Sociology
Sociology
Program Description
The sociology program provides a comprehensive study of human society, social interaction, and the institutions that shape our daily lives. By combining a broad foundation of general education courses with specialized sociology coursework, the program equips students with a foundational understanding of sociological principles, theories, and perspectives. This curriculum trains students to think critically about the social world and is specifically designed to prepare them for successful transfer to a four-year university to complete a baccalaureate degree in sociology or a related social science or human services field.
Graduates of this program will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate an understanding about the relationship between individuals and groups
- Demonstrate an understanding of the sociological discipline
- Identify the consequences of current social problems
- Apply sociological principles to better understand racial and ethnic issues
- Demonstrate an understanding of social science research methodology
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Schedule NowDegree(s) / Certificates(s)
| Title | Local Bachelor's |
|---|---|
| Sociology - A.A. Transfer Degree | - |
Career Outlook
Successful completion of this program can open doors to various employment opportunities, many of which require further higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and their annual mean wages in Arizona, based on career and wage data from Pipeline AZ, which utilizes government sources for its reports and forecasts.
Description
Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.
Duties/Tasks
- Encourage individuals and family members to develop and use skills and strategies for confronting their problems in a constructive manner.
- Ask questions that will help clients identify their feelings and behaviors.
- Develop and implement individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior, and other personal issues.
- Maintain case files that include activities, progress notes, evaluations, and recommendations.
- Counsel clients on concerns, such as unsatisfactory relationships, divorce and separation, child rearing, home management, or financial difficulties.
- Collect information about clients, using techniques such as testing, interviewing, discussion, or observation.
- Confer with clients to develop plans for posttreatment activities.
- Confer with other counselors, doctors, and professionals to analyze individual cases and to coordinate counseling services.
- Determine whether clients should be counseled or referred to other specialists in such fields as medicine, psychiatry, or legal aid.
- Follow up on results of counseling programs and clients' adjustments to determine effectiveness of programs.
Salary Information (AZ)
$58,360
$37,270
$49,360
$62,950
$28.06
$17.92
$23.00
$30.26
Typical Education Level
Masters Degree
Description
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Duties/Tasks
- Assess clients' cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions.
- Develop and implement behavioral management and care plans for clients.
- Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
- Visit individuals in homes or attend group meetings to provide information on agency services, requirements, or procedures.
- Submit reports and review reports or problems with superior.
- Interview individuals or family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history.
- Provide information or refer individuals to public or private agencies or community services for assistance.
- Oversee day-to-day group activities of residents in institution.
- Meet with youth groups to acquaint them with consequences of delinquent acts.
- Assist in locating housing for displaced individuals.
Salary Information (AZ)
$39,460
$29,000
$36,900
$56,780
$18.97
$13.94
$17.00
$27.30
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Teach courses in sociology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Duties/Tasks
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as race and ethnic relations, measurement and data collection, and workplace social relations.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
Salary Information (AZ)
$78,220
$38,640
$77,630
$123,630
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Typical Education Level
Doctoral Degree
Contact Information
Department Contact(s)
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stuart Gibson | Dean of Business, Education, Social and Behavioral Sciences | (928) 317-6417 | Stuart.Gibson@azwestern.edu |
| Dawn Whinnery | Professor of Psychology | (928) 317-6444 | Dawn.Whinnery@azwestern.edu |