The mission of the sociology program at Saddleback College is to offer a comprehensive introduction to the social science of sociology for students majoring in sociology, those taking sociology course to fulfill general education requirements, and to provide transfer level classes for those who are majoring in sociology. Students will develop and expand their life skills as well as understand the impact group membership has on an individual. The program provides courses leading to the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees and is one of the programs that offers an AA-T degree.

Sociology is the scientific study of society and human behavior. Sociology courses analyze and evaluate the development and structure of human society, social institutions within society, patterns of human interaction, culture, social inequality, social problems, and social change.

Degrees and Certificates

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Law, Public Policy, and Society

Why Major in Sociology?

Majoring in sociology can prepare students for a wide variety of occupations and careers. Students with a degree in sociology have found employment in business, criminal justice, community services, social services, the non-profit sector, health services, government, education, research, urban planning and development, and the field of aging. In addition, a sociology major prepares students seeking advanced professional degrees or who plan to pursue graduate education in sociology.

Areas of Study

  • Aging Studies
  • Culture                                                    
  • Criminology
  • Education
  • Environmental Sociology
  • Gender
  • Marriage and Family
  • Medical Sociology
  • Political Sociology
  • Race/Ethnicity
  • Sexuality
  • Social Psychology

Zero Textbook Cost Classes

ZTC (Zero-Textbook-Cost) classes have no textbook-related costs, including access fees for online materials. Such classes often use Open Educational Resources (OER) created under a Creative Commons (a public copyright license) that give people the ability to share, use, and build upon a work that has been created. They may also use library e-books or other sources so there is no cost to the student. Saddleback College faculty have adopted and created OER to provide high-quality educational materials to you at no cost online, and low-cost print options. Click here for more information about our ZTC classes.

Contact the Sociology Department