Bachelor of Sociology at University of California, Berkeley

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Sociology is an exciting degree that allows its students to pursue a multiplicity of careers and interests. With access to world-renowned faculty and one of the best graduate programs in sociology, undergraduates have a unique opportunity to engage in a lively academic environment.

Students intending to major in sociology are advised to prepare themselves by taking background work in such other areas as history, philosophy, cultural anthropology, psychology, economics, and political science.

The Department of Sociology also offers a Sociological Research Methods Concentration within the major.  The Concentration focuses on the central importance of analytical and methodological tools to the sociological enterprise.

Declaring the Major

Students are eligible to declare if they have a 2.0 cumulative and major grade point average (GPA) with at least one course completed in the major, and they have completed (or are in progress to complete) the prerequisites. For information regarding the prerequisites, please see the Major Requirements tab on this page.

It is recommended that students officially declare as soon as they are ready to do so. They may declare any time.

Once the prerequisites are completed or are in progress, students should follow the instructions below. Please allow 5 business days for processing (or longer in some instances).

1. Students should complete this Google Form to declare. Sociology undergraduate advisers will contact students directly if there are any questions. 
2. If students completed coursework outside of UC Berkeley and the coursework is not posted on the Transfer Credit Report on Cal Central, they will be asked to upload an unofficial copy of their transcript(s) while completing the Google Form. If students are not able to upload copies of their transcripts, they can email copies to [email protected].
3. Once students have been declared, an email will be sent to confirm their declaration in the major.

Honors Program

Majors who enter their senior year with a 3.3 grade point average (GPA) overall and a 3.5 GPA in the major may apply to the honors program.  Students will be required to submit an acceptable thesis proposal as part of their application and are encouraged to take advanced methods courses, such as SOCIOL 105, SOCIOL 106, and SOCIOL 108 during their junior year in preparation for conducting research for their honors thesis. Students earn honors by maintaining the minimum GPA for honors and by successfully completing SOCIOL H190A-SOCIOL H190B, Senior Honors Thesis, and Seminar.  For more information about the application process, please consult with a major advisor by spring semester of junior year. 

Minor Program

There is no minor program in Sociology.

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1. Understand and apply key sociological concepts and social theories
2. Understand and be able to employ key research methods and data used by social scientists
3. Be prepared to use a sociological lens and skills in future endeavors, in the workplace, or community
4. Formulate a well-organized argument supported by evidence
5. Develop effective written communication skills
6. Develop the ability to use critical thinking and research skills to evaluate and understand complex situations
7. Achieve an understanding of professional, civic, and ethical responsibility