Sociology
College of Arts & 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:
Area(s) of interest: Arts, Humanities and Design, Social sciences
websiteDegree requirements
Applicant type
First-year students can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)
An application for general admission to the UW is required for all transfer students. UW accepts general applications for Autumn and Winter with some select majors allowing applications in Spring. Review your intended major’s website for information about which quarters it is open for admission.
Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.
Use the information below to help you prepare for this major. Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
- 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
Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
Courses REQUIRED for admission:
- Completion of at least one 5 credit Sociology courses
- SOC 300 SSc — Foundations of Social Inquiry (may be in progress at time of application)
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all UW Sociology courses
Entering transfer information:
Total undergraduates: 240
Total from Washington community colleges: 45
Entering transfer GPA (from WA community colleges):
3.75 – 4.00: 9
3.50 – 3.74: 12
3.25 – 3.49: 9
3.00 – 3.24: 10
2.75 – 2.99: <5
2.50 – 2.74: <5
2.49 and below: <5