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Area of Emphasis

For sociology majors or those wishing to go more in-depth into their studies, the Sociology Department offers four optional emphasis areas in Community Studies; Health, Medicine, and Society; Justice, Law and Society; and Race and Racial Justice. Each area of emphasis requires 16 units, which can be counted toward the 48 units needed for the major.

Sociology, Community Studies, B.A.

  • The Community Studies emphasis area is well-suited to students with academic and career interests in public policy, civic engagement, immigrant rights, law, and equitable and safe labor conditions. Careers in these areas may be in community-based organizations, local and state agencies, labor, environmental justice, and public interest law.

Sociology, Health, Medicine, and Society, B.A.

  • The Health, Medicine, and Society emphasis area is well-suited to students with academic and career interests in health, medicine, and health equity.

Sociology, Justice, Law, and Society, B.A.

  • The Justice, Law, and Society emphasis prepares students for law school; graduate school in sociology, criminology, and other related disciplinary and interdisciplinary fields; and for a variety of careers in which they can create meaningful change in the world including careers in social work, policy, nonprofit administration, social justice and human rights advocacy, community organizing, and law and legal services, among others.

Sociology, Race and Racial Justice, B.A.

  • The Race and Racial Justice emphasis area is well-suited to students seeking a social grounding in understanding racial inequality and avenues for social change in the United States. This emphasis is ideal for students pursuing careers in DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), education, law, criminal justice, and social work.