Sociology

Associate in Arts
Transfer Degree
Cost
$11,633*

Explore the social institutions of society

Learn how the structure of society shapes our experiences.

Prepare for a rewarding career by majoring in Sociology, the study of human social institutions and group behavior. With this subject, you better understand and appreciate all cultures, including your own. This knowledge readies you to create a flexible career path in many fields such as human services, education and law.

With this associate degree from College of Lake County, you’re ready to transfer to a 4-year school and confidently pursue your bachelor’s degree.

What can you do with an A.A. in Sociology?

The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in Sociology prepares you to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in Sociology or related fields such as Human Services.

Highlights

  • 100% Online

    Can be completed 100% online.

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

  • Transfer Degree

    Save on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

View more careers

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options and degree requirements, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    BIO 120

    BIO 120 Environmental Biology

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
         		4
    GXS 121

    GXS 121 Introduction to Gender Studies

    Class Description

    This course provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of gender studies. It will explore the varied perspectives of gender and gender issues, including the biological, psychological, sociological, and anthropological approaches. Also included is a discussion of the philosophical, political, historical, and economic perspectives, as well as a literary analysis of gender. The course will also introduce students to potential career opportunities within the field.
         		3
    SOC 121

    SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

    Class Description

    This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
         		3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 120
      Course Title

      BIO 120 Environmental Biology

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code GXS 121
      Course Title

      GXS 121 Introduction to Gender Studies

      Class Description

      This course provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of gender studies. It will explore the varied perspectives of gender and gender issues, including the biological, psychological, sociological, and anthropological approaches. Also included is a discussion of the philosophical, political, historical, and economic perspectives, as well as a literary analysis of gender. The course will also introduce students to potential career opportunities within the field.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SOC 121
      Course Title

      SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

      Class Description

      This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of BIO 120 and GXS 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    ENG 122

    ENG 122 English Composition II

    Class Description

    This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
         		3
    PSC 121

    PSC 121 American National Politics

    Class Description

    This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system’s key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system’s operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
         		3
    MTH 142

    MTH 142 General Education Statistics

    Class Description

    This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least ?squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
         		3
    SOC 222

    SOC 222 Social Problems

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on contemporary social problems. It examines competing definitions of social problems and conceptualizations of how social problems develop over time. The major research methods and theoretical traditions sociologists use to study social problems are presented. The course also analyzes research about contemporary social problems and evaluates social policies aimed at combating these problems.
         		3
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 122
      Course Title

      ENG 122 English Composition II

      Class Description

      This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSC 121
      Course Title

      PSC 121 American National Politics

      Class Description

      This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system’s key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system’s operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 142
      Course Title

      MTH 142 General Education Statistics

      Class Description

      This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least ?squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SOC 222
      Course Title

      SOC 222 Social Problems

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on contemporary social problems. It examines competing definitions of social problems and conceptualizations of how social problems develop over time. The major research methods and theoretical traditions sociologists use to study social problems are presented. The course also analyzes research about contemporary social problems and evaluates social policies aimed at combating these problems.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other social and behavioral sciences courses instead of PSC 121. Students also can choose other math electives instead of MTH 142.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    SOC 225

    SOC 225 Class, Race, and Gender

    Class Description

    This course uses various sociological perspectives to examine how class, race, and gender structure individual and group access to power, resources, opportunities, and prestige. It examines how these socially constructed categories provide identity and meaning that shape social interaction and institutional structure and practice. Classical and contemporary theoretical and empirical models demonstrate how the intersection of these major dimensions of inequality represent a source of opportunity and privilege, while simultaneously contributing to the reproduction of social inequality.
         		3
    SOC 224

    SOC 224 Sociology of the Family

    Class Description

    This course provides an understanding of sociological concepts, theories, and research methods in relation to marriage and family issues. It explores the influence of contemporary society on family life and offers a historical analysis on how marriages and families have changed over time. The course also introduces students to a cross-cultural comparison of marriages and families throughout the world and diverse family forms. Special emphasis is placed on topics concerning home life such as: balancing work and family, parent and child relationships, dating, marriage and divorce.
         		3
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    THE 123

    THE 123 Diversity in American Theatre

    Class Description

    This course will examine various dramatic expressions that reflect the experience and construction of racial and cultural identity in the United States. It will explore issues of diversity in contemporary U.S. society and introduce a sampling of dramatic literature which reflects this diversity. Specific focus will be given to African American Theatre, Hispanic Theatre, Asian American Theatre, Native American Theatre, feminist theatre, and gay and lesbian theatre.
         		3
    SPA 121

    SPA 121 Beginning Conversational Spanish I

    Class Description

    This course introduces the fundamentals of language necessary for understanding, speaking, reading, and writing of Spanish. It will include practice in pronunciation from dialogues and pattern practices. This is the college level course.
         		4
    • Course Code SOC 225
      Course Title

      SOC 225 Class, Race, and Gender

      Class Description

      This course uses various sociological perspectives to examine how class, race, and gender structure individual and group access to power, resources, opportunities, and prestige. It examines how these socially constructed categories provide identity and meaning that shape social interaction and institutional structure and practice. Classical and contemporary theoretical and empirical models demonstrate how the intersection of these major dimensions of inequality represent a source of opportunity and privilege, while simultaneously contributing to the reproduction of social inequality.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SOC 224
      Course Title

