The Study Of Social Life
Sociology is the study of societies. Sociologists examine social issues using empirical evidence and learn how to act as agents of social justice and change. Students gain critical thinking skills to understand the complexities of our current social world. Sociology represents one of CSU’s most popular majors. Sociology faculty members’ high quality, committed teaching regularly receives recognition and awards across the College of Liberal Arts and the University. Our undergraduate program offers solid training in social theory and research methods. Our high impact teaching practices include a popular internship, a criminology study abroad program in Prague and more.
General Sociology*
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Environmental Sociology
*also offered through CSU Online
We offer three concentrations, General Sociology, Criminology and Criminal Justice and Environmental Sociology. Each provides you with core Sociology theory and research methods as well as an opportunity to specialize. Choose the areas that interest you, then select complementing courses and projects that result in unique, diverse training.
Enhance your skill set and be more competitive in the job market with 15 credit hours of training in sociological research design, data collection, management, and analysis, and the dissemination of quantitative and qualitative research results. Employers of sociology graduates tell us that research skills are one of your most valuable assets.
What We Offer Students
Opportunities For:
Gain Real-World Skills Employers Look For:
- Core sociological training with practical specialized concentrations
- Rigorous theory, methods and analytical preparation along with hands-on experience
- Our faculty’s strong commitment to combining teaching & cutting-edge research
- A broad foundation for analyzing social and individual dynamics in order to understand and help solve complex contemporary social problems
- Rigorous analytical and research skills to get started in that first job and to keep up with changes across the career
- Proficiency in research, writing and presenting that lead to action
- Creative problem solving and analytical thinking that builds on understanding the “what, how and why” of complex problems
- Ability to work effectively alongside multiple perspectives on teams that bridge disciplines
Undergraduate Student Stories
Zack Golditch: So much more than a football player
Golditch is a relentless volunteer. Whenever a community outreach opportunity arises, he’s the first to raise his hand. When no one else raises a hand, he cancels his plans and goes. That’s how much he loves getting out and meeting people – especially kids.
“The reaction I get when I volunteer, the impact it makes, it’s priceless,” he said. “I know that sounds cliché, but it’s the truth. It goes back to just giving time. If I’m sitting on the couch and I get a call about doing some volunteer work, of course I’m going to do it. Why wouldn’t I? It’s just another chance to have a positive impact on someone’s life. That just makes me happy.”
Read more here.
Sociology student Carina Solis-Roman chosen as Commencement speaker
Carina chose CSU because it felt like home after spending many summers here with her high school’s Upward Bound program. Spring 2019 she took the podium as she walked the stage. Carina was one of two students chosen for what is a first in recent history—student speakers at CLA commencement, one spoke at each of the two CLA ceremonies.
“She is everything we hope for in a student,” says Lynn Hempel, Associate Professor of Sociology. “I think the world of her.”
Read more here.
Outstanding Grad: Jennifer Wood, Sociology and Social Work double major
"I met Jennifer through a project in the department, and quickly learned she is the epitome of resilience and dedication," says Kellie Alexander, Sociology Ph.D. student and Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant. "She is deeply committed to her family and found a way to navigate graduating with two majors as a single parent. I could not be more inspired by Jennifer and her story."
Each semester, CSU features Outstanding Grads. Jennifer's story of transferring to CSU, overcoming adversities, and supporting her family is very inspirational.
Read more here.
Deanna Main: Mind your health
Deanna manages a full course load in Health and Exercise Science and Criminology along with an aquatics manager position at the CSU Rec Center. To top it off, she spends her free time dreaming up group outings as a lead program coordinator for Daniels Scholars at CSU.
Read more here.
Student with autism overcomes obstacles to graduate from CSU
When Caspian Banki was a kid, many doubted his prospects because he had autism.
“A lot of people told my mom I would never graduate from high school, or live alone, or graduate from college,” Banki says.
Well, they were wrong. Banki checked the third and final box on that list in Fall 2018 when he walked across the commencement stage to collect his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Colorado State University.
Read more here.
Allyson Hannah, College of Liberal Arts featured student
Growing up, Allyson Hannah always tried to hide the compression garment she wears on her left leg.
On March 6, 2015 – Lymphedema Awareness Day – the Colorado State environmental sociology major decided to stop hiding the tan sleeve that controls the swelling caused by her condition. She put on a dress and went to the Oval to pose for a photo to inspire others to embrace what makes them different. She now considers herself an activist in the lymphedema and disability community, telling her story with a video on YouTube that has gone far and wide.
Read more here.
Sociology student-veteran Priscilla Duron featured in CSU magazine
CSU featured four student-veterans in its spring 2019 print and online magazine for alumni and friends of the university.
Priscilla is first-generation criminology student who mentors other student-veterans, maintains a 3.35 GPA, and runs a household with her husband and two young children.
Read the article here.
Sociology major and CSU employee proves it’s never too late to graduate
Alison Koss, Program Assistant for the Department of Economics, received her degree in Fall 2019 – more than 20 years after she took her first steps on campus as a CSU student.
Read more here.
