Sociology

Studying Human Interaction

Sociology is the study of groups people build, the structure of human groups, and changes in their organization over time. As a social science, the department is the scientific study of human interaction both at the micro and macro level of society. Any topic related to how or why people treat each other in the ways they do is a legitimate study in sociology. Social work is related to sociology as it is concerned with improving the quality of life for individuals or groups. Both departments analyze human behavior in regard to serious social issues and circumstances such as racism, poverty, crime, psychology, health, politics, law, economics, and class inequality. Social work attempts to remedy the most basic needs.

Program Awards

Our Sociology programs are included in the Education, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion	Program Map
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation	Chula Vista	# Semesters

Common Careers

Below is a sample of the career options available for the sociology or social work major. A few of these require an associate degree, most require a bachelor’s degree, and some require a graduate-level degree: sociology-industrial sociologist, urban planner, high school or college instructor, criminologist, public opinion analyst, employment counselor, social worker, adoptions worker, social planner, child and family counselor, corrections counselor, and child protective counselor.

The average annual salary in this field is $101,360 for occupations like Urban and Regional Planners.

Typical Duties

• Getting Information
  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies
  Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Analyzing Data or Information
  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Processing Information
  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Thinking Creatively
  Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Developing and Building Teams
  Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Working with Computers
  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Scheduling Work and Activities
  Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Documenting/Recording Information
  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources
  Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Coaching and Developing Others
  Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Performing Administrative Activities
  Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Selling or Influencing Others
  Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.