      SOC 224 Sociology of the Family

      Class Description

      This course provides an understanding of sociological concepts, theories, and research methods in relation to marriage and family issues. It explores the influence of contemporary society on family life and offers a historical analysis on how marriages and families have changed over time. The course also introduces students to a cross-cultural comparison of marriages and families throughout the world and diverse family forms. Special emphasis is placed on topics concerning home life such as: balancing work and family, parent and child relationships, dating, marriage and divorce.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code THE 123
      Course Title

      THE 123 Diversity in American Theatre

      Class Description

      This course will examine various dramatic expressions that reflect the experience and construction of racial and cultural identity in the United States. It will explore issues of diversity in contemporary U.S. society and introduce a sampling of dramatic literature which reflects this diversity. Specific focus will be given to African American Theatre, Hispanic Theatre, Asian American Theatre, Native American Theatre, feminist theatre, and gay and lesbian theatre.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SPA 121
      Course Title

      SPA 121 Beginning Conversational Spanish I

      Class Description

      This course introduces the fundamentals of language necessary for understanding, speaking, reading, and writing of Spanish. It will include practice in pronunciation from dialogues and pattern practices. This is the college level course.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of HUM 127 and THE 123. Students also can choose other world language courses instead of SPA 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    SOC 229

    SOC 229 Sex, Gender, and Power

    Class Description

    This course will explore the sociological concepts, theories, and research methods in relation to sex and gender issues. It will examine the development of gender roles, as well as the consequences of dividing society along gender lines. Topics for discussion may include: gender role socialization, cross-cultural differences in the definitions of masculinity and femininity, gender issues in relation to the major institutions of society, gendered media images, and gender-based violence. Solutions for resolving gender inequities will be discussed as well. SOC 229 and GXS 229 are cross-listed.
         		3
    PHI 125

    PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

    Class Description

    In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
         		3
    GEG 121

    GEG 121 Physical Geography

    Class Description

    This introductory physical science course examines the processes and agents that help to shape and change the environment in which humans live. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships that exist between the earth's heat and energy systems and the weather, climate, soils, vegetation, streams, oceans, landforms, and human activities.
         		3
    HUM 221

    HUM 221 American Decades

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of American culture by examining the intercultural/multicultural ideas, processes, values, motifs, and traditions that have shaped our pluralistic society. American history, philosophy, literature, music, visual and performing arts will be studied. Emphasis will be placed on reflecting the diverse cultural constituency, and racial and ethnic minorities.
         		3
    SPA 122

    SPA 122 Beginning Conversational Spanish II

    Class Description

    This course is a continuation of SPA 121. Emphasis will be placed on the development of oral comprehension and conversational ability. Instruction in the appreciation of the Spanish culture will be an integral part of the regular class activities.
         		4
    • Course Code SOC 229
      Course Title

      SOC 229 Sex, Gender, and Power

      Class Description

      This course will explore the sociological concepts, theories, and research methods in relation to sex and gender issues. It will examine the development of gender roles, as well as the consequences of dividing society along gender lines. Topics for discussion may include: gender role socialization, cross-cultural differences in the definitions of masculinity and femininity, gender issues in relation to the major institutions of society, gendered media images, and gender-based violence. Solutions for resolving gender inequities will be discussed as well. SOC 229 and GXS 229 are cross-listed.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PHI 125
      Course Title

      PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

      Class Description

      In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code GEG 121
      Course Title

      GEG 121 Physical Geography

      Class Description

      This introductory physical science course examines the processes and agents that help to shape and change the environment in which humans live. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships that exist between the earth's heat and energy systems and the weather, climate, soils, vegetation, streams, oceans, landforms, and human activities.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 221
      Course Title

      HUM 221 American Decades

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of American culture by examining the intercultural/multicultural ideas, processes, values, motifs, and traditions that have shaped our pluralistic society. American history, philosophy, literature, music, visual and performing arts will be studied. Emphasis will be placed on reflecting the diverse cultural constituency, and racial and ethnic minorities.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SPA 122
      Course Title

      SPA 122 Beginning Conversational Spanish II

      Class Description

      This course is a continuation of SPA 121. Emphasis will be placed on the development of oral comprehension and conversational ability. Instruction in the appreciation of the Spanish culture will be an integral part of the regular class activities.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose GXS 229 instead of SOC 229. Students can choose other courses instead of PHI 125, GEG 121 and HUM 221. Students also can choose other world language courses instead of SPA 122.

Total Credit Hours

62

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.


Learn how CLC helps you transfer

Start at CLC and continue with a 4-year school to earn your bachelor's degree. CLC has partnerships with many colleges and universities, covering a wide range of programs.

Our Guaranteed Transfer Partnerships (GTAs) with a select number of schools guarantee admission to students who meet specific criteria.


Female student taking notes in class

Sociology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This transfer degree is just one possible way to study Sociology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Sociology Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Paying for college

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

Send me info

Visit us

Get a feel for life on campus when you register for a tour. We'd love to show you around. Oh, and bring family and friends along for the fun, if you want!

Take a tour

Get started

Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

Start today!
1/4