California State University, Fresno
General Catalog
Sociology - Degrees

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Department of Sociology



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Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements
Sociology Major


Major requirements (39 units)
Tier One: SOC 1 (or 1S), 3, 125, 130W (or 130WS) or Upper-Division Writing Exam (See Major Advising Note 2) (9-12 units)
Tier Two: SOC 151, 153, 175, 170T (12 units)
Sociology upper-division electives (15-18 units)

General Education requirements (51 units)

Electives and remaining degree requirements* (29-32 units)

(see Degree Requirements); may be used toward a double major or minor

Total (120 units)

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* This total indicates that 6 units of SOC 3 in G.E. Foundation A3 and SOC 1 in G.E. Breadth D3 also may be applied to the sociology major. Consult the department chair or faculty adviser for additional details.


Major Advising Notes

  1. Tier One courses must be completed before enrollment in Tier Two courses, generally before the second semester of the junior year. Tier One courses are all prerequisites for Tier Two. Upper division electives, however, may be taken in any sequence.
  2. Students majoring in sociology are permitted to pass the Upper-Division Writing Examination (UDWE) in lieu of taking SOC 130W/WS, thus having to complete only three courses for 9 units in Tier One. If the student requests 1 unit of ENGL 100W for passing the UDWE, that unit will be applied to the overall elective unit total for the B.A.
  3. CR/NC grading is not permitted in the sociology major, except for courses offered only under CR/NC grading.
  4. General Education and elective units may be used toward a double major or minor (see double major or department minor). Consult the appropriate department chair, program coordinator, or faculty adviser for further information.
  5. No General Education Integration or Multicultural/International course offered by the Sociology Department may be used to satisfy the General Education requirements for majors in the department.

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Sociology Minor

Minor requirements (6 units)
SOC 1, 125

Sociology upper-division electives (15 units)
Students may substitute SOC 3 for 3 units of upper-division electives

Total (21 units)

Note: The Sociology Minor also requires a 2.0 GPA and 6 upper-division units in residence. CR/NC grading is not permitted in the Sociology Minor, except for courses offered only under CR/NC grading.

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Certificate in Applied Sociological Research Methods

The certificate gives students who are interested in data analysis and research methodology a more comprehensive coverage of research techniques and theories in both qualitative and quantitative areas, and it provides more in-depth training in computer applications for research.

Students who complete the requirements for this certificate will have the ability and skills needed to do social research independently once they graduate and join the workforce. They will also be better prepared to enter graduate schools with these skills and knowledge.

Requirements

SOC 125 - Statistics for the Social Sciences
SOC 174 - Computer Data Analysis
SOC 175 - Quantitative Research Methods in Sociology
SOC 176 - Qualitative Research Methods in Sociology

The latter two courses (i.e., in "research methods") serve as the capstone experience of the Certificate in Applied Sociological Research. Each of these two courses is designed to have the student complete the course with a relatively well-developed research paper that could be presented at an undergraduate research conference. The Sociology Club applies each year for ASI Instructionally-Related Activities (IRA) funding to help sponsor sociology students who wish to present their paper at such a conference. Faculty often work with students on an "Independent Study" to assist students in preparation for this culminating experience.

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Humanics Nonprofit Administration Program

Housed within the Sociology Department, the Humanics Program prepares students and community members for professional positions in nonprofit community benefit organizations.

Our program is linked with the curriculum and competencies of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (formerly Humanics), a national organization that collaborates with affiliated college and university programs, professional organizations, and nonprofit agencies. These institutions work to educate, prepare, and certify professionals who can strengthen and lead nonprofit organizations. Students earning the Certificate in Management and Leadership for Community Benefit Organizations simultaneously earn national professional certification from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.

Participation in the Nonprofit Administration Program builds on and enhances students' chosen major course of study and provides the tools to achieve success in the field of nonprofit administration. This interdisciplinary program is open to students of all majors and to community individuals. Courses may be taken through Open University.

Career Opportunities

Today, more than 1.5 million nonprofit community benefit organizations (CBOs) are serving communities throughout the United States, including 3,500 organizations here in the Central San Joaquin Valley.

As the community benefit sector grows at twice the rate of the government and private sectors, demand for capable professionals increases accordingly and is higher than ever. Each year nearly 30,000 new agencies are established. They offer an estimated 50,000 entry-level professional positions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the need for qualified professionals for these organizations will increase significantly over the next several years. Many new community benefit organizations are being established locally every year.

As a result of this expansive growth, the demand for candidates to fill professional positions far exceeds the supply of qualified applicants.

A career in this field rewards not only you, but also your community. As a professional in the community benefit sector, you will reap emotional and financial rewards while making a difference in society.

Students seeking Humanics' Certification are eligible to apply for special scholarships and awards. Students develop resumes, create networking cards, and have the opportunity to participate in the program's Mentoring Project, which pairs them with a professional in the field.

Humanics' students are the preferred source of entry-level CBO professionals among the organization's 13 national workforce partners, which include Boy Scouts of America, Camp Adventure, Camp Fire U.S.A., Feeding America, National 4H Council, National Human Services Assembly, Girls Inc., Girl Scouts, March of Dimes, National Urban League, Voices for America's Children, Volunteers of America, and Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) of the U.S.A.

Collaborating associations include Accountants for the Public Interest, Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA), Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Association of Volunteer Administration (AVA), BoardSource, Habitat for Humanity International, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, Independent Sector, National Training Institute for Community Youth Work, Nonprofit Risk Management Center, The Learning Institute, The Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management, The Society for Nonprofit Organizations, and United Negro College Fund.

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Requirements for the Certificate

The interdisciplinary certificate in nonprofit management and leadership for CBOs requires a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 24 semester units (depending on prior experience and skill), including 300 hours of field experience with a nonprofit, community benefit organization. The number of units for this certificate will be determined by the director based on the background and experience of each individual student. Students will be involved in the Humanics Student Association and participate in one Management Institute or Professional Development Conference. Courses or practicum may be used to fulfill requirements of other degree and certificate programs.

Competency Areas*

  • Foundations of Social Service
  • Youth and Adult Development
  • Accounting/Financial Management
  • Program Planning and Evaluation
  • Leadership and Communication in Organizations
  • Marketing/Fund Raising/Grant Writing
  • Board and Committee Development
  • Volunteer Recruitment,Training, and Supervision
  • Ethical, Legal, and Risk Management Issues


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*Each competency area must be satisfied through approved academic coursework (C/CR grade or better), documentation of prior internship experience, and/or co-curricular activities.


 

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