Sociology

College of Arts and Sciences

Sociology is the scientific study of people in groups — from friendship networks to communities to entire nations. Sociologists describe the characteristics of social groups and consider explanations for social stability and social change. They promote critical thinking on issues such as social inequality, racial and ethnic conflict, the data revolution, deviance and crime, social and political movements, immigration, education, health, the family and the role of gender and sexuality. The undergraduate major in sociology provides students with knowledge of and a perspective on social life that transcends their personal experience and helps them develop a deep understanding of important trends in modern society. The Department of Sociology has a strong commitment to undergraduate research, methodological training and experiential learning and is dedicated to providing a rich program of study. Graduates of this degree pursue careers in fields such as data science, law, public policy, media and communication, nonprofit, business and education.

Major category: Minimum requirements

Topic: Arts, Social sciences

website   Degree requirements

Applicant type

Freshman

Freshmen can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)

Read more about applying to the UW as a freshman, including details for programs that provide high school students with college credit (like Running Start).


Transfer

Quarters of general admission to UW: autumn / winter (U.S. applicants only) / spring

Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.

  • Use the information below to help you prepare for this degree
  • Visit MyPlan to run a degree audit.
  • Use the UW Equivalency Guide to find out how courses taken at a Washington state community or technical college will transfer to the UW.
  • UW college and school graduation requirements

Department admission information

  • Departmental application deadline:
  • You must enroll at the UW before applying to this major. Please contact the department for additional details.

This major has minimum admission requirements.

  1. Introductory courses (10 credits, see below)
  2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
  3. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all UW Sociology/Statistics courses used toward major requirements
  4. Application: See department website for information required as part of the application packet

Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.

Courses required for the major:

  • SOC 300 SSc — Foundations of Social Inquiry (may be in progress at time of application)
  • Any additional 5-credit sociology course

Entering transfer information:

Total undergraduates: 311
Total from Washington community colleges: 59

Entering transfer GPA (from WA community colleges):

3.75 – 4.00: 14
3.50 – 3.74: 13
3.25 – 3.49: 11
3.00 – 3.24: 10
2.75 – 2.99: 6
2.50 – 2.74: 2
2.49 and below: 3


Career outcomes