociology program.
An undergraduate sociology degree provides a solid base in fields like law, social work, journalism, criminal justice, urban planning, international relations, gerontology and business administration. Each of these professional fields requires an advanced degree. Some of the most prestigious Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs in the country seek students who have general social science undergraduate coursework.
Becoming a professional sociologist requires at least a master's degree; a doctorate usually is beneficial. Professional sociologists teach in colleges and universities, do research for government and private agencies and serve as consultants for many different types of businesses and organizations.